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Why was it called Jackson’s “Prayer Oak”?
I was asked a question by a reader yesterday, and thought I’d give a little more background about the Jackson Prayer Oak/Tree. Why is it called Jackson’s “Prayer Oak”? In the wake of victories at Cross...
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Tangents, and looking for intersections, Part 2
So, about that Jessie Scout that I’ve been mentioning… First, Jessie Scouts were known to be of great value to the Union cavalry, but… often it was because they wore gray… not blue. According to this...
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“I go in search of brother”
22nd. I go in search of brother Wm* who had been badly wounded; find him near the battlefield, and take him with other to the Junction. I then go in search of some other wounded, and find a few. Start...
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Their run to the guns…
Before I left Manassas yesterday, I had to do just one more thing. Yes, I was hot and miserable at the time, but, it didn’t matter, I had to do it. This is the first place that I’ve visited this year,...
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“they’re not strangers… and they stay as they lay…”
There’s something that struck me long ago, while watching Last of the Mohicans (the newest version), but not necessarily in relation to that time period. Specifically, I’m talking about the marking or...
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In three minutes, sum up the history of your county in the Civil War
If you know most of the nuts and bolts that make up that history, and are tasked with accomplishing that request… it can be a tall order, and rather painful. You’re forced to bypass key elements,...
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Romney, 150 years ago today: the first in a series of “blood clashes”
It’s barely a blip on the radars when it comes to Sesquicentennial commemoration/remembrance, but on this day, 150 years ago, some of my kin… some in blue, and others in gray… may well have exchanged...
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Revisiting a family ghost story, from the Civil War…
This appeared in a post last year, but, I like the story so much… Despite being part of a series of victories in 1862, the “Page Grays” of Co. H, 33rd Virginia Infantry, had seen their fair share of...
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… and, also revisiting the family witch story…
One of my great-great grandfathers, Charles Robert “Tanner” Hillard, has a rather interesting story tied to one of his brides. A Confederate veteran, Hilliard began his married days, five years after...
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Dog-gone blog post done gone and got ahead of me!
Time IS a factor, and, while I’ve had the post from the other day in the hopper for a while, time got ahead of me… and so too did the post which I had timed to be released. Of course, time continuing...
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At what point did I change in my focus?
A quick thought… Recently, I was had a chance to participate in a Civil War-focused luminary project in a cemetery within my home county. For a number of reasons, I declined… partly because of the time...
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Sesqui’fying the day – morning, April 19, 1862 – the Federal advance on Luray
While some folks might be focusing on some larger events that cover the next few days, 150 years ago, I highly doubt a small incident in my home county will gain much attention, between today and...
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Sesqui’fying April 19, 1862 – Hotchkiss’ challenge in the Page Valley
The stage being set in yesterday’s post, which was supposed to be this morning’s post… this is where I get to inject a little light-hearted commentary, into the seriousness of the day… When Hotchkiss...
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Sesqui’fying April 20, 1862 – Luray learns of Charley Wheat’s fate
On the morning of April 20, Banks’ troops marched on Luray… it was the first time Union soldiers entered the town. Joseph Wheat remembered: As they approached Luray, the Main Street was crowded, people...
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Tragedy in the Shenandoah Valley… soon to be an e-book
Just received word, earlier today from the History Press, that my last book, Tragedy in the Shenandoah Valley: The Story of the Summers-Koontz Execution, is going to be made available as an e-book in...
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My great grandmother’s wood cook stove
It’s cool and drizzling here in the upper Shenandoah this morning. Perfect conditions for starting a fire in the wood stove. But, that having been cleaned-out for house showings, I’m afraid it will...
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Along the road to McDowell… another Sesqui moment
Because of the move, I’m still without certain notes and books to back me up with quotes and whatnot… so, I’m going to wing it again… The masses are flocking (or so it would seem) to McDowell, Virginia...
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More unraveling of complexities in a family’s story
Since the “wires” seem to be hot with stories of Southern Unionism (Craig offered-up yet another story of Southern Unionism just today!)… here comes another meaty morsel which I ran across recently. I...
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Southern Unionist? Liar, liar, pants on fire!
In my exchanges, over the years, some folks have indicated that they thought some Southern Claims applicants were lying. Well, yes some were, but I have to ask… “How have you identified those who you...
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… and a little more with Gen. Order No. 11
John Pope wasn’t quite done yet… and on this day, 150 years ago, he released another general order of interest… GENERAL ORDERS No. 11. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA, Washington, July 23, 1862....
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