from my mailbox
Subject:
"The Weekly Fireside" Week ending 14 March 2004
Date: 15/03/2004, 03:32
From:
CWWeeklyFireside@aol.com
To:
HOSTFMLYJayne@aol.com
Hear Ye .... Hear Ye
"The Weekly Fireside"
of the American Civil War History
Special Interest Group;
Distribution Coast to Coast
Week ending 14 March 2004
NOTE: If you do not wish to receive the Weekly Fireside, PLEASE send email to CWWeeklyFireside@aol.com saying "UNSUBSCRIBE" and they will remove you from the distribution. On the other hand, if you know someone who would like to receive the newsletter, please have them send Jayne or Bill email with subscribe in the subject line.
NOTE from Jayne: I'd like to welcome all the new subscribers we've had recently. I hope you enjoy our little newsletter.
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NOTES FROM THE HOSTS OF THE CIVIL WAR HISTORY CHATS
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Thursday and Friday were Songs, Letters and Poems nights. We even shared some recipes of the Civil War period. :D Next week is OPEN CHAT Join us with your Civil War stories and/or questions. I had a suggestion from one of the chatters that one night we talk about the homefront during the Civil War. We will set up a date for this and get it on the schedule. If you have other ideas, by all means let us know!!!!
Before I go any further, I want to wish my partner, ok my former partner, Jimmy and his "honey", as he affectionately called her, a
VERY Happy Anniversary with even more wishes for many more years together!!!
As I was skimming thru some of the old issues of the Weekly Fireside, I found a poem written by one of our youngest attendees who joined the chat. Her name is Jenny, from MS. She was in her early teens when she use to join us. I thought I'd share the poem with you all.
A tribute to the GFS's
written by MBram10513
You all are very patient.
You all understand.
Your hearts are warm and caring.
You have room for everyone.
Sometimes you are serious,
but cut loose at times.
You have answers to our questions.
You have wisdom so we listen.
I guess thats why ya'll are my best friends.
Jenny.... if you're out there somewhere, Hi from the folks in the American Civil War History chatroom and let us know how you're doing
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I'm leaving this in for another week. We'd like to have some feed back if you are interested in any of the follow. Steve and Tom are both interested to see if folks would be interested in tours... Steve with a group to Ft. Delaware perhaps, and Tom with a group to Gettysburg. And don't forget, too, IllinoisCW has offered to do a tour of some of the western battlefields. They asked to put out some feelers to see if there would be any interest. Send me an email with your thoughts about it and where'd you like to go. Tom has said he'll be available any weekend except the first week in July.
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MUSIC
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If you have some favorite music, tell us a little about it and we'll put it here in the newsletter.
Several weeks ago Jim told us about Eva Cassidy and as I told you the next week that I went and bought the "Songbird" album he suggested. Well..... I've become addicted to her music... I then told you all about Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up" and received the following. :)
From: RHilands@aol.com
You can buy the DVD or CD Or VHS of Josh Groban. The DVD I have is his Concert that has been on PBS several times along with his 1st CD album. His newest album is "Closer."
I have been a fan since I first caught him on "Good Morning America" when he was 19 years old. He is now 23.
If you have lost a loved one, you need to hear his "To Where You Are." He is coming to Connecticut for a concert on April 7th. I tried to get tickets back in November & he is sold out.
My son had never heard of him but tried to get me tickets and he came back to me and said, "hey Dad, this guy must be good." I said why and he said I can get you tickets but they are $200.00 each.
FYI after reading from you about Eva Cassidy, I went and bought 2 of her albums. You are correct.
Go get Josh albums. You won't regret it.
Cheers,
Note from Jayne: At Bob's suggestion I went and bought Josh's new CD called "Closer" and he's right.... I don't regret it!! The DVD/CD will have to wait awhile.
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WHAT WE ARE ABOUT
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OUR FOCUS: the "History of the American (United States) Civil War," with by-products of laughter, and camaraderie!
OUR GOAL: to enhance your Genealogy activity, knowledge, and "wisdom" by talking about the history surrounding their lives and actions; specifically the "Civil War" that our ancestors lived through and died because of.
Captain Oliver Wendell Holmes of the 20th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, said it so well.
"I think it is a noble and pious thing
To do whatever we may by written
Word or molded bronze and sculpted
Stone to keep our memories, our
Reverence and our love alive and
To hand them on to new generations
All too ready to forget."
OUR PROMISE: to provide an "online" environment that is NOT judgmental and to address ALL aspects of this "Pivotal Period" in our History, with honesty and truth (as we know it).
JOIN HOST FMLY Jayne and HOST FMLY Bill... Thursday 11 PM ET AND Friday 10 PM ET in the Ancestral Digs Room (on AOL only) The "program" will not necessarily be the same both nights. We will still have our Songs, Letters and poems nights the 2nd Thursday of the month and the Friday following. Watch the schedule below to see what we're up to.
Also on Thursday 8-9PM ET: Trace Your Civil War Ancestors in Ancestral Digs. (on AOL only) Join HOST FMLY Wolfrd and HOST FMLY Heathr to discuss ancestral searches from the Civil War period
You can visit the other Genealogy chats by going to KEYWORD: Parenting Chats > scroll down to Genealogy and click. Be sure to read the Genealogy and History message boards at Genealogy Community > Genealogy:Boards > Historial People, Places & Times (scroll down to War Between the States) (post your questions on them too!!!)
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"THE BOOK SHELF"
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If you have read a great Civil War book you think others should read, I invite all of you (you don't have to be an AOL member to share here in the Weekly Fireside) to send the title, author and a Review of it to CWWeeklyFireside@aol.com.
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http://www.roberteleecwrt.org/reviews.html
http://www.cwbr.com/
Check out some book reviews at the above websites.
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--------OUR WEEKLY READING--------
(these items are extracts from our Letters, Songs,
and Poems evenings)
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WILLIAM BLACK
Co, B - 55th Illinois
This sure ain’t what I thought
Bein’ a soldier was gonna be.
Sure I knew there’d be lots a marchin’
But I’d followed the plow for years.
I even knew the food wouldn’t be the best,
But ma had died when I was just ten.
Sleepin’ in tents wouldn’t be too bad
As long as there were blankets to keep me warm.
I knew there’d be shootin’ and killin’.
Shootin’ and killin’ -
That’s what a soldier’s s’posed to do.
I was prepared for death
To be at my stoop any time.
But I sure didn’t think,
Back in Chicago when I joined up,
That I’d ever be told, by my own Colonel,
To kill one of our own men
Simply because he went home
To be with his wife
When she buried their baby boy.
by Frank Crawford
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DID YOU KNOW?
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During the Civil War, including the times before and after, it was legal and socially acceptable for a man to beat his wife, provided that the instrument used in the beating was no thicker that his thumb? Thus we get the term: Rule of thumb.
When a woman mourned for her husband in the 1860's, she spent a minimum of two-and-a-half years in mourning? That meant little or no social activities: no parties, no outings, no visitors, and a wardrobe that consisted of nothing but black. The husband, when mourning for his wife, however, spent three months in a black suit.
After the Battle of Gettysburg. the discarded rifles were collected and sent to Washington to be inspected and reissued? Of the 37,574 rifles recovered, 24,000were still loaded; 6,000 had one round in the barrel; 12,000 had two rounds in the barrel; 6,000 had three to ten rounds in the barrel. Onr rifle, the most remarkable of all, had been stuffed to the top with twenty-three rounds in the barrel.
source:
http://www.22mass.com/strange.html
...............and there you have it.
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THE HELP DESK
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Do you have a question that you didn't get to ask in the chatroom??
Send us and email and we'll post it here to see if
some of our readers can help you. If you get an answer to your
quesiton, please let us know.
Folks, this is YOUR place to ask questions...
please feel free to use it... send them to
CWWeeklyFireside@aol.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm going to leave the following in for another week.
FROM: Wmdperkins
I am interested in communicating with anyone who might have access to data for the following two individuals.
Francis RUGGLES joined the Louissiana (New Orleans) Washington Artillery (yes, I know that you haad to pay and submit an application to become a member) before the start of hostilities. He was working in New Orleans, born and raised in Massachusetts. He was mortally wounded working his gun on Marye's Heights, Battle of Fredricksburg.
Lt. Col., USA-Brig Gen, CSA Daniel RUGGLES, b Barre, Mass., Grad USMA 1833, resigned comission in winter of '61. Commanded 1st Div, Braggs Corps, Shiloh. Most of his troops were Louisianan.
I am interested in any information on either of these individuals (mine is fairly extensive but not complete.) I am especially interested in corresponding with any reenactor(s)/SCV Units which might be interested.
Daniel RUGGLES is a gg distant Uncle. I am still trying to fit Francis RUGGLES into my Genealogical tree but he too is not directly related. I have just become engrossed in the events of their lives and the similarities to their gg uncle, my ancestor, Brig Gen Timothy RUGGLES, highest ranking American born Colonial Officer.
I look forward to hearing from some of you.
Bill PERKINS
I too am a Yankee by birth, Southerner by choice.
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Weekly Web Sites we've received
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If you have a favorite Civil War site, please send them to
CWWeeklyFireside@aol.com
From: Bitsobluengray@aol.com
THE STONE PRAIRIE HOME GUARD
http://freepages.history.rootsweb.com/~cappscreek/sphgmain.html
eHistory which has timeline events, battle outlines, biography and thousands of images and maps
http://www.ehistory.com/
The Generals' Burials Listing
http://www.cwc.lsu.edu/cwc/projects/dbases/generals.htm
The list of Civil War Generals is taken from Generals in Blue and Generals in Gray. West Point year, date of birth, date of death, cemetery, city and state are listed for each general.
Cemetery Index - US Civil War Center
http://www.cwc.lsu.edu/cwc/projects/cemindex.htm
you can search burials at the following cemeteries
Barrancas National Cemetery (FL)
Bay Pines Cemetery (FL)
Camp Butler National Cemetery (IL)
Camp Chase National Cemetery (OH)
Chalmette National Cemetery (LA)
Chattanooga National Cemetery (TN)
City Point National Cemetery (VA)
Cold Harbor National Cemetery (VA)
Confederate Stockade Cemetery at Johnson's Island (OH)
Cornett Cemetery, Cass County (TX)
Cypress Hills (NY)
Danville National Cemetery (KY)
Fairhaven Memorial Park and Mortuary (CA)
Fayetteville National Cemetery (AR)
Finn's Point (NJ)
Fort Harrison National Cemetery (VA)
Fort Snelling National Cemetery (MN)
Glendale National Cemetery (VA)
Grafton National Cemetery (WV)
Lexington National Cemetery (KY)
Mill Springs National Cemetery (KY)
Mobile National Cemetery (AL)
Mount Olivet Cemetery (LA) (currently incomplete)
Philadelphia National Cemetery (PA)
Richmond National Cemetery (VA)
Santa Ana National Cemetery (CA)
Seven Pines National Cemetery (VA)
St. Augustine National Cemetery (FL)
Union Mound Cemetery (MD)
Old Disease Names and Modern Definitions
http://www3.nb.sympatico.ca/pebbles2/tools.html#disease
http://www.monmouth.com/~sorourke/disease.htm
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FROM OUR READERS
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I received the following from An Madra Rua
Civil War Ladies and Gentlemen's Conference
March 6,7,8 2004
This was the first of these conferences which I had attended. Let me say up front that I was very impressed. It was not cheap to attend, the price was $230.00 per person, but I feel that I got my money's worth. I will definitely be attending the 2005 conference!
The conference was held in Harrisburg, PA and focused primarily on Civilian Life before, during and after the War. It opened on Friday with a series of workshops, which convered everything from how to properly tie a cravat, to the intricacies of the waltz, and polka, to the labor of doing your laundry without our modern machinery! On Saturday, there were two "tracks" of lectures: the first, Program A, dealt with women's clothing, CW era weddings, and the experiences of two nurses, one Southern and one Northern. Program B was of interest to the gentlemen, featuring lectures on Material Culture (what kind of "stuff" did they really have in the their homes), hat making and felting processes, transportation, News of the day (what was happening elsewhere in the world), men's working class clothing and immigration.
All of the lectures that I attended were excellent. The speakers were well prepared, good speakers and made good usage of visual aids. Each person attending the conference received a binder filled with a set of "chapters", one on each lecture in the track that he or she decided to attend. One of these chapters included a very extensive booklist, which will aid me in further research.
There were several clothing displays of original garments during the weekend. The Aurora collection (men's garments) was on display all weekend. In the main ballroom/lecture hall, there were three different displays, one each on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Participants were allowed to examine (but not touch) and photograph dozens of original dresses, shoes, bonnets and other items. Considering that a good book on historic costume usually runs about $75 dollars, this was a terrific opportunity!
A definite thumbs up for this conference! Keep an eye on their website for next year's conference and all of their classes for this year.
http://genteelarts.com/#2001%20SEMINAR%20SCHEDULE
(((((((Rua))))))) Thanks a whole bunch!! Sounds like it was a great conference!
If your ancestor has or you have a story to tell, please send it to us.
HOST FMLY Jayne and HOST FMLY Bill
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A BIT OF COMMUNITY... MEMBERS HELPING MEMBERS!!
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NEW!!!!! GoldHobo@aol.com has told us if anyone wants info the the 85th NY Inf. Regt. (Plymouth Pilgrims) you may email her. She has a book about them. Her one request is that you put 85th Regt. in the subject line so she doesn't delete it by mistake
JLawson656@aol.com has access to Pension Records for Civil War Soldiers in Louisiana. If you need help, send JL an email.
GandMS@aol.com Has a book Annals of Alexander Hamilton Post, No 182, Department of New York, Grand Army of the Republic, during the years 1184 to 1900, Compiled and Aranged by Past Commanders F. S. Bartram and T. W. Smith, New York, Bartram Press, 126 William Street --- 1900
The list of Names from the book has been in the Newsletter the past two weeks, There are many pictures in the book. If you think your ancestor was a member of Hamilton Post No. 182 Please email GandMS@aol.com
MOM611@aol.com said she has a book on the men of the 9th OHIO if anyone needs information.
Nanatnt2@aol.com has a book on the 85th NY Infantry which spent most of their time in Andersonville.
OhioSoldiers@aol.com Has a book with the Rosters of the 1st through the 20th Ohio Soldiers.
Bitsobluengray@aol.com has Delaware Civil War Union Rosters from two different sources and a book "They Died at Fort Delaware"
If anyone is doing Illinois Civil War research, you may email IllinoisCW@aol.com Tell him HOST FMLY Jayne sent you. He will give it priority and see what he can find for you.
If YOU have a Civil War Ancestor, Kevin/frye@gnat.net does Volunteer reseach at Andersonville Civil War Prison in Andersonville, GA. Any research he does is absolutely at NO cost and he is willing to do all he can. There are more than 32,000 prisoners on record from the Union, and quite a few who were held prisoner there as Union regiments from Confederate states. There are also nearly 13000 marked graves of those who died there. Kevin's focus is dedicated to ALL of those held prisoner during the war, on both sides, as well as all Americans who gave their freedoms for those that we enjoy today.. He just happens to be near Andersonville, so that is where he does his work.
Visit Kevin's site at:
http://www.angelfire.com/ga2/Andersonvilleprison/index.html
If YOU have a question regarding Confederate researching, visit Steve Teeft's website at http://www.dixieresearch.com Tell him you saw his address in the Weekly Fireside. Steve@dixieresearch.com
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"THE TOWN CRIER"
Civil War Calendar!!
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If your group is sponsoring any events or you know of a great event, please send it to CWWeeklyFireside@aol.com and we will be glad to include it here in our calendar.
You might want to check out this site if you're looking for an event in your area:
http://www.civilwar-va.com/events/events0104.html
March 20 - 21 Virginia Reenactment, living history, encampments, lectures, kids' activities and battles each afternoon at Endview Plantation in Newport News. 10 am-4 pm. $7. 757-887-1862 or www.endview.org
March 27-28 Virginia Living history weekend at Five Forks, part of the Petersburg National Battlefield west of Petersburg. Demonstrations, ranger programs and more. Free. 804-732-6092 or www.nps.gov/pete
April 3 - 4 Virginia Living history, anniversary encampment at the Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historic State Park near Farmville. Demonstrations, special talks, Hillsman House open. Free. More information: 434-392-3435 or www.dcr.state.va.us.
April 12 - 17 South Carolina Special events in Charleston surrounding the burial of the crew of the CSS Hunley, the Confederate submarine recovered in 2000. Events include living history, lectures, musical performances, artillery demonstrations, presentation of facial reconstructions of the Hunley crew and programs at the site of the conservation of the submarine. Funeral-related events include visitations, laying in state and the April 17 burial at Magnolia Cemetery. Large crowds are expected. For current list of events and times, see
www.hunley.org
April 24 Maryland Special program, "Music of the Civil War," performances and discussion of the life and duties of Civil War musicians at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Frederick. 11 am-3 pm. Free with admission. 301-695-1864 or
www.civilwarmed.org
April 24 - 25 Pennsylvania Neshaminy Park Civil War Reenactment 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 215-639-4538 For more information email neshaminysp@state.pa.us or contact: Russ Manning 215-920-2321 archducrj1@aol.com
Activities are open to the public Saturday and Sunday. In addition to the daily `Battles` there will be a host of Civil War programs throughout the day.
April 30 - May 2 Virginia Battle of the Wilderness, 140th anniversary activities. Ellwood open 11 am-4:30 pm Friday and 11 am-5 pm during weekend. National Park plans activities. Check
www.nps.gov/frsp for the latest information.
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Schedule of Upcoming Topics/Events
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Time:
Every Thursday Night at 11pm ET in the Ancestral Digs Room
Every Friday Night at 10 PM ET in the Ancestral Digs Room
with hosts HOST FMLY Jayne, HOST FMLY Bill and their many faithful friends :)
March 18 & 19, 2004 - OPEN CHAT
March 25 & 26, 2004 - COASTAL WAR originally done by Kathy Dhalle
April 1 & 2, 2004 - OPEN CHAT
April 8 & 9, 2004 - Our special Songs letters and poems nights. If you would like to share something sent from your ancestor during the war, please send to HOST FMLY Jayne and HOST FMLY Bill
April 15 & 16, 2004 - OPEN CHAT
April 22 & 23, 2004 - To be announced
We'll See You Thursday and/or Friday Night.
Bill and Jayne :-)
