The Weekly Fireside Newsletter

NEW JOURNAL URL

Tue, 03 May 2005 12:56:22 GMT

Please go to the following journal as it is current and up to date

http://journals.aol.com/cwweeklyfireside/CivilWarWeeklyFireside/

A change

Tue, 15 Mar 2005 01:43:56 GMT

As I told you, we're working on a change and we're changing the URL for the Weekly Fireside Journal. I will be deleting this one once I get the other one advertised. The new URL is http://journals.aol.com/cwweeklyfireside/CivilWarWeeklyFireside/

Subsequent Newsletters will be at the above URL

We're changing it so that when folks search the Journals for Civil War, our Journal will show up.

The Weekly Fireside 13 March 05 - Part 1

Mon, 14 Mar 2005 06:00:27 GMT

Hear Ye .... Hear Ye

"The Weekly Fireside"
of the American Civil War History
Special Interest Group;
Distribution Coast to Coast
Week ending 13 March 2005

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
NOTES FROM THE HOSTS OF THE CIVIL WAR HISTORY CHATS
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

We're working on something new, an online Journal for The Weekly Fireside Newsletter. The Journal will allow anyone to read it. We may eventually do away with the emailed edition. However, if there are those of you who would like to continue receiving it by email, you will have to let me know. I will continue to email thru the end of April and a decision will be made then whether to totally discontinue the emailed version or not. Please let me know what you think of this idea and whether you still want to receive it via email.
You can see The Weekly Fireside Newsletter Journal at: (http://journals.aol.com/cwweeklyfireside/TheWeeklyFiresideNewsletter/) Many of you have said you're finding your newsletters in your SPAM folders. This will also do away with that.

There are some great websites listed this week.

There are more Trivia questions for you this week. Is anyone getting the answers correct without peeking at the answers??

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
WHAT WE ARE ABOUT
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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 RL WillM, HOST RL IrshRose and HOST RL Jayne Thursday 11 PM ET
Join HOST RL Jayne, HOST RL Sandy & HOST RL DsRoots (when she doesn't have to work her paying job)...   Friday 10 PM ET
Both in the Ancestral Digs Room
<<aol://2719:3-232-Ancestral%20Digs>> (on AOL only)

The "program" will not necessarily be the same both nights, but probably will be. Let us help you find your soldier. Tell us their stories. 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.

JOIN HOST RL IrshRose.... Saturday Midnight ET for help tracing your heritige to the American Civil time period in the Ancestral Digs Room <<aol://2719:3-232-Ancestral%20Digs>> (on AOL only)

You can visit the Genealogy Schedule by going to Keyword: Genealogy Chat   which includes our Civil War chats and you can also see them, and other Civil War chats also, at Keyword: Civil War Chat Schedule <<aol://4344:3120.mdchat1.2105643.678515300>>
On the Civil War chat schedule page, you will see a link to Civil War Libraries <<aol://4344:3120.civwrlib.2105860.680558942>> There are many files in the library that my ol' partner GFS Jim had posted over the years.
Visit the Genealogy Community Message boards
<<aol://5863:126/mBLA:56406>>

There is something NEW!!!    "The Genealogy Community News", created by HOST RL Jenna. Watch there for annoucements for special programs in the chats... Enter your surnames, your brickwalls, Need help, GENTREK announcements, our Chat schedule, Your hosts can even let you know if they can't be in their chat and who might be subbing for them. Put this in your favorite places and visit if often.   <http://journals.aol.com/hostrljenna/GenealogyCommunityNews/>

* * * * * * * * * * *
"THE BOOK SHELF"
* * * * * * * * * * *

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
--------OUR WEEKLY READING--------
(these items are extracts from our Letters, Songs,
and Poems evenings)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

As you all know this past week was our Special Song, Letters and Poems nights.. Thurs night, we got a special treat. One of the Chatroom members wrote a poem while in the chat and then "read" it to us. I asked him for permission to share it with all of you here in the newsletter and very graciously said yes.

CRATER
by SScott 10 March 2005

                   On a line deep
                        in a land gripped
                             with despair
                             .................................................I await

                    Oh to the hope
                         of an end
                              one final rush of men
                                  the last tumult
                                     of blood and dust
                                         ......................................... I await

                     In the luxury
                         of hope
                             yes just one last rush
                                 take that little hill
                                     and its over
                                           ........................................I await

                      Oh to dream
                          of home
                            of peace
                               we await the blast
                                 the order to charge
                                    .....................................We await

                     Yes on to glory
                         on to union
                             finally the earth
                                 itself begins to rumble

                       Like a train
                            run wild in our midst
                               the earth burst forth
                                   in a tower of flame
                                      and death rains on all of us
                                         ....................................We rush

                        Forward in dazed hope
                          swallowed by the darkness of dust
                              we hear the cries of our enemy
                                  we stumble over their remains
                                     and then smoke lifts

                         We find ourselves trapped
                             in a hole of our own making
                                 ode to the hope
                                    of the morrow
                                     for that sweet taste of home
                                                 .................................We die

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
THE HELP DESK
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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 queston, please let us know.

* * * * *
We're still looking for any information about Burts Island Prison.
J. Muller of the 1st NY Cavalry did a carving and it reads Berts Island

Anyone have any ideas here??? If so email CWWeeklyFireside@aol.com

* * * * *

A NOTE FROM eharding2@cox.net

I "think" I had a request from someone who's a member of your newsletter, and for the life of me, I can't find the email. I've been out of town for a few days and don't know if my wife deleted it or what. I just wanted to let you know that I'd never intentionally delete an email or not help someone.

I know it's a big favor to ask, but in the next newsletter, could you ask anyone who has sent me a request for help to please resend? I apologize for any inconvenience it may cause.

Thank you.
Edward

If you sent Ed a request.... please send him another email

* * * * * * * * * *

TRIVIA QUESTIONS:
(answers are just before the Town Crier)

How are you doing with the Trivia Questions??? Let us know.
Let's try 5 more this week

26. How many horses did Custer lose in battle during the war?

27. In 1866, Custer accepted a position in the 7th US cavalry at what regular army rank?

28. On November 27, 1868, Custer attacked an Indian village near the Washita River. What Cheyenne chief did he attack?

29. In 1872, Custer took command of a post in what KY town?

30. Custer later took command of what post in present day ND?

The Weekly Fireside 13 March 05 - Part 2

Mon, 14 Mar 2005 05:58:44 GMT

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DID YOU KNOW?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

If you have something we could use here, PLEASE send it along. Thanks!!!!

The following was sent to the CivilWarWomen Rootsweb Maillist by Gene Stackhouse.

The Germantown Guide
Saturday, March 21, 1891
OBITUARY.
Death of a Well-known Citizen Whose Service as a Soldier is Full of Interest.
Emlen N. Carpenter died suddenly Tuesday morning at his home on the estate of his father, the late George W. Carpenter, Main and Carpenter streets. He won distinction during the late war, and had a remarkable experience. He served with the First City Troop in the three months' campaign and in September of 1861 joined the Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry, Rush's Lancers, as second lieutenant of D company, being noon after promoted to first lieutenant. He acted as special aid to General Franklin at Fredericksburg, and rejoining his command was promoted captain of E company, which formed part of Captain Starr's squadron as body-guard to General Hooker, then commanding the army of the Potomac. In this capacity he served at Chancellorsville. Subsequently he accompanied Captain Starr and small body of picked men in carrying dispatches from Hooker at Fairfax Court House to Pleasanton, at Aldie, and served on the staff of the latter in the engagement of June 18. At Gettysburg he was on the staff of General Meade. He was taken prisoner in the fight at Todd's Tavern and sent to Libby Prison, then to Macon, Ga., where he met his brother, John Quincy Carpenter, an officer of the One Hundred and Fiftieth Pennsylvania, of the Bucktail Brigade, First Army Corps, captured at the first day's fight at Gettysburg, who had been a prisoner since that time. About the end of July, 1864, Captain Carpenter was shipped by rail for Charlotte, but before reaching that place be jumped from the car and made his escape to within five miles of the Union lines, when he was recaptured. He was then taken to Charleston and confined in the jail, whence, after three weeks of terrible suffering, be was removed to the hospital, but yellow fever breaking out among the prisoners they were in October, 1864, shipped for Columbia. When near Orangeburg, Captain Carpenter, this time accompanied by his brother, again escaped by jumping from the train, and set out for East Tennessee. After many trials they were recaptured in a swamp and taken to Columbia, where the prisoners were confined in the enclosure of the Insane Asylum. Hearing of the approach of Sher-man, Captain Carpenter and a few others determined on one more effort to escape. By means of a knife they succeeded in cutting holes into the ceiling of a wooden building in the yard, and when the prisoners were removed they concealed themselves between the ceiling and the roof. From this retreat they were driven when the buildings were fired on the departure of the Confederates, but Captain Carpenter was befriended by a lady in the town, who concealed him in her cellar, and the next morning before light a negro took him to an empty outhouse, from which he soon after beheld the sight of Sherman's advancing column and his deliverance was at last achieved. Recognized by a friend on Sherman's staff, Captain Carpenter was ordered to report to General Howard, who at once took him into his military family as an aid, and re-equipped after his long privations he served with Howard through the Carolina campaign and until the entry into Fayetteville, when be obtained leave of absence to visit his family, who had beard nothing of him for more than a year and a half. His death was from apoplexy. The funeral took place yesterday afternoon, his remains having been interred in the family vault at St. Luke's Church.
[St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Germantown Ave. and East Coulter St.,
Germantown]

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Weekly Web Sites we've received
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

If you have a favorite Civil War site, please send them to CWWeeklyFireside@aol.com

* * * * * * * * * *
From Bitsobluengray

The Weekly Fireside Newsletter Journal
(http://journals.aol.com/cwweeklyfireside/TheWeeklyFiresideNewsletter/)

Civil War Weapons
(http://replicagunsswords.com/weapons_gallery/home.php?cat=9)

* * * * * * * * * *
From Violetpttr

Potter Flats Photo Album
(http://www.potterflats.com/unknown03.html)

* * * * * * * * * *
While this isn't Civil War, I've been enjoying poems writen by Abe and he has his e-books online FREE I hope you enjoy his poems as much as I do.

From abeabe@worldnet.att.net

"MOONTIDES AND OTHER CHANGES"
"THE WORLD, WAR, FREEDOM, AND MORE"
(http://home.att.net/~abeabe/index.html)

9/11 Memoriam
(http://mywebpage.netscape.com/delabejones/page1.html)
Memorial2
(http://mywebpage.netscape.com/delabejones/page2.html)

For All Freedom Lovers
(http://mywebpage.netscape.com/delabejones/instant/memorial.html)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
FROM OUR READERS
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

If your ancestor has or you have a story to tell, please send it to us.
     HOST RL Jayne, HOST RL WillM, HOST RL DsRoots and HOST RL IrshRose at CWWeeklyFireside@aol.com

NOTE:   If anyone has some great Civil War Music you'd like to recommend, please send it to us. If you have a story to tell about a reenactment you're been to or participated in, tell us about it. If you have family folklore re the Civil War, share it with us.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A BIT OF COMMUNITY... MEMBERS HELPING MEMBERS!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I'm going to put a note here to all of you have so graciously offered to help folks out.   If you no longer want to be on this list please let me know and I will take your name off the list. I've had email telling me they've sent email to someone on the list for help, and the email was deleted before it was ever even read.

If you have a resource from which you would be willing to do look-ups for folks, please let us know and we'll add it here

UBucket@aol.com has offered to do free Civil War research from veterans from Wisconsin. He is the author of "Civil War Veterans of Winnebago County, Wisconsin"

eharding2@cox.net has offered to do lookups for folks with ancestors from the Confederacy, focusing mainly on North Carolina, but has other sources also.

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.

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.

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 RL 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@pstel.net [ Please note new address for Kevin ] does Volunteer research 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

TRIVIA QUESTION ANSWERS:

26. 11

27.   Lt. Colonel

28.   Black Kettle

29.   Elizabethtown

30.   Ft. Abraham Lincoln

* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"THE TOWN CRIER"
Civil War Calendar!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * *

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/index.html>> OR <<http://www.sutler.net/eventlist.asp>>

March 19-20 - NC Reenactment, 140th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Bentonville. Military and civilian living history, talks, battles each day and much more. Fee for battles. (www.bentonvillereenactment.com) or 910-594-0789.

March 26 - VA Living history at Five Forks, a unit of the Petersburg National Battlefield, west of the city. Free. (www.nps.gov/pete) or 804-732-3531.

April 8-10 - VA, l40th ANNIVERSARY, THE FINAL CAMPAIGN IN VIRGINIA
"PURSUIT TO APPOMATTOX" Reenactment, "The Battles at Little Sailor's Creek," on the battlefield state park between Amelia and Farmville. Event will include battles and recreations of the surrender ceremonies at Appomattox. Details: 434-223-2053 or <<www.saylorscreek.org>> or <<www.140thappomattox.com>>.

April 9-10 VA Civil War Weekend in Suffolk. Living history, talks, tours and much more. Most free. Details: 866-SeeSufk or <www.suffolk-fun.com>

April 16-17 NC Living history weekend in Plymouth. A variety of activities including demonstrations, special exhibits and a reenactment of the Battle of Plymouth. 252-793-1377.

April 22 - VA The Dedication Grand Opening of the New Civil War Museum at Tredegar Ironworks along the James River in downtown Richmond, 10 AM ET. Tredegar Ironworks was a major contributor of cannons and other iron items needed by the Confederacy during the War Between the States. As the time grows closer you may want to check <http://www.nps.gov/rich/> for details and directions on getting there (under "Plan Your Visit")

April 29, 30 & May 1 - PA, Neshaminy State Park, Bensalem featuring the 1865 actions of The Appomattox Campaign. <<www.28thpvi.org>>

May 29th - Andersonville Prison, GA
Boy Scouts from numerous troops in the region will place American flags at each of the nearly 18,000 headstones in the National Cemetery on Friday, May 27 2005 prior to the Memorial Day observance. Any troops interested in helping please contact the park in advance to see what ages and what requirements are needed. The Band Concert will begin at 1:30 and will be given by the Fort Benning InfantryCenter Band. Memorial Day ceremonies at Andersonville National Historic Site will begin at 2:00 p.m. o Sunday May 29, 2005 in the National Cemetery.
<http://www.angelfire.com/ga2/Andersonvilleprison/memday.html>

Be sure to check
<<http://www.civilwar-va.com/events/events1204.html>>
<<http://www.sutler.net/eventlist.asp>>
For other events

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Schedule of Upcoming Topics/Events
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Time:
Every Thursday Night at 11pm ET in the Ancestral Digs Room
with hosts HOST RL Jayne, HOST RL IrshRose and HOST RL WillM and their many faithful friends :)
Every Friday Night at 10 PM ET in the Ancestral Digs Room
with hosts HOST RL Jayne and HOST RL DsRoots and their many faithful friends :)
Every Saturday Night at midnight ET in the Ancestral Digs Room
with HOST RL IrshRose

* * * * * * * * * *

Mar 17 & 18 - Battle of Gettysburg (Day 2) by Jim Walker
Mar 19 - researching your Civil War Ancestors

Mar 24 & 25 - OPEN CHAT
Mar 26 - researching your Civil War Ancestors

Mar 31 & Apr 01 - Battle of Gettysburg (Day 3) by Jim Walker
Apr 02 - researching your Civil War Ancestors

Apr 07 & O8 - OPEN CHAT
Apr 09 - researching your Civil War Ancestors

Apr 14 & 15 - Songs, Letters and Poems
Apr 16 - researching your Civil War Ancestors

We'll See You Thursday, Friday and/or Saturday Night.

Jayne, DsRoots, Sandy, IrshRose, & Will
Civil War Weekly Fireside Newsletter
(http://www.bitsofblueandgray.com/weekly_fireside_newsletter_archive.htm)

The Weekly Fireside 06 March 05 Part 1

Wed, 09 Mar 2005 05:05:02 GMT

Hear Ye .... Hear Ye

"The Weekly Fireside"
of the American Civil War History
Special Interest Group;
Distribution Coast to Coast
Week ending 06 March 2005

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
NOTES FROM THE HOSTS OF THE CIVIL WAR HISTORY CHATS
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

We two Civil War Crossword puzzles thanks to the generosity of ShoeString Genealogy!!!!! (http://hometown.aol.com/daepowell/myhomepage/ssg1.htm)

We had open chat this week and we thank all of you who joined us. This week is our Special nights of Song, Letters and Poems from the era.

Join us!!!

There are some great websites listed this week.

There are more Trivia questions for you this week. See how many you get correct. :D I haven't heard from anyone so I guess you are all "acing" them

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
WHAT WE ARE ABOUT
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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 RL WillM, HOST RL IrshRose and HOST RL Jayne Thursday 11 PM ET
Join HOST RL Jayne, HOST RL Sandy & HOST RL DsRoots (when she doesn't have to work her paying job)...   Friday 10 PM ET
Both in the Ancestral Digs Room
<<aol://2719:3-232-Ancestral%20Digs>> (on AOL only)

The "program" will not necessarily be the same both nights, but probably will be. Let us help you find your soldier. Tell us their stories. 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.

JOIN HOST RL IrshRose.... Saturday Midnight ET for help tracing your heritige to the American Civil time period in the Ancestral Digs Room <<aol://2719:3-232-Ancestral%20Digs>> (on AOL only)

You can visit the Genealogy Schedule by going to Keyword: Genealogy Chat   which includes our Civil War chats and you can also see them, and other Civil War chats also, at Keyword: Civil War Chat Schedule <<aol://4344:3120.mdchat1.2105643.678515300>>
On the Civil War chat schedule page, you will see a link to Civil War Libraries <<aol://4344:3120.civwrlib.2105860.680558942>> There are many files in the library that my ol' partner GFS Jim had posted over the years.
Visit the Genealogy CommunityMessage boards
<<aol://5863:126/mBLA:56406>>

There is something NEW!!!    "The Genealogy Community News", created by HOST RL Jenna. Watch there for annoucements for special programs in the chats... Enter your surnames, your brickwalls, Need help, GENTREK announcements, our Chat schedule, Your hosts can even let you know if they can't be in their chat and who might be subbing for them. Put this in your favorite places and visit if often.   <http://journals.aol.com/hostrljenna/GenealogyCommunityNews/>

* * * * * * * * * * *
"THE BOOK SHELF"
* * * * * * * * * * *

OK folks I know there are those of you who read Civil War books all the time... How about taking a few minutes and telling us about them. It doesn't have to be long. Send your review to along with the title, author to CWWeeklyFireside@aol.com.

Civil War Book Review
<<http://www.cwbr.com/>>

GREAT NEWS!!!!!!!!! "Proud To Say I Am A Union Soldier" by Frank Crawford/IllinoisCW has gone to the printers and should be distributed soon!!. Order HERE

This is from the Heritage Books website in regard to the book.

Proud to Say I am a Union Soldier: The Last Letters Home from Federal Soldiers Written During the Civil War, 1861-1865 - Franklin R. Crawford. paper, index, 272 pp. Letters offer a deeply personal perspective of the war, and remind us that every one of the hundreds of thousands of brave men that died during the four brutal years of the Civil War was someone's father, or son, or brother, or husband. Numerous first-hand accounts of the harsh realities of war have been published, often including or comprised of the letters of survivors. This unique volume contains the final correspondence written by brave soldiers that did not survive the conflict: some died on the battlefield during combat; others understood they were about to die of wounds received in battle and were able to counsel their family regarding their final disposition. What is the price of freedom? Anyone that has ever asked that question should read these letters.

A book like this should have been done long ago. It's far too easy to lose sight of the individual, but Crawford brings us back to the truth: war is fought by men. These letters put a human face on the war. -Benton McAdams, author of Rebels at Rock Island

Frank Crawford has done a wonderful jobof filling a void in Civil War literature. While many books tell the story of the Civil War through letters of the men that lived through the conflict, Crawford's book is the only one that tells the story through the eyes of the men that died in the war. Taking a unique stance, Crawford gives you a brief background on each soldier and then lets the soldier take it from there, telling about his life through his own words. It is a sad thing to realize that each of these men, so hopeful and so full of life, would never see their loved ones again. -Gene Eric Salecker, author of Disaster on the Mississippi

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
--------OUR WEEKLY READING--------
(these items are extracts from our Letters, Songs,
and Poems evenings)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

That's What's the Matter
by Stephen Foster 1862

We live in hard and stirring times,
Too sad for mirth, too rough for rhymes;
For songs of peace have lost their chimes,
And that's what's the matter!
The men we held as brothers true,
Have turn'd into a rebel crew;
So now we have to put them thro',
And that's what's the matter!

That's what's the matter,
The rebels have to scatter;
We'll make them flee,
By land and sea,
And that's what's the matter!

The rebels thought we would divide,
And Democrats would take their side;
They then would let the Union slide,
And that's what's the matter!
But, when the war had once begun,
All party feeling soon was gone;
We joined as brothers ev'ry one!
And that's what's the matter!

The Merrimac, with heavy sway,
Had made our Fleet an easy prey --
The Monitor got in the way,
And that's what's the matter!
So health to Captain Ericsson,
I cannot tell all he has done,
I'd never stop when once begun,
And that's what's the matter!

We've heard of General Beauregard,
And thought he'd fight us long and hard;
But he has played out his last card,
And that's what's the matter!
So what's the use to fret and pout,
We soon will hear the people shout,
Secession dodge is all played out!
And that's what's the matter!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
THE HELP DESK
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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 queston, please let us know.

I just want to include a note to all who have asked for help. Sometimes I am copied on an answer and sometimes I'm not, so IF you receive an answer to your queston, please let us know. Most respondents will put the name of the soldier or battle in the Subject line, so if you receive an answer directly, be sure you don't delete it, you may miss out on some vital information.

From:   SScotth9

This was asked in one of the Chatrooms last week:

Has anyone heard of Burts Island Prison?    J. Muller of the 1st NY Cavalry did a carving and it reads Berts Island

Anyone have any ideas here???

* * * * * * * * * *

From: emprice@comcast.net

I have a photo of my husband's great grandfather Thomas Benton Brashears wearing a Southern Cross of Honor lapel pin. He died in 22 March 1909 in Milton, Santa Rosa County, Florida. He served in the Civil War from the State of Alabama.
We have his obit (thanks to a wonderful aunt who saved everything!) and his funeral was a real Confederate Veterans blowout.
I have read that a list of those who were presented the medal was recorded in an Honor Roll and preserved in the Inspector General's office.
Any ideas or suggestions as to how one could access that Honor Roll? Some of you in the UDC might know.
Any help offered is greatly appreciated.
Emma Lou

We have received yet another answer to the above. MM3C11259 sent the following.

As we all know, names were frequently recycled through seceeding generations. Thomas Hart Benton was a well known Senator from Missouri. He was also an artist, with many of his paintings in museums. The man also fought a duel with Andrew Jackson perhaps over some slurregarding Rachael ( previously married and divorced before she married Jackson). Jackson was very touchy on the subject of his wife.
Regarding duels, read a wonderful book years ago called "The Code Duello" which outlined the rules governing duels and related many famous duels. Believe the Jackson/Benton duel was described there- they fought with Bowie Knives.
Some of our folks are aware of the duel between Confed Gens Marmaduke and Walker in which Walker was Killed.

((((((Ted)))))))   Thanks!!!   Always appreciate your feedback.

TRIVIA QUESTIONS:
(answers are just before the Town Crier)

How are you doing with the Trivia Questions??? Let us know.
Let's try 5 more this week

21. In a battle with troops of Wade Hampton, Custer was praised for saving the colors. What battle was it?

22. Custer was brevetted Colonel, USA for what battle?

23. On October 9, 1864 at Woodstock, Custer faced what former West Point classmate?

24. On April 7, 1865, Custer received the first flag of truce from the ANV. What was the flag made of?

25. Custer received Wilmer McLean's table that the Lee surrender was signed on . Who gave it to him

The Weekly Fireside 06 March 05 - Part 2

Wed, 09 Mar 2005 05:02:47 GMT

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DID YOU KNOW?
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If you have something we could use here, PLEASE send it along.   Thanks!!!!

From RebelRouser

At the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864, the Union monitor USS TECUMSEH struck a mine and began to sink. The captain, Tunis Ausgustus Macdonough Craven, headed for a ladder to climb to the surface.   At the foot of the ladder, he met his pilot, a fellow by the name of Collins. He said: "After you, Pilot," and allowed Collins to climb the ladder first.   The pilot survived. The captain did not.

Union general Henry H. Sibley spent the war years mostly in the Indian Territory. Confederate general Henry H. Sibley also served mostly in the western theatre. His subordinates often teased him by showing him pictures of his Union namesake.

Their names were not completely identical. The Union general was Henry Hastings Sibley. The confederate was Henry Hopkins Sibley.

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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

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From Bitsobluengray

<http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/10064989.htm>
From the 10/31/2004 AP Wire - Scientist hopes Hunley technology can preserve Civil War-era sub

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From eharding2@cox.net

Thanks so much for sending me the website on the Battle of Plymouth, NC. As I live in Washington, NC, about 35 miles from Plymouth, I'm very familiar with the history of this battle. A friend of mine, Mr. Robert G. Elliott, wrote the book "Ironclad of the Roanoke," about the C.S.S. Albemarle that is so well known from this battle. Mr. Elliott's Great Grandfather, Gilbert Elliott, was the builder of the Albemarle. Should anyone be interested in purchasing this book, I found it at the lowest price at Walmart.com http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?dest=9999999997&product_id=633027&sourceid=1500000000000001827190

Each year, there's a Living History Weekend and reenactment of the Battle of Plymouth that takes place where it actually happened. This year will be the 139th anniversary of the battle which takes place toward the end of April. I'm sure that any of your readers who are close enough to attend would certainly enjoy this weekend. A website containing information about the 2004 reenactment and activities can be found at http://www.livinghistoryweekend.com/introduction.html and information about this year can be found at http://www.livinghistoryweekend.com/new%20site/index.htm One other website regarding documentary filming by the History Channel can be found at http://www.livinghistoryweekend.com/new%20site/History%20Channel/history2.htm

Again, thanks for the website you sent me. It certainly has a ton of good information in it!

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From rcbrooks1

<http://www.descv.org/DelawareConfederates.html>
Citizens of Delaware who served in the Confederacy

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From DaePowell

<http://www.archives.gov/research_room/genealogy/military/confederate_pension_records.html>

Confederate Pension Records

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From Howie Doohan

<http://www.cwoodcock.com/forum.shtml>
Civil War Discussion Forums
Choose from nine existing discussion forums or create your own.

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FROM OUR READERS
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A BIT OF COMMUNITY... MEMBERS HELPING MEMBERS!!
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I'm going to put a note here to all of you have so graciously offered to help folks out. If you no longer want to be on this list please let me know and I will take your name off the list. I've had email telling me they've sent email to someone on the list for help, and the email was deleted before it was ever even read.

If you have a resource from which you would be willing to do look-ups for folks, please let us know and we'll add it here

UBucket@aol.com has offered to do free Civil War research from veterans from Wisconsin. He is the author of "Civil War Veterans of Winnebago County, Wisconsin"

eharding2@cox.net has offered to do lookups for folks with ancestors from the Confederacy, focusing mainly on North Carolina, but has other sources also.

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.

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.

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 RL 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@pstel.net [ Please note new address for Kevin ] does Volunteer research 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

TRIVIA QUESTION ANSWERS:

21. Trevillion Station

22.   Third Winchester (AKA Opequon)

23.   Thomas L. Rosser

24.   A crushed towel.

25.   Phillip Sheridan

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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/index.html>>   OR <<http://www.sutler.net/eventlist.asp>>

March 12 - 13 - Andersonville Prison, GA   This unique living history program offers visitors the opportunity to see and experience what life was like at the infamous Civil War prison camp. Living history and reenactors will portray Andersonville prisoners and guards. For a daily program go to <http://www.angelfire.com/ga2/Andersonvilleprison/Marchevents.html>

March 19-20 - NC Reenactment, 140th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Bentonville. Military and civilian living history, talks, battles each day and much more. Fee for battles. (www.bentonvillereenactment.com) or 910-594-0789.

March 26 - VA   Living history at Five Forks, a unit of the Petersburg National Battlefield, west of the city. Free. (www.nps.gov/pete) or 804-732-3531.

April 8-10 - VA, l40th ANNIVERSARY, THE FINAL CAMPAIGN IN VIRGINIA
"PURSUIT TO APPOMATTOX" Reenactment, "The Battles at Little Sailor's Creek," on the battlefield state park between Amelia and Farmville. Event will include battles and recreations of the surrender ceremonies at Appomattox. Details: 434-223-2053 or <<www.saylorscreek.org>> or <<www.140thappomattox.com>>.

April 9-10 VA Civil War Weekend in Suffolk. Living history, talks, tours and much more. Most free. Details: 866-SeeSufk or <www.suffolk-fun.com>

April 16-17 NC Living history weekend in Plymouth. A variety of activities including demonstrations, special exhibits and a reenactment of the Battle of Plymouth. 252-793-1377.

April 22 - VA The Dedication Grand Opening of the New Civil War Museum at Tredegar Ironworks along the James River in downtown Richmond, 10 AM ET. Tredegar Ironworks was a major contributor of cannons and other iron items needed by the Confederacy during the War Between the States. As the time grows closer you may want to check <http://www.nps.gov/rich/> for details and directions on getting there (under "Plan Your Visit")

April 29, 30 & May 1 - PA, Neshaminy State Park, Bensalem featuring the 1865 actions of The Appomattox Campaign. <<www.28thpvi.org>>

May 29th - Andersonville Prison, GA
Boy Scouts from numerous troops in the region will place American flags at each of the nearly 18,000 headstones in the National Cemetery on Friday, May 27 2005 prior to the Memorial Day observance. Any troops interested in helping please contact the park in advance to see what ages and what requirements are needed. The Band Concert will begin at 1:30 and will be given by the Fort Benning Infantry Center Band. Memorial Day ceremonies at Andersonville National Historic Site will begin at 2:00 p.m. o Sunday May 29, 2005 in the National Cemetery.
<http://www.angelfire.com/ga2/Andersonvilleprison/memday.html>

Be sure to check
<<http://www.civilwar-va.com/events/events1204.html>>
<<http://www.sutler.net/eventlist.asp>>
For other events

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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
with hosts HOST RL Jayne, HOST RL IrshRose and HOST RL WillM and their many faithful friends :)
Every Friday Night at 10 PM ET in the Ancestral Digs Room
with hosts HOST RL Jayne and HOST RL DsRoots and their many faithful friends :)
Every Saturday Night at midnight ET in the Ancestral Digs Room
with HOST RL IrshRose

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Mar 03 & 04 - OPEN CHAT
Mar 05 - researching your Civil War Ancestors

Mar 10 & 11 - Our Special Songs, Letters and Poems night
Mar 12 - researching your Civil War Ancestors

Mar 17 & 18 - Battle of Gettysburg (Day 2) by Jim Walker
Mar 19 - researching your Civil War Ancestors

Mar 24 & 25 - OPEN CHAT
Mar 26 - researching your Civil War Ancestors

Mar 31 & Apr 01 - Battle of Gettysburg (Day 3) by Jim Walker
Apr 02 - researching your Civil War Ancestors

We'll See You Thursday, Friday and/or Saturday Night.

Jayne, DsRoots, Sandy, IrshRose, & Will
Civil War Weekly Fireside Newsletter(http://journals.aol.com/cwweeklyfireside/TheWeeklyFiresideNewsletter/)
(http://www.bitsofblueandgray.com/weekly_fireside_newsletter_archive.htm)