A Yankee raid during the Civil War



Belle Grove, home of Amanda Edmonds during the Civil War.

I had a spectacular time in Virginia last Sunday, touring homes that were known as Mosby Safe Houses during the Civil War. As many of you know, Confederate officer John S. Mosby was the inspiration for the main character in my historical fiction novels Shades of Gray and Noble Cause.

Known as Mosby's Rangers, his men did not pitch tents and stay in a camp, but rather resided in the homes of citizens in the area. (Soldiers in the regular army would often lament the fact that Mosby's men slept in feather beds and ate like kings, but in reality they did not have it quite so easy, as you will see).

View from Belle Grove to "The Pike" where they could
watch the Yankees coming. I bet that tree was there too!

The journal entry below was written by Amanda Edmonds, who was in her 20s during the Civil War. Belle Grove (her home) hosted eight or nine Rangers at any given time. Most of the men were also in their 20s, so there was a lot of flirting and broken hearts along the way as recorded in her diary.

The house had a trap door in the kitchen that went down to a dirt floor cellar/crawl space. From there, the men could escape from a door to the outside that was usually hidden behind a stack of firewood. You can barely see the stack of firewood in the picture of the house above, and the escape door is visible to the left of the wood.

The escape door to the outside, which
would be hidden by a stack of firewood.

It was marvelous to be able to walk through the house and imagine the rooms full of Mosby Rangers. The Mosby Heritage Area Association sponsored the event, and had living historians at each house to add even more authenticity to the experience. On Saturday, they also had a reunion of Mosby Ranger descendants that I was unable to attend, but I ran into many of them on the tour.

Here is an excerpt from Amanda's diary that should provide some idea of what the Rangers went through--as well as what the families of those who hosted them had to endure.

From the Journal of Amanda Virginia Edmonds of Belle Grove

Feb. 18, 1864

Much to our surprise, mortification and sorrow the slumbers of the household were aroused by the rattling of swords and the clatter of horses, which fortunately made known to our dear soldiers that something was wrong. Bud [her brother, a Mosby Ranger] jumped from his bed and there to his utter surprise were Yankees dashing up. Bud with Mr. Alexander and George dashed down the stairs where Ma and I met them nearly frightened to death. They dashed to their secret hiding place followed by overcoats, pistol and everything I could grab up—for time was short. The Yankees were all around the house and every moment we expected them to bolt into the house.

The next move Ma and I made was for our room. We had just entered, still in night robes, when six of the horrid wretches entered with a “good morning.” I guess they received no response from us more than a rebellious stare. They opened the other door and there met Clem. They clamped him and Ches, as though at the beginning they had had a prize in Rebel soldiers. Clem, the Devil Captain ordered under arrest and left one of his imps to guard him. [Clem and Ches were older boys but not Rangers.]

I hurriedly dressed and followed the rest upstairs. I joined the wretches as they were searching the boys’ room; where they had gathered an armful of clothes together with some of Mr. Alexander’s and George’s, which unfortunately they left in hurried retreat.

I thought Ma would go frantic, all of us thinking Misters Triplett and Hunt and Jack [all Mosby Rangers staying at this safe house] were in their hands, and certain Syd was taken for he had no more than a minute left the house. Rumor form our servants quieted our fears for awhile, telling us they were all safe. Syd was tending his horse and mounted the loft above him, just as a Yankee opened the door. Still we were completely surrounded and could not but tremble for their safety.

There in our presence the rogues search[ed] the jacket pockets they brought down with them. Oh! How I longed to snatch them from their hands for I felt as though they were contaminated, even after their eyes rested on them, much less their hands.

I then gratified them with a search of the cellar, appearing indifferent as possible and pretended I was anxious they should gratify themselves. For my life, had a pistol been held to my head, I could not have kept my tongue.  I knew that I was doing wrong to sauce and give vent to my indignant feelings, but I could not help it… The wretches certainly were lenient for Yankees.

Ma during this time was in perfect agony and never left her room, having things there too that demanded her presence for their safety.
I stood in the kitchen porch nearly frantic with joy to see them mount and ride off, having satisfied themselves searching the premises, when I saw a stir among them and they rode around the house and into the yard again. I imagined they were going to search again, when lo, I heard one of them yell, “Bring him out, bring him out.” Great heaven, who had they found…? A moment more, and I heard one of Mr. Hunt’s familiar laughs. I still was confident Mr. Triplett was safe until a moment later both the dear Rebels stepped from their retreat. [Both were Mosby Rangers lodging at Belle Grove who had hidden.]

… I went down to them. Mr. Hunt bid me goodbye remarking, “turn about is fair play,” taking it all in his usual good nature… I felt as though my heart were turned to stone when he bid me “goodbye” so kindly but without a smile. I watched them as long as I could discern two gray coats from the mass of blue…

 

Touring homes in Mosby's Confederacy

Several of the homes known to be safe houses for Mosby's Rangers will be open for tour this Sunday, thanks to the Mosby Heritage Area Association. The homes include Seven Springs, the Hathaway House, Brookside, Belle Grove, and Oakham.

I cannot wait! This is a rare treat to visit these private homes and experience Mosby history. 

Belle Grove
Delaplane, VA 20144

 

Belle Grove

Amanda "Tee" Virginia Edmonds lived at Belle Grove and kept a diary during the war. Mosby's men stayed in homes of the local residents rather than in regular army camps, so Belle Grove was rather like a perpetual house party during this period. Tee was in her mid-20s, and being quite spirited, restless, romantic and a lover of excitement, was in her element at the time.

 

Belle Grove’s brick edifice was built in 1812, and it is still the home of John Edmonds’ descendants.   

 

 

Brookside
2626 Rokeby Road
Delaplane, VA 20144

Brookside

I've been by Brookside many times in my search for Heartland, which was Mosby's headquarters until it was burned to the ground by the Yankees. (The chimney still remains and I did finally find it).

After the burning of Heartland, Brookside became the new headquarters for Mosby and his men.

 

How exciting that I will be able to go inside!

 

 

 

 

 

Hathaway House
7064 Young Rd.

The Plains, VA 20198


Hathaway House

I've written about the Hathaway House before, and have actually gone inside before thanks to the very generous and kind owner. This is the house where Mosby was awakened in the middle of the night by the Yankees.

 

He ended up climbing out the window into a tree - which still stands - and went undiscovered by the enemy.

 

You can see the tree in this picture at the back of the house. Talk about walking in the footsteps of history!

 

 

Oakham
23226 Oakham Farm Lane
Middleburg, VA 20117

On December 29, 1862, Stuart and Mosby spent the night at the home of Colonel Hamilton Rogers, just outside of Middleburg, Loudon County, and on the following morning, Stuart gave Mosby nine men and left him behind to conduct partisan activities. 

 

While Stuart was settling into winter quarters near Fredericksburg in January 1863, Mosby was in Northern Virginia beginning operations against Union troops. Col. Rogers’ daughter lived here and married Col. John Fairfax who served on General Longstreet’s staff.

A big part of my research for Noble Cause and Shades of Gray was walking in the footsteps of Mosby. This is truly going to be a great experience! I'll be writing about the actual tour in future weeks.

Man's best friend

Found this interesting and heartbreaking account of war in the Gettysburg Compiler, January 12, 1864:

Singular Fidelity of a Dog on the BattleField

On Monday last, as Hon. John Covode, in company with a number of officers, was passing over the battlefield beyond Fredericksburg, their attention was called to a small dog lying by a corpse. Mr. Covode halted a few minutes to see if life was extinct. Raising the coat from the man's face, he found him dead.

The dog, looking wistfully up, ran to the dead man's face and kissed his silent lips. Such devotion in a small dog was so singular that Mr. Covode examined some papers upon the body, and found it to be that of Sergeant W. H. Brown, Company C, Ninety-first Pennsylvania, 91st Regiment.

The dog was shivering with the cold, but refused to leave his master's body, and as the coat was thrown over his face again he seemed very uneasy, and tried to get under it to the man's face. He had, it seems, followed the regiment into battle, and stuck to his master, and when he fell remained with him, refusing to leave him or to eat anything.

As the party returned an ambulance was carrying the corpse to a little grove of trees for interment, and the little dog following, the only mourner at that funeral, as the hero's comrades had been called to some other point.

I thought this photo below, taken on May 30, 2013, was also fitting, showing how loyal and intelligent man's best friend really is.


By Jonathan Palmer/Herald-Leader

Figo pays his respects to his partner officer Jason Ellis.

Book Launch Day for ABOVE & BEYOND

New Civil War Romance by Jessica James.

Yes, it's finally here! Hurry over to Amazon or Smashwords for your copy of my new Civil War novel ABOVE AND BEYOND just in time for the holiday weekend!

Price will go up on Saturday so make sure you get your copy today!

Here are the links:

Amazon

Smashwords

Here is a short blurb:

A raging war
An unexpected love
A selfless sacrifice

Charismatic Confederate cavalry commander Douglas Benton would much rather flirt with a woman than work with one. But Rebel spy Sarah Duvall teaches him that faith is more important than glory—and love more important than life.

If you help spread the word by sharing this link or telling your friends on Facebook or Goodreads, let me know and I'll enter you in a drawing for a $50 gift card. (One entry for every time you share or post and two entries for posting on a Facebook or Goodreads reading group). You can also share through your email list. I'm also giving away two signed copies of the hardcover novel NOBLE CAUSE to additional readers who help spread the word.

Hope you enjoy!

Jessica

Above and Beyond is finally here!

Yes, it's official!

My new Civil War novel Above and Beyond will be officially released in e-book format on May 23 and in print on August 15.

I will be running a contest next week to help spread the word so check back here or learn the latest news on my Romantic Historical Fiction fan page on Facebook.

Here is a short blurb:

A raging war

An unexpected love

A selfless sacrifice

 

Charismatic Confederate cavalry commander Douglas Benton would much rather flirt with a woman than work with one. But Rebel spy Sarah Duvall teaches him that faith is more important than glory—and love more important than life.

Can't wait for next week!

Jessica

 

 

 

Flowers, flowers everywhere

Blue bells

Those of you who see me on Facebook know that I post a Flower Friday photo every Friday from March through the fall.
This time of year, there are so many different flowers blooming at one time, I thought I'd post a few photos on my blog as well.

It's fun to go out every morning and see what has sprouted up from Mother Earth over night!

There is always something new. After it rains, it seems like you can almost see them growing, they come up so fast.

In addition to the flowers, I have asparagus, lettuce, onions and garlic coming up so far. It's been too cold to put anything else in, but lima beans, string beans, and tomatoes will be next, along with sweet potatoes, peppers, horseradish, and regular potatoes.



Forsythia - another early bloomer.

I planted one bed of wildflowers, but decided to wait until it gets a little warmer to put any more in.

I love how wildflowers continue to bloom all summer and add color to areas that I would otherwise have to mow or trim.

This morning I saw that the azaleas are getting read to bloom. The Red Buds and Dogwoods are bursting, and I have flowers on my blueberry bushes and fruit trees. Don't you just love the beauty of spring?

Tulips and daffodils.





 



Hyacinths - some of the first
flowers. I have white, pale pink,
dark pink and lavender.



Tour of historic Waveland



Waveland, Marshall, Va.

On Saturday, I had the great pleasure of volunteering with the Mosby Heritage Area Association for a fundraiser that included a tour of historic Waveland.

 

This beautiful house was home to John Augustine Washington, III, the great-great-nephew of George Washington who sold Mount Vernon to the Mount Vernon Ladies Association. It has remained essentially unchanged since Washington’s time - which is striking.

 

I have been in many, many old homes, but this one is very unique because of the unaltered interior. It was really like taking a step back in time!

 

The history of Waveland began in 1727, when Lord Fairfax provided a large grant to Scottish Reverend Alexander Scott. Scott’s grandson built the two-story brick home he called Waveland.

Upstairs hallway.

George Washington’s great-great nephew, John Augustine Washington III, then purchased Waveland in 1859.

In the waning days of the Civil War, Colonel John S. Mosby, who is the model for my main character in NOBLE CAUSE and SHADES OF GRAY, often visited Waveland where he found the "amiable and patriotic lady" of the house and her "beautiful, graceful and refined daughters and nieces" most hospitable and entertaining.

According to Mosby's surgeon Dr. Aristides Monteiro, Waveland was a "place of light and life, of music, laughter, beauty and bliss."

He says in his book War Reminiscences: "Whenever Mosby was sad or disheartened by misfortunes to his command or his country; whenever he was depressed in spirits or any disaster cast its shadow of gloom across his pathway of duty, he would invariably visit the delightful precincts of Waveland and have there he dark foreboding of sad thoughts laughed out of him by the bright and cheerful magic of that charmed circle of lovey and lively young ladies."

Some of the interesting parts of the property include:

 

Indoor bathrooms installed by the same plumbers as the White House.

• John Augustine Washington’s enormous, walk-in, double-iron vault brought from Alexandria.

Built-in bookcases installed to accommodate the Washington family papers.

 

Unbelievable 360°views of wave-like rolling hills. (Absolutely beautiful)!

 

Typical rolling countryside of Virginia as seen from Waveland's back porch.

John Augustine Washington III, enlisted in the Confederate cause and served as Lee's Aide-de-Camp. He was killed at the age of 40 at Elkwater, WV on September 13, 1861.

His wife, Eleanor Love Seldon Washington, died in 1860 from childbirth.

 

The couple had seven children. After being orphaned, they were taken in by John's brother.

I tried to envision in which room the oldest child, Louisa, read the following letter from Robert E. Lee.

 

Camp on Valley River

Sept. 16, 1861

 

My dear Miss Louisa,

 

With a heart filled with grief, I have to communicate the saddest tidings you have ever heard.

 

May 'Our Father, Who is in Heaven' enable you to hear it, for in his Inscrutable Providence, abounding in mercy and omnipotent in person, he has made you fatherless on earth.

 

Your dear father, in reconnoitering the enemy's position yesterday, came within range of the fire of his pickets and was instantly killed. He fell in the cause to which he had devoted all his energies, and in which his noble heart was enlisted. My intimate association with him for some months had more fully disclosed to me his great worth than double as many years of ordinary intercourse would have been sufficient to reveal. We had shared the same tent in morning and evening as his earnest devotion to Almighty God elicited my grateful admiration. He is now happy in Heaven. I trust with her he so loved on earth. We ought not to wish them back.

 

May God, in His mercy, my dear child, sustain you, your sisters and brothers under this heavy affliction. My own grief is so great I will not afflict you further with it.

 

Faithfully your friend

R. E. Lee