Life in the Past Lane

Horses and the Civil War

2012-01-24T07:59:00.000-08:00

Since the release of the movie "War Horse" there has been a lot more attention given to the role of horses in wartime.

On a tour of the Brandy Station battlefield last summer I learned that for every man killed during the Civil War (around 625,000), three horses died. It is also estimated that about 800,000 pounds of forage and grain were needed daily to feed the war's horses and mules.

Anyway, some horses that served during the Civil War are more famous than others, but I thought I'd create a list of the ones I could find. If you are aware of any others, please let me know!

King Philip - One of the more well known warhorses of General N.B. Forest.

Traveller - Probably the most famous horse of the war, he was a big gray gelding that served Robert E. Lee throughout the war and after. Traveller died in June 1871, almost one year after his master's death. He is buried outside of Lee Chapel on the grounds of Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va. Visitors still leave apples and treats on his grave.

Virginia and Skylark - Two of the more famous warhorses owned by Gen. J.E.B.(Jeb) Stuart. (I think Maryland was another one).

Little Sorrel - Warhorse of General Stonewall Jackson. Jackson was riding Little Sorrel when he was shot by friendly fire at Chancellorsville. Little Sorrel survived and was eventually returned to Gen. Jackson's widow.

Frantic- Roonie Lee's war horse.

Cincinnati - Big warhorse ridden by General U.S. Grant.

Dixie - E.Porter Alexander (and Col. Alexander Hunter in the historical fiction novel, Noble Cause)!

Magic -William Blackford.

Grey Eagle - John Buford, the Federal hero of the first day at Gettysburg.

Charlamayne - Joshua L. Chamberlain of 20th Maine and Little Round Top. After the war he gave the local children rides around the neighborhood on his beloved Charlamayne.

Lancer, Don Juan, Harry, Roanoke - Civil War horses of General G.A. Custer.

Dixie - Henry Kyd Douglas.

Roderick - Another of the great warhorses ridden by old N.B. Forrest.

Red Eye-Dick Garnett. Red Eye survived Picket's Charge. General Garnett did not.

Fanny - John Gibbon.

Milroy - John B. Gordon.

Captain - Wade Hampton.

Pretty - David McM. Gregg.

Billy - Frank Haskell.

Dan - Alexander Hays.

Jeff Davis - John B. Hood.

Faugh-a-Ballagh - Patrick Kelly.

Old Spot - Judson Kilpatrick.

Nellie Gray - Fitz Hugh Lee.

Lucy Long - The forgotten warhorse of the beloved General Robert E. Lee,who served him ably throughout the war.

Hero - James Longstreet. Hero saw it all and survived the war.

Old Baldy- George Meade.

Slicky - Alfred Pleasonton.

Prince - John F. Reynolds, one of the Union Army's finest horseman. He was riding Prince at Gettysburg when he urged the Iron Brigade forward into McPherson's woods on the first day. Reynolds was killed by a rebel sharpshooter. Prince was returned to his family in Lancaster, Pa.

Firefly - Robert Rodes.

Renezi - Phil Sheridan. I just saw his stuffed remains at the Smithsonian. His name was changed to Winchester after the famous ride from that town.

Handsome Joe - John Sedgewick.

Tammany - Dan Sickles.

Jinny - Issac Trimble.

Old Jim - Strong Vincent.

Billy - Charles Wainwright.

Fleetfoot - Walter Taylor.

Sheridan - Warhorse of James Harrison Wilson. He fondly referred to his horse in letter's home as "The Prince of Horses."

Old Bench Legs -Warhorse of Benjamin Grieson.

Chief - The last living cavalry horse of the U.S. Cavalry.

Birthday of a Southern hero

2012-01-16T06:52:00.000-08:00

“I have fought against the people of the North because I believed they were seeking to wrest from the South its dearest rights. But I have never cherished toward them bitter or vindictive feelings, and have never seen the day when I did not pray for them.”

- Gen. Robert E. Lee

While the nation honors the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., three states celebrate the birthday of another man as well. In Arkansas, Alabama and Mississippi, the slain civil rights leader shares a state holiday with Robert E. Lee, commanding officer of the Confederate Army during the Civil War.

Robert E. Lee was born at “Stratford ” in Westmoreland County, Va., on Jan. 19, 1807. His father, "Light Horse" Harry, was a hero of the Revolution and served as Governor of Virginia.

Lee graduated from West Point Military Academy in 1829, second in his class and without a single demerit. Two years later, he married Mary Anna Randolph Custis, the daughter of George Washington Parke Custis, (grandson of Martha Washington and the adopted son of George Washington).

Since Mary was an only child, she inherited Arlington House, which lies across the Potomac from Washington, and is now home to Arlington Cemetery.

In 1838, with the rank of captain, Lee fought valiantly in the War with Mexico and was wounded at the Battle of Chapultepec. He was appointed superintendent of West Point in 1852 and is considered one of the best superintendents in that institution's history.

General Winfield Scott offered Robert E. Lee command of the Union Army in 1861, but he refused, saying, “I cannot raise my hand against my birthplace, my home, my children.” Instead, he served as adviser to Confederate President Jefferson Davis, and then commanded the legendary Army of Northern Virginia.

In the fall of 1865, Lee was offered and accepted the presidency of troubled Washington College in Lexington, Va. The school was later renamed Washington and Lee in his honor. Lee died on Oct. 12, 1870, at Washington-Lee College. He is buried in a chapel on the school grounds with his family and near his favorite horse, Traveller.

President Theodore Roosevelt described General Robert E. Lee as "the very greatest of all the great captains that the English-speaking peoples have brought forth." And President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was criticized for displaying a portrait of Robert E. Lee in his office, said, "Robert E. Lee was, in my estimation, one of the supremely gifted men produced by this nation."

Robert E. Lee was the hero of the Southern people and admired both North and South of the Mason-Dixon Line. This Christian-gentleman's last words were, "Strike the Tent."

Thanks to Calvin E. Johnson Jr., speaker, writer, and author of the book, “When America Stood for God, Family and Country,” who contributed information on Robert E. Lee.

Civil War & Southern Literary Awards Contest

2012-01-03T09:49:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

For those who wanted a signed copy of Noble Cause and didn't receive one from Santa, I have a great opportunity for you!

The Military Order of the Stars and Bars, a fraternal organization made up of descendants of Confederate officers, is giving away copies of all of their 2011 Southern Literary Award winners.

All you have to do to enter is visit their website and leave a comment between Jan. 1 and Feb. 15.

This is your chance to win your choice of the 2011 winners of the MOS&B Southern Literature awards. The winners include my Civil War novel Noble Cause (the John Esten Cooke Award); My Old Confederate Home by Rusty Williams (the Douglas Southall Freeman Award); and One of Morgan's Men by John Porter (the Basil Duke Award).

The organization will be randomly selecting four names from among those who leave a comment on the page. Please include which book is your first, second and third choice.

If you love books on the War Between the States and Southern History, make sure you stop by and enter to win!

Happy New Year everyone!
Jessica James

Magical Holiday History Tour Winner!

2011-12-19T17:31:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Jonette Ferris for winning the signed copy of Noble Cause in my Magical Holiday History Tour! Thanks, Jonette! Hope you enjoy!

Christmas Spirit - A Note from the Past

2011-12-16T04:42:00.000-08:00

Since this is the last day of my Magical Holiday History Tour, I thought I'd post a clipping my sister ran across from the Catawba College student newspaper that was written by my grandmother in the 1920s.

She went on to become a teacher, and passed her love of English and writing to me. Christmas memories in my household are not complete without thoughts of my grandparents whose anniversary was on Christmas Eve. It was a special day, full of love, and will forever serve as a reminder of what Christmas is all about.

Christmas Spirit

By Anita Rouzer Lower

Just a few more days and we’ll all be leaving Catawba (College) for the holidays. Some of us will hurry to our homes, anxious to see the folks again and be with them. Others will go to visit friends and exchange the Christmas spirit. Still others will spend part of the time on a basketball tour, winning more laurels for Catawba and themselves.

But what is Christmas? The merriest day, the saddest day, the day that you are happiest over all you have had, the day that your heart aches most for all that you have missed or have had and lost——that’s Christmas. The day that rouses in you all that is generous and tolerant and kindly, the day that wearies you with sentimentality and disappointment and despair——that’s Christmas.

It is the time when you take pleasure in receiving and rejoice in giving gifts. But there are those who, in order to show their love and appreciation, do so much more than their pocketbooks can afford. They measure their ability to be generous in dollars, whereas there are a hundred things any of us would prefer to the most expensive jewels; the promise of a hundred smiles throughout the year to come, the pledge from a chronic worrier to stop fretting, the assurance from a secretive person that he will share the troubles that otherwise might lead to a baffling, tormenting behavior.

These are not gifts for Christmas? No, I’ll grant you they cannot be wrapped in gay papers and tied with tinsel cord, but they will outlast any material human hands can create and occasion deeper joy than the most precious article that ever was displayed in a shop window. Of course, they cannot be conferred with one grand gesture on Christmas day. They must be delivered on appropriate occasions during the year. But might not that be an excellent way of easing up on the intensity of this one great fling of giving which so often engulfs us?

What a Christmas this would be for the whole world if every one of us would wrap up that secret worry, that canker of resentment, that bit of black depression, that impatience, malice or hatred which we have carried around, willingly or unwillingly, with us for so long. And, having wrapped it up, that we should place it at the feet of the Christ Child and go away and leave it there to be transformed into a priceless offering of self-sacrifice and self-abnegation. And if in that same secret altar place of our heart we should lay down the bits of patience, kindness, and gentleness we should like to pass on to others all this year that they too may be magnified and glorified by contact with our highest sense of good.

To do this would be a celebration worthy of the one whose anniversary day it is. To do this would bring to ourselves joy and satisfaction and peace. For Christmas is to each of us just what we make it.

______

Thanks to everyone who has taken part in the Virtual Book Tour for my historical fiction novel, Noble Cause. I will announce the winner of the signed copy of Noble Cause and the $25 B&N Gift Card tomorrow.

-- Jessica James

Gone with the Wind anniversary is big business

2011-12-14T04:57:00.000-08:00

If you have a loved one who is a Gone with the Wind, you shouldn't have any trouble finding a gift for them!

In addition to anniversary edition books and DVD's, I found everything from music boxes, to slippers, figurines and snow globes. There are Christmas ornaments, reproduction photos of the cast, collector plates, calendars... and my favorite, this movie poster.

This poster is the epitome of romance and the grandeur of the Old South. I love it! (Hint, Hint)

Despite this Civil War novel's popularity, (it sold more than a million copies in six months), most people know very little about its author, Margaret Mitchell.

Born in 1900 into a wealthy and politically prominent family, Mitchell was a lifelong resident of Atlanta, Georgia.

Her grandfather, Russell Crawford Mitchell, enlisted in the Confederate States Army in July 1861, and was later severely wounded at the Battle of Sharpsburg. After the Civil War, he made a large fortune in real estate and timber lands. Her grandfather on the maternal side also fought for the Confederacy.

On summer vacations, Mitchell would visit her maternal great-aunts, Mary Ellen ("Mamie") and Sarah ("Sis"), who still lived at the family's plantation home in Jonesboro. Mamie had been twenty-one years old and Sis thirteen when the American Civil War began in 1861. Mitchell recalled her childhood was spent, "on the bony knees of veterans and the fat slippery laps of great aunts," who had lived through the war.

She was ten years old before she learned the Confederacy had not won.

It is said that an image of the South was fixed in Mitchell's imagination when at six years old her mother took her on a buggy tour through ruined plantations where she witnessed "Sherman's sentinels," the brick and stone chimneys that remained after William Tecumseh Sherman's "march" through Georgia.

Tragically, Margaret Mitchell was struck by a speeding automobile as she crossed a street in Atlanta while on her way to see a movie on the evening of August 11, 1949. She died at Grady Hospital five days later without regaining consciousness. The driver was an off-duty taxi driver who was arrested for drunken driving. It was discovered that he had been cited 23 times previously for traffic violations.

I can't help but wonder what else Mitchell could have written had her life not been cut short. She certainly left a legacy with the imagery she created with Gone with the Wind.

Jessica James

Anniversary of Civil War favorite Gone with the Wind

2011-12-12T09:36:00.000-08:00

On to Plan B:
Due to a computer crash, I won't have the posts I was planning to have about historic houses in Virginia. If you're visiting as part of the Magical Holiday History Tour though, feel free to leave a comment about Gone with the Wind.

“There was a land of Cavaliers and Cotton Fields called the Old South. Here in this pretty world, Gallantry took its last bow. Here was the last ever to be seen of Knights and their Ladies Fair, of Master and of Slave. Look for it only in books, for it is no more than a dream remembered, a Civilization gone with the wind...”

When you see images of Civil War soldiers, ladies in hoop skirts, dashing gentlemen on horseback, and the South in all of its nineteenth century glory, what comes to mind? For me, it's Margaret Mitchell and her renowned novel Gone With the Wind.

This Wednesday marks the 75th anniversary of the publication of Gone With the Wind. Fans of the novel and the movie that came just a few years later, will have plenty of opportunity to commemorate the anniversary in the Atlanta area, including Gone With the Wind tours that offer several different venues to explore.

I would love to go on the Gone With the Wind Epic Experience Tour, which includes a visit to the Road to Tara Museum, dinner and a tour at Stately Oaks Plantation.

Another tour is the "Frankly, My Dear" Experience. This includes the Road to Tara Museum, Stately Oaks Plantation, Margaret Mitchell House, Atlanta History Center, and Atlanta Cyclorama.

Anyone who loves historical romance and adventure should enjoy taking part in these tours and the other interesting events that have been scheduled as part of the anniversary.

If you live near Atlanta, visit the Margaret Mitchell House for more information.

Jessica James

It's here! Magical Holiday History Tour!

2011-12-05T05:49:00.000-08:00

NOBLE CAUSE

Join me on my Magical Holiday History Tour set for the first two weeks of December. There will be lots of prizes including a $25 Barnes and Noble Gift Card and a signed copy of Noble Cause.

Dec. 5: Speed date on Romance Junkies. Stop by and ask questions!

Dec. 6: Book Review on Jenny Loves to Read.

Dec. 7: Guest Post on Jenny Loves to Read. Stop by and find out about the real-life hero that my main character, Colonel Alexander Hunter is based upon!

Dec. 8: Guest Post on One Writer's Journey about women soldiers in the Civil War.

Dec. 9: Guest post and excerpt from Noble Cause on RomCon.

Dec. 12-16: Stop by Life in the Past Lane for posts on historic houses in Virginia.

You can enter to win a drawing for a $25 Barnes and Noble Gift Card and other goodies by:

1. Leaving a comment on any (or all) of the Tour Stops.
2. Following this page and/or my Jessica James blog.
3. Liking my Romantic Historical Fiction Fan Page.
4. Tweeting about the contest using @jessicajames.

Hope to see you there!

Jessica James

Holiday traditions: Food, family & fun

2011-12-01T02:33:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to welcome today a dear friend who mixes two of my favorite things: writing and food. Today she has thrown in a few other favorites of mine for good measure -- history and some old traditions of the holiday season. Please welcome Virginia Campbell.

I am delighted to be here today with my friend Jessica James to share some holiday memories and treats and to learn some of your own holiday stories and traditions. As most of you know, Jessica has written a wonderful book--a superb Civil War romance, "Noble Cause: A Novel of Love and War."

According to the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond, Va., the Civil War helped solidify many holiday traditions that Americans still celebrate today. Gift-giving, festive decorations, and cherished times spent with family members and friends during the holidays are especially poignant in times of war. During the tragic War Between the States, when Americans fought against each other on American soil, moments of celebratory happiness would have been touched with a haunting heartbreak. However, for those who believe in the spirit of the season, there is always hope.

What I love most about the holidays is that very special lightness of heart, a feeling that dreams will come true, and the child-like awe of the real magic of Christmas. It's not something that you can touch...but it definitely touches you! I still believe in the Christmas Story. I still leave cookies and milk for Santa. I still love Christmas music, and I still sing Christmas songs...loudly, badly, and with great gusto! I also love the smell of the holidays...greenery, bayberry, peppermint, hot chocolate, fresh frosty air, gingerbread and cookies!

My grandfather loved the holidays more than all the rest of my family put together. He came from a close-knit, loving family unit. They didn't have a lot of money, but they had a lot of heart, and he had a happy childhood. He was a Christmas Tree Expert Extraordinaire! He also loved all the foods of the holidays, and every year he would ask me to make Spritz Cookies. I can't tell you how many of those little butter cookies we ate, but they were as much fun to make as they were to eat!

SPRITZ COOKIES

2 1/2 cups sifted flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup butter
1/2 cup granulated white or brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla or other flavoring

food coloring
sprinkles
colored decorating sugar

Preheat oven to 375°F. Combine flour and salt. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla (or other flavoring), and if desired, food coloring. Gradually add flour/salt while mixer is running on low speed. Pack dough into a cookie press following manufacturer's instructions (or put into a pastry bag fitted with a large star shaped tip). Press mixture onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone baking sheets. Top with sprinkles or colored sugar. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes, depending upon cookie size.

My grandmother, "the greatest cook ever," used to make delicious snow ice cream. Fresh clean snow (yes, it was cleaner in the "good olde days"), whole milk or cream, sugar, and vanilla. For some reason, I crave ice cream in the Winter--maybe because of Gran's "Snow Cream." One of my mother's favorite holiday treats from her childhood was "boiled custard" (which you must not allow to boil). A rich, cooked drink similar to eggnog, boiled custard is actually a custard which is thin enough to drink from a cup. My grandmother used to make it and pour it into glass jars which she would set down outside in the snow to cool. Mom and her brother and sister would drink it outside straight from the jar and then get "switched" by Gran for stealing the family treat!

Fresh Snow Ice Cream

1 small pkg. regular (not instant) vanilla pudding mix
1 cup sugar
1/2 milk
1 pint cream
2 tbsp. vanilla extract
1 pinch ground nutmeg

1 to 2 gallons fresh, clean snow

In an extra-large, heavy mixing bowl, combine pudding mix and sugar. Stir in milk and blend until dry ingredients are dissolved. Blend in cream, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Cover and chill until ready to serve ice cream. To make ice cream: Stir mixture well and add in enough snow to make desired consistency. Do not over-stir. Serve immediately.

Rich Boiled Custard

1 pint whole milk
1 pint cream
6 large eggs
1 cup sugar
1 tbsp. vanilla extract

Into the lower pot of a double boiler, bring water to a medium boil. In the upper pot, add milk and cream. Heat through over medium heat. Beat eggs together until light. Add sugar and mix well. Pour a small portion of hot milk mixture into the eggs and sugar to warm and thin this portion. Pour slowly into hot milk mixture. Cook, stirring constantly until it will coat a spoon. Do not over cook or mixture will become too thick. Stir in vanilla extract. Chill in refrigerator before serving.

I wish you all the very happiest of holiday seasons! I’d love to hear your favorite holiday traditions and funny stories! I absolutely adore Christmas music, even if some of it does make me cry!

My mom and I both loved all-out, over-the-top, sing-your-heart-out Christmas music. We had a tradition of loading up our dogs in the car one night each holiday season to go see the Christmas lights throughout the area. Mom and I would sing holiday songs at the top of our voices, and the dogs were a captive audience. We always ended the evening with a trip to the ice cream store! Mom got eggnog ice cream; I got peppermint candy cane ice cream, and the dogs got vanilla! By the way, occasionally our singing did set the dogs off, and then there was howling and singing. Occasionally, my cats will join in the merriment at home!

Roasted Red Pepper Dip

1 (3-ounce) pkg cream cheese, softened
1 (16-ounce) sour cream
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/4 tsp salt, or more to taste
1 (7-ounce) jar roasted red peppers , drained, patted dry, and finely chopped (about ½ cup)

In a medium bowl, allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature. Add sour cream, and blend well. Add remaining ingredients. Combine all ingredients until thoroughly blended. Serve immediately or store in refrigerator in an airtight container until ready to use.

Turkey, Bacon Spinach Salad with Honey-Dijon Dressing

Salad:
fresh spinach leaves (washed & dried)
cooked turkey breast meat, cut in bite-sized pieces
fresh white button mushrooms, sliced
crumbled cooked bacon
small red onion, thinly sliced
cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
crumbled or shredded cheese, like Blue, Feta, or Parmesan
sliced hard-boiled eggs
croutons

Dressing:
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/4 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp honey (or to taste)
2/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1 cup olive oil

For the dressing: In a bowl whisk together garlic, salt, black pepper, Dijon mustard, honey and balsamic vinegar; add in olive oil slowly until blended. Adjust honey and salt to taste. Chill for several hours before using to allow flavor of dressing to develop.

For salad: In a large glass bowl, sandwich layers of spinach with turkey, sliced mushrooms, bacon, onion, tomato, and cheese. Garnish with sliced eggs and croutons. Serve with prepared dressing on the side. Store any remaining dressing covered in refrigerator.

Apple Butter Cupcakes with Brown Sugar Frosting

1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup margarine or butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup apple butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 5-ounce can (2/3 cup) evaporated milk

Cupcakes: In a small mixing bowl stir together flour, baking powder, soda, and salt; set aside. In a medium mixing bowl beat margarine or butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar; beat until fluffy. Add egg; beat well. Beat in apple butter and vanilla. Stir lemon juice into milk (mixture will curdle). Add flour mixture and milk mixture alternately to apple butter mixture, beating on low to medium speed after each addition just until combined. Grease muffin cups or line with paper bake cups; fill two-thirds full. Bake in a 350 degrees F. oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centers comes out clean. Cool on wire racks. If desired, frost with Brown Sugar Frosting. Makes 24 cupcakes.

Frosting: In a small saucepan melt 1/2 cup margarine or butter; stir in 1 cup packed brown sugar. Cook and stir until bubbly. Remove from the heat. Add 1/4 cup milk; stir until smooth. Add 3-1/2 cups powdered sugar; beat by hand until of spreading consistency. Frost cooled cupcakes immediately. (If frosting thickens, stir in hot water, a few drops at a time, until of spreading consistency again.)

Peppermint Fudge

2 1/2 c. sugar
2/3 c. evaporated milk
1/2 c. (1 stick) butter
1 1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips
1 (7 ounce) jar Marshmallow Creme
1 tsp. vanilla extract or flavoring
1 tsp. peppermint extract or flavoring
1/4 c. plus 1 Tbsp. crushed peppermint candy, divided

Bring first 3 ingredients to a boil in a heavy saucepan, stirring constantly. Boil, stirring constantly 6 minutes or until candy thermometer reaches 238 degrees F. Remove from heat; stir in chocolate chips. Stir in Marshmallow Creme, vanilla extract or flavoring, peppermint extract or flavoring and 1/4 c. crushed candy until blended. Pour into a buttered 9-in. square pan. Sprinkle with 1 Tbsp. crushed candy. Cool and cut into squares.

Holiday Wassail Punch

1 (64-ounce) container apple cider
2 cups orange juice
1 (64-ounce) container cranberry-raspberry juice
4 cinnamon sticks
1 orange, sliced thick, slices studded with whole cloves

Combine all ingredients in a large slow cooker (at least 5 to 6 quart size). Heat on High setting until mixture is steamy. Reduce to low setting to keep at serving temperature. Stir occasionally.

Civil War connection to Thanksgiving

2011-11-22T05:36:00.000-08:00

I don't know about everyone else, but for me, Thanksgiving conjures images of Pilgrims and Indians sitting around a large table dining on turkey and pumpkin pie. While it's true the new arrivals to America did feast with the Native Americans in the fall of 1621 - the reason we celebrate Thanksgiving as a national holiday came much later than that.

Actually, it was President George Washington who proclaimed Thursday, Nov. 26, 1789, as a national day of prayer and fasting. The reason for the observance was to show gratitude to the Creator for deliverance from the recently fought war and British rule. After the fast, there was feasting, called a Feast of Thanksgiving.

But it wasn't until the 1850s when Sarah Josepha Hale, editor of Godey's Lady Book magazine, wrote numerous editorials in her magazine and sent letters urging various State Governors to proclaim the last Thursday in November a "Day of Thanksgiving." In 1863, she wrote to President Abraham Lincoln requesting that he declare Thanksgiving a permanent National Holiday.

President Lincoln, realizing that the 26th of November (1863) again fell on a Thursday, and understanding that showing gratitude on a national level would boost the morale of the American people in the midst of a Civil War, made a proclamation. That official declaration provided for a National Day of Thanksgiving to be observed every fourth Thursday in November.

This year the holiday falls on Nov. 24th rather than the 26th, but it's still a day that reflects the original meaning of a time to give thanks in the company of family and friends.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!

Jessica James

Girl's Night Out and Civil War Book Signing

2011-11-16T12:16:00.000-08:00

It's been a very busy week - and it's only getting busier even though I'm on the downside!

The week started off by getting to promote the exciting news that my Civil War novel Noble Cause was a Finalist in the Historical Fiction category of the USA "Best Books 2011" Awards.

Earlier this year it won the John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction, the 2011 Next Generation Award for Regional Fiction, and the 2011 Pinnacle Book Award. It's been a great 2011!

Tomorrow I will be heading down to Maryland to attend the "Girl's Night Out" event at author Nora Roberts' bookstore Turn the Page. I'll be signing Noble Cause, and mingling with other regonal authors and artists. Should be lots of fun!

On Friday, I head to the National Civil War Wax Museum in Gettysburg for a book signing from 2 until 5 p.m. If you happen to be in Gettysburg for Remembrance Day, I hope you'll stop by and say hello. This is my favorite weekend in Gettysburg. I love to see all of the re-enactors in town!

On Saturday morning I am going to go help wash horses for the 18th Virginia Volunteer Cavalry. They'll be riding in the Remembrance Day Parade, while I get cleaned up and head to work for a 10-hour shift. I hate to miss the parade, but am thankful for a job!

Next week will be more relaxing. I look forward to seeing my family and offering thanks for all of the wonderful gifts that have come my way.

Jessica James

Win prizes with Noble Cause

2011-11-11T05:13:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! It's contest time and this is a fun one!

Head on over to The Romance Reviews and you'll see what I mean! The contest runs now through Nov. 30, and gives you the opportunity to win a $100 gift card as well as 200 other assorted prizes.

More than 200 authors and publishers are participating in this event, so there are plenty of chances to win. Make sure you stop by on Nov. 11 and 16 because those are the days that my historical fiction Civil War novel Noble Cause will be featured!

You'll have to answer some questions, but they are easily found on my Jessica James Historical Fiction website.

They also have a fun memory game with book covers if you scroll down to the bottom.

Hope to see you there!

Jessica James

Haunted Gettysburg: Sachs Bridge

2011-10-31T08:24:00.000-07:00

SACHS BRIDGE

Since one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War took place in Gettysburg, it's not surprising that there are many places that are considered haunted.

One of the places ghost hunters like to visit (including me and my nieces and nephews) is a 100-foot-long covered bridge called Sachs Bridge.

Originally built in 1854 by David Spooner, the bridge spans Marsh Creek south and a little west of Gettysburg. It is built with a truce and lattice support system, and was used by both Union and Confederate forces on the first day of the three-day battle.

After day two of the battle, the bridge remained on the Confederate side until their retreat. Sachs Bridge is considered to be the most historic covered bridge in the state. It was closed to automobile traffic in 1968, and in 1980 it was listed on the in the National Register of Historic Places. It is also called by many who have investigated one of the most active paranormal spots in Gettysburg.

In addition to the troops that occupied the bridge, there is a darker side as well. The story is told that three men were hung from the rafters there. Some people say it was 3 Confederate soldiers caught as spies. Others say that the three soldiers were deserters. In any case, there are people who claim to have photos of bodies hanging from the bridge that they didn't seen when the picture was taken.

I'm sure the bridge will be a busy place on Halloween night. If you're in the Gettysburg area you can check it out--if you dare!

Jessica James

Civil War novel book review

2011-10-25T07:16:00.000-07:00

Just got word that a book review of my historical fiction novel Noble Cause ran in Sunday's edition of the Fredericksburg (Va.) Free Lance-Star.

Part of the review says:

"Author Jessica James ably blends the reality of war and its honor, bravery and conflicting beliefs, with the growing love of two people with opposing ideologies and views of what is right."

The review is entitled "Romance in the Midst of War." Hope you'll take a look!

I really enjoy this newspaper and hope to get down to visit the Fredericksburg area again soon. It's actually the town where I really began to get serious about writing a Civil War novel, after having a "ghostly" encounter at a Civil War hospital there.

One of the main scenes in Noble Cause (with Daniel Delaney) takes place at the Lacy House because of that encounter. I'll have to write about that some day!

Until then ...

Jessica James

Guest Post: Death of Robert E. Lee

2011-10-12T06:46:00.000-07:00

Do Americans know more about Fidel Castro and Che Guevara then they do about George Washington and Robert E. Lee? I have been told that some college students wear Che Guevara and Mao Tse Tung tee shirts but are not allowed to wear American history shirts depicting Robert E. Lee, George Washington, the United States flag or Confederate battle flag.

Are young folks still taught about America’s past?

Robert E. Lee

Every year, the Lee Chapel, at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va., presents a lecture and special events commemorating the Washington College presidency of Robert E. Lee on the anniversary of his death.

The headline from a Richmond newspaper upon Lee's death read:

"News of the death of Robert E. Lee, beloved chieftain of the Southern army, whose strategy mainly was responsible for the surprising fight staged by the Confederacy, brought a two-day halt to Richmond's business activities."

General Lee died at his home at Lexington at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 12, 1870. His last great deed came after the War Between the States when he accepted the presidency of Washington College, now Washington and Lee University. He saved the financially troubled college and helped many young folks further their education.

Some write that Robert E. Lee suffered a cerebral hemorrhage on September 28, 1870, but was thought to greatly improve until October 12th, when he took a turn for the worse. His condition seemed more hopeless when his doctor told him, "General you must make haste and get well---Traveller---has been standing too long in his stable and needs exercise."

Virginia Military Institute (VMI) Cadet William Nalle said in a letter home to his mother, dated October 16, 1870:

"I suppose of course that you have all read full accounts of Gen Lee's death in the papers. He died on the morning of the 12th at about half past nine. All business was suspended at once all over the country and town, and all duties, military and academic suspended at the Institute, and all the black crape and all similar black material in Lexington, was used up at once, and they had to send on to Lynchburg for more. Every cadet had black crape issued to him, and an order was published at once requiring us to wear it as a badge of mourning for six months."

The rains and flooding were the worst in Virginia's history on the day General Lee died. On Wednesday, October 12, 1870, in the presence of his family, Lee quietly passed away.

The church bells rang as the sad news passed through Washington College, Virginia Military Institute, the town of Lexington and the nation. Cadets from VMI College carried the remains of the old soldier to Lee Chapel where he laid in state.

Memorial meetings were held throughout the South and as far North as New York. At Washington College in Lexington eulogies were delivered by: Reverend Pemberton, Reverend W.S. White--Stonewall Jackson's Pastor and Reverend J. William Jones. Former Confederate President Jefferson Davis brought the eulogy in Richmond, Virginia. Lee was also eulogized in Great Britain.

Many thousands witnessed Lee's funeral procession marching through the town of Lexington with muffled drums and the artillery firing as the hearse was driven to the school's chapel where he was laid to rest.

Booker T. Washington, America’s great Black-American Educator wrote in 1910:

“The first white people in America, certainly the first in the South to exhibit their interest in the reaching of the Negro and saving his soul through the medium of the Sunday-school were Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson.”

The Georgia Division Sons of Confederate Veterans joins the nation in commemorating the 150th anniversary of the War Between the States.

By: Calvin E. Johnson, Jr., Speaker, Writer, Author of Book ‘When America Stood for God, Family and Country.”

Heritage and History at Book Signing

2011-09-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

Officers, including Col. Mosby, in
Warrenton, Va. for Heritage Day.

After another flood of rain on Friday, Sept. 23, in Gettysburg, I made the trek to Warrenton, Va. for the annual Heritage Day celebration on Saturday with a bit of trepidation.

The forecast didn't allow me to be very hopeful, but as luck would have it, the day turned out to be perfect -- not too hot and no rain at all.

I had a fantastic day signing copies of my historical fiction novel Noble Cause in front of the historic Warren-Green Hotel and met lots of wonderful people. The day included living historians, lectures, reenactments, tours, entertainment and hands-on demonstrations. The highlight of the event was the Living History Parade that featured re-enactors from the 250 years of Warrenton and Fauquier heritage.

General Lee, ever gracious,
tips his hat as he walks by.

Of course, the highlight for me was the appearance of Colonel John S. Mosby who was the impetus for the main character in Noble Cause and Shades of Gray. He lived in Warrenton after the Civil War and practiced law in the courthouse that sat right in front of me. He is buried in the Warrenton Cemetery along with a number of his men.

I was so busy throughout the day that I didn't get much time to sight-see. Just out of my view during the signing was a building that was a barber shop during the War Between the States. Mosby was supposedly getting a shave there when a Yankee officer walked in and questioned Mosby himself. Because Mosby had shaving cream all over his face, the officer accepted his statement that he was a private in the Union army.

I was lucky that I got to sit beside Mosby historian, author and film maker Don Hakenson, who was a treasure trove of Mosby antecdotes. I purchased a copy of the documentary Mosby's Combat Operations in Fairfax County, from him, which I highly recommend.

Until next time...
Jessica James

John Esten Cooke Award for Fiction

2011-09-20T07:19:00.000-07:00

The author with the John Esten Cooke
Award for Fiction, standing beside a
portrait of Col. John Mosby who was
the inspiration for the main character
in the novel Noble Cause.

As some of you may know, I recently received the John Esten Cooke Award for Fiction from the Military Order of the Stars and Bars.

This fraternal organization is made up of documented descendants of men who served as commissioned officers in the Confederate military during the War Between the States.

Founded in 1938, it is now a non-profit, non-political, educational, historical, patriotic, and heritage group that is dedicated to preserving Southern history

The award is presented annually to encourage writers of fiction to portray characters and events dealing with Southern history, Confederate heritage and the War Between the States in a historically accurate fashion. Other John Esten Cooke Award winners include New York Times bestselling author Donald McCaig, as well as renowned writers Robert Macomber and Harry Turtledove.

John Esten Cooke

It is such an honor to receive this award since I have read many of Cooke's works. One of the most important literary figures of nineteenth-century Virginia, Cooke was the author of historical fiction and romances in the tradition of Walter Scott and James Fenimore Cooper. His work holds a significant place in Virginia's literary history and in nineteenth-century American literary culture.

A relative by marriage to General J.E.B. Stuart, Cooke served as a cavalryman with the officer and wrote biographies of generals Thomas Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee. His romance novels and historical fiction books read like memoirs in some instances because he served on many of the battlefields he writes about.

In the spring of 1862, Cooke served as a volunteer aide-de-camp to General J. E. B. Stuart, who had married Cooke's first cousin. Cooke received a commission as first lieutenant of artillery on May 19, 1862, joined Stuart on his celebrated ride around the Union army on June 12–16, and won promotion to captain on August 8, to rank from July 25. He became chief of ordnance for Stuart's cavalry division later that year. In October 1863 he was temporarily assigned to duty in the adjutant general's department of Stuart's command, and beginning in May 1864 he served as assistant inspector general of the Army of Northern Virginia's artillery corps.

Cooke was arguably the most famous Virginia writer of his period, and definitely skilled in penning historical romance novels. His writings embrace a breadth of subject matter in a wide variety of genres that gives his books enduring interest. In part because of his success in gaining recognition from northern editors and readers, his career illustrates connections between northern and southern publishing in the nineteenth century.

John Esten Cooke died, probably of typhoid fever, at the Briars on September 27, 1886. He was buried in the Old Chapel Cemetery, in Clarke County.

Noble Cause has won other literary awards, but none mean as much as this one. To be judged by a panel of readers that value Southern heritage and possess such a deep understanding of Confederate history is an honor above all others.

Jessica James

Historic road trip down the John Mosby Highway

2011-09-13T07:16:00.000-07:00

Today's post is taken from the Mosby Heritage Area Association newsletter concerning sites located along or near the John Mosby Highway - Route 50. This is a beautiful corridor that looks much the same as it did during the Civil War. It makes a great day trip, and this post points out just four of the many historic treasures found there.

Old Goose Creek Bridge

Old Goose Creek Bridge

The Old Goose Creek Bridge sits as a monument to the past and is designated a National Register and Virginia Historic Landmark.

Now bypassed by Route 50, the Old Goose Creek Bridge was built in 1802 as part of Ashby's Gap Turnpike. It is 212 feet long and 23 feet wide and carried traffic until 1957 when Route 50 was straightened and the bridge was abandoned. It is one of the last four- arch stone bridges in Virginia.

The bridge became a major choke point during the opening phase of the Battle of Upperville fought on June 21, 1863. Union General Alfred Pleasonton had been assigned the task of taking his 7,000 cavalrymen west along the Ashby Gap Turnpike to the Shenandoah Valley to report on the whereabouts of the Army of Northern Virginia, which was advancing northward towards Gettysburg.

Facing Pleasonton was the cavalry force of Confederate General J. E. B. Stuart. Stuart's mission was to delay the enemy and prevent him from crossing into the Shenandoah Valley. Stuart's cavalrymen and two batteries of artillery held the hill to the west of the bridge while two Union artillery batteries, cavalry and infantry held the high ground to the east.

An artillery duel raged for over an hour. Near the end, Federal forces attacked down the steep embankment to cross Goose Creek and forced the Confederates to retire to the next high ground to the west. General Stuart's stand held the Federals at bay for over two hours and gave him the time to consolidate his cavalry just east of Upperville.

After the war, Loudoun and Fauquier Counties repaired the bridge to a functional state.

This site is extremely popular with hundreds of visitors from all part of the world signing the guest book each year. As part of the Mosby Heritage Area, the bridge is a frequent stop on the Virginia Civil War Trails, as well as a featured stop on MHAA's Prelude to Gettysburg audiotape tour and the Upperville Trinity Church Hunt Country Stable Tour.

Senator John Warner donated the twelve-acre meadow along the creek to the members of the Fauquier and Loudoun Garden Club, who are the bridge's caretakers. The property has been placed into scenic easement, which means it can never be subdivided or developed

Atoka and the Caleb Rector House

Caleb Rector House

Those familiar with the Mosby Heritage Area Association are well acquainted with the Caleb Rector House in Atoka. Most notably, this was where Col. John Singleton Mosby formally established his Rangers as Company A, 43rd Virginia Battalion of Cavalry, in the parlor on June 10, 1863.

Today the house serves as the headquarters for the Mosby Heritage Area Association. Please feel free to stop in and say hello.

The historic home at Rector's Crossroads (now Atoka) was a popular rendezvous site for Mosby's Rangers prior to their raids. Barely two weeks after the Rangers were formally organized, the Rector House served as J.E.B. Stuart's headquarters on June 13, 1863 as he coordinated his cavalry actions in preparation for the Gettysburg campaign. Three days later came the first of the Great Cavalry Battles of Aldie, Middleburg, and Upperville.

Crednal

Crednal

Along the north side of Welbourne Road (Route 743) stands Crednal, a private residence. It is one of the finest examples of an early 19th-century federal-style estate in the area. Unique to the house is the incorporation of an earlier half-story stone structure, possibly a dwelling and probably a patent house, into the brick house. A stone wall of the earlier structure is at the rear of the present brick house. Dolley Madison once owned the granite steps, which now grace the entrance to Crednal.

Parts of the now 70-acre property date to 1785, and as is the case with many homes of notable Virginians, it has seen its share of history. Crednal had its beginnings as part of a 5,000- acre parcel owned by Landon Carter, the son of the wealthy businessman and politician Robert "King" Carter. Legend holds that the name "Crednal" derives from "Credenhill," a parish in Herefordshire, England, and the ancestral home of Landon's mother, Betty Landon Carter.

John Armistead Carter, a great-great grandson of Robert Carter, acquired the estate from his wife's mother, Louisa Dulany DeButts Hall. Armistead, as he was known to family, became a lawyer and practiced in Leesburg, later serving in the state legislature from 1842 to 1877.

With tension between the North and South at a peak in 1861, Carter, along with John Janney of Leesburg, represented Loudoun County at Virginia's Succession Convention. Though Virginia ultimately joined the Confederacy, Carter voted against succession., even though hew as a slaveholder. Loudoun County held a strong anti-succession sentiment, partly due to its many Quaker families.

The war served as a major event at Crednal. Crednal's fields were a focus of the Battle of Unison in 1862, where, according to the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, J.E.B. Stuart and his staff camped . The plantation was also the site of troop maneuvers associated with the Battle of Upperville in 1863. The historic markers along Route 50 near Paris are worth a visit and detail the battle.

Growing up at Crednal, Armistead's son, Col. Richard Welby Carter, established his reputation as a fine horseman before the war. He later raised a militia that would become the 1st Virginia Calvary. Incidentally, in 1853, Welby and his friend, Col. Richard Henry Dulany of nearby Welbourne, had established the Upperville Horse and Colt Show.

Welbourne

Welbourne

Across the lane from Crednal stands Welbourne, today a bed and breakfast owned by Col. Richard Henry Dulany's great-great grandson, Nat Morison. Both General Stuart and Col. Mosby visited the home. In addition, the inn was host to F. Scott Fitzgerald and Thomas Wolfe in the 1930s. Both authors used the house as a setting in their works.

For travelers, Welbourne offers a step back in time. The grand foyer and library reflect the home's history and care by eight generations of the Dulany family. The house dates from 1700 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it serves as a window into mid 19th century plantation life in Virginia.

Note: I have stayed at Welbourne and it is like taking a step back in time! Absolutely wonderful historic getaway.

In addition to these well-known landmarks along the John S Mosby Highway, a noteworthy stop is just west of Atoka Road in the east-bound direction. Here sits the final resting place of John T. Edmundson, marked by a simple headstone and bronze marker, both now shaded by a large, magnificently gnarled tree.

Edmundson apparently died five days after being wounded in the Battle of Aldie. His headstone stood alone along the road for 145 years before MHAA President Childs Burden discovered the grave's inhabitant in 2008. Not much else is known about this Confederate soldier, who died and then was buried by Union troops.

Thanks again to the Mosby Heritage Area Association for collecting this information. Please visit their website - they have much to offer!

Jessica James

Remembering Heroes

2011-09-11T07:27:00.000-07:00

I write about heroes.

As an historical fiction/romance author, it’s what I do. I conjure up the traits that I most esteem and put them together to create a character that is heroic, noble, honorable, and self-sacrificing.

On September 11, 2001, I found out that I had a lot to learn about heroes.

As many of you will probably recall, it was a beautiful Tuesday—bright blue sky dotted with puffy white clouds. I was a newspaper editor finishing up pages for a 9:30 a.m. press time when it was announced that a plane had hit one of the towers at the World Trade Center. The discussion immediately began as to which editor was going to rip their page apart and insert the late-breaking news.

In the midst of bantering back and forth about who was doing what, the second plane hit. The mood changed in an instant. And as we all know, by the end of that morning, the country had changed as well.

Of course, all of the editors ended up re-doing their pages that day, but the morning is mostly a blur of minute-by-minute updates coming across the wire—some of it was news, a lot of it was rumor. One thing I do remember however is looking up and seeing dozens of people from other departments huddled around our newsroom TV. There was no talking, no discussion—just worried faces, concern, dismay, disbelief. No one could believe what they were seeing. They could not comprehend what was unfolding before their very eyes.

There is no way to capture the feelings, emotions and tragedy of that day—from the heroes that died with the words “Let’s Roll,” to the firemen who walked calmly up the stairs of the Towers while others rushed down.

I was so moved that within a few days I was heading to lower Manhattan with my Jeep loaded with masks from the local Red Cross. It wasn’t hard to find the outer perimeter of defense that had been set up after the attack. Every street was filled with blue—New York City police officers stood literally shoulder to shoulder and sometimes two and three deep.

Once I had been stopped and checked out, I was permitted to pass through this perimeter and move closer to the destruction. Anyone who has been to Manhattan would not have recognized the streets so starkly empty. There were no cars, no people—just a smoky film that hung in the air thick as grief, and a smell I will never forget.

When I reached the next line of defense made up of the National Guard, I was again stopped, this time by well-armed servicemen who surrounded my Jeep. I soon noticed a gun-wielding officer walking toward me at a rapid pace. (When I say gun-wielding, I’m talking about a semi-automatic, don’t-mess-with-me, menacing-looking weapon).

“You can’t go any further,” he said gruffly when he got to my window in a tone that indicated this man meant business. “You can’t go any further,” he repeated when I did not answer, “with that plate on the front of your car.”

It wasn’t until he began to crack a smile that I realized he was joking. I had a Nascar #8 on the front of my Jeep (back in those days that was Earnhardt Junior). This Guardsman was a Dale Jarrett fan, and thought it more appropriate if I added another 8 to make it #88. (Which ironically, is Dale Jr.’s number today).

Amidst heartbreak and sorrow, destruction and the acrid smell of jet fuel, this moment in time left an imprint on my memory that will remain forever. I looked around at the faces of the men surrounding me and knew in an instant we were going to be all right. This country was going to get through this tragedy with the same courage, guts, determination and tenacity that made it great to begin with.

Today, September 11, 2011, is a day of heartbreak and pain—but it is also a day of hope. Scars remain, but the terrorists who sought to destroy the American spirit did not succeed. I witnessed that unique spirit on my trip to New York City in images that I could not draw my eyes away from, yet did not want to see. As George W. Bush said in Shanksville during the unveiling of the memorial there on Saturday: “Evil is real—and so is courage.”

To combat that evil, the world needs heroes—not like the ones like I create for my novels—but like the ones that were created on September 11, 2001.

'Whiskory' and other events in Mosby country

2011-09-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

Some great events are coming up in northern Virginia, sponsored by the Mosby Heritage Area Association. I've been to a few of these in year's past and they are a fantastic learning experience.

September 17: Several members of the Mosby Heritage Area Association's Gray Ghost Interpretive Group (GIGG) will once again be working with the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, to take a new look at local history. To be held at the NVRPA's historic Aldie Mill on the evening of Saturday September 17, "Spirited History" will include a whiskey tasting, a fine Southern dinner, commentary by master distiller Scott Harris of Catoctin Distilling in Purcellville, Va., as well as interpretation from Rich Gillespie and some members of the GGIG team.

What is a "whiskory?" It is a combination of stories and history about the local area's distilling past along with a whiskey tasting experience. The stories extend from Mosby's fun-loving 'Tam O'Shanter Rangers' to an unfortunate state revenue agent killed near Ashburn in the 1920s. It is another way to see the grain and mill economy in the Mosby Heritage Area.

For more information and to reserve your place at what promises to be a lively evening call Tracy Gillespie at Aldie Mill at 703- 327-9777.

October 29: From noon to 5 p.m., the Mosby Heritage Area Association's Gray Ghost Interpretive Group will team up with the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority to present their third installment of Scout along the Turnpike in which living history interpreters will bring alive Mosby stories along Route 50, the old Ashby's Gap and Little River Turnpikes, from the Civil War.

Presentations will be made at the Rector House at Atoka, at Aldie Mill, and Mount Zion Church a mile east of Aldie. Visiters will get to converse with Gray Ghost storytellers, as well as hear their tales. Visit one or all the sites in any order at any time between noon and 5 p.m. The program is free to the public.

Off topic: A walk in the woods

2011-08-22T06:13:00.000-07:00

The path we walk to
the old log cabin.

There's a golden tint in the air these days even if the leaves have only just begun to take on an autumn hue. The humidity has finally dropped and there is the definite feel of fall in the air.

It's my favorite time of year!

Unlike most people who are probably most active during the summer months, I do a lot of writing and very little moving from June through August. Even my part-time job as a stagehand slows down to just routine maintenance and cleaning, so it is inevitable that I gain a few pounds during the months when most people are losing them.

But with autumn comes the beginning of a new theater season -- and with the falling of leaves comes the start of wood cutting season, a surefire way to keep the pounds off!

The log cabin in the woods.

To keep from gaining too much weight this summer, I started taking a walk every night with my dog. Our favorite place to go is an old log cabin that sits less than a half-mile away down an old logging trail. I like to walk right around dusk, and think about all of those who have walked in my very footsteps (including Indians, no doubt!).

Local folklore has it that the owner of the cabin and the owner of my house (which is circa early 1800s), used to fight over the spring which lies on my property about halfway between the two houses.

The spring is only used by the deer and other wildlife now, but I make sure to go there a few times a year to rake out the leaves and branches. It's off the beaten path and not an easy climb, but it's interesting to think about what it must have been like 100 -- and even 200 -- years ago. Perhaps it was even used by Civil War soldiers on the retreat from Gettysburg.

Hope you enjoy these last days of August and put them to good use!

Jessica James

Experience a Civil War raid at new exhibit

2011-08-11T09:02:00.000-07:00

Visitors will see signs of
Morgan's raiding party.

Summer is drawing to a close, but there's still time to take your family on a vacation they will never forget.

No, I'm not talking about the beach. (As an historical fiction author, I would never recommend something as simple as that--although sun and sand make a nice vacation too). I'm talking about combining a fun experience with a learning experience by visiting a new museum that will let your family encounter and interact with history.

If you think going to a museum means walking around and staring into glass cases, you have something to learn. A new museum that opened in June near Indianapolis will open your eyes to the "next generation" of how history is learned. Described as part amusement park, part19th-century village, and part high-tech theater, this museum tells and teaches history in a different way: not as fact but as experience.

It reportedly took five years of research, planning, design and construction to create the exhibit, called 1863 Civil War Journey: Raid on Indiana at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, a Smithsonian affiliate. This presentation is truly is unique because it combines the artistry and magic of technology with the authenticity and warmth of characters. Images, video, sound, live characters and period-specific sets and buildings work in concert to create an experience that will never be forgotten. Most importantly, the experience engages visitors to become active participants.

The Civil War Journey takes place in a re-creation of the southeastern Indiana town of Dupont, and chronicles the only Civil War battle fought on Indiana soil. That battle was triggered by the July 8, 1863, Ohio River crossing and subsequent capture of Corydon, Indiana, by Confederate General John Hunt Morgan and his band of 2,400 cavalry. Morgan’s Raid left up to 15 dead and more than 40 wounded in Corydon before moving on to several other small Indiana towns including Dupont.

According to Conner Prairie President and CEO, Ellen M. Rosenthal, “Civil War Journey is a vivid illustration of the transition from exhibit to experience. Whether one refers to it as ‘next generation’ or ‘Museum 3.0,’ Civil War Journey will truly immerse our visitors in history. It is unconventional."

Civil War Journey tells the story from the viewpoints of people who actually experienced Morgan’s Raid. Its main characters are 16-year old Attia Porter; teenager Albert Cheatham, former slave, but now a free black man; and Confederate General John Hunt Morgan. The experience is based in large part on letters, journal entries, and other historical archives outlining the days and weeks before and after the raid. Civil War Journey conveys the terror and uncertainty that erupts when war arrives in one's hometown.

Upon arrival, visitors are recruited by the Governor to defend the state. Stepping through Dupont’s covered bridge, they find the town has been ransacked. Each visitor is then asked to defend Indiana against General Morgan and 2,400 Confederate raiders. From the Mayfield and Nichols Dry Goods Store and Mrs. Mayfield’s urgent pleas for help, to the family home of the Porters, now occupied as Union militia headquarters, visitors are swept up in the conflict along with the townspeople. Civil War Journey is an intense, self-led exploration through a town in chaos.

With today's growing use of technology and the need to teach children in new and creative ways, I envision this type of museum exhibit being joined by others that allow visitors to "experience" history rather than just read about it.

For a video about the exhibit go here.

SCV's role in saving Manassas Battlefield

2011-08-10T07:27:00.000-07:00

I received this information in an e-mail and thought I would post it for those who are not aware of the good things the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) organization has done throughout the years. It's especially timely since I just did a book signing in Manassas last month.

"In a time when the old Confederate veterans were still alive, members of the SCV realized that the Confederate South had yet to memorialize a single battlefield. Battlefield Parks were the domain of state park systems or the Department of the Interior through the agency of the National Park Service. The SCV viewed the important historical land as “particularly neglected” since the battle.

The initial plan began with the obtaining of an option in 1920 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy to purchase the Henry Farm, a 130 acre tract of land where the most famous aspects of the battle had occurred. One year later, the Manassas Battlefield Confederate Park Inc., an SCV auxiliary, was created to raise the necessary $25,000 option purchase price.

It was the purpose of the SCV to have the park stand as a Southern battlefield memorial to the Confederate soldier. At the time, other historical projects seemed to often omit Southern soldiers, valor and their achievements. For example, much ado was made when the amphitheatre in Arlington National Cemetery omitted the Southern soldier. Education and history would be its hallmark but in no way would the Northern soldier be ignored. Monuments and memorials would be encouraged from both warring sides. Even so, the corporation had a great deal of infighting with one faction forming which wanted the word “confederate” removed from the corporate title (much like the problems today’s Museum of the Confederacy faces). There was also internal litigation over control of the property.

The SCV soon found (as did many other organizations) that raising the money to execute the deal would be difficult. Not only was the South still prostrate financially from the War Between the States, the entire nation was mired in the Great Depression. Today, the SCV has over 30,000 members and a treasury of millions of dollars. In 1939, the organization had 1,753 members with a treasury of only a few thousand dollars. Also, projects such as Stone Mountain in Georgia were competing for limited Southern resources. Despite financial issues, the SCV was meeting its financial obligations and an accounting of the organization’s finances in 1938 showed they were fiscally sound (but not wealthy).

Still, it seemed a nearly impossible task to reach the original goals of the Park. In 1933, conversations began with the National Park Service. The possible transfer caused a great deal of apprehension in the South, which was leery of federal ownership and federal park interpretation and management.

To make a long story short, the $25,000 was raised and in 1939, an agreement was worked out with the federal government for the SCV to donate the Henry Farm to the National Park Service for the purpose of establishing a national military park.

Herein lies the rub. Despite the severe financial problems the SCV had at the time, the organization seemed equally concerned with the way the tract would be interpreted should the National Park Service obtain the Henry Farm. In the conveyance deed, the SCV stipulated that “strictest accuracy and fairness” be demanded in the erection of monuments and markers and opposed anything which would in anyway detract from the glory due to the Confederate soldier. Care was to be taken to preserve the battlefield without prejudice to either the North or South. These clauses in the deed became covenants running with the land, enforceable by a court of law.

At the time, many were concerned that The Grand Bargain struck between Union and Confederate veterans was falling apart. This unwritten truce allowed the country to heal from the war and reconcile without finger pointing or recrimination. Today, The Grand Bargain is a relic of the past. It is open season on the interpretation of Confederate history and the causes of the war. In many ways, the America of 2011 still is divided on a sectional basis. The old veterans seemed to be able to co-exist while today, the government, academia and the media are re-opening many old wounds, often demonizing the Confederate soldier and the cause for which he fought.

On February 16, 1940, the Department of the Interior accepted the deed. The Park Service remained leery of the restrictive covenants and internal memorandums and letters at the time urged caution in their interpretation lest they bring a court challenge. For $1, the Sons of Confederate Veterans generously donated the critical piece of the Manassas Battlefield, the Henry Farm and Henry House Hill where the battle was decided and where the immortal Jackson earned the most famous sobriquet in military history – “Stonewall.” Manassas is supremely important to the people of the South, as two decisive Confederate victories occurred on the plains of Manassas.

Today, the Manassas Battlefield is a wonderful attraction luring thousands of tourists every year. A bronze plaque denoting the SCV gift is exhibited prominently in the Manassas Visitors Center. The SCV surrendered much in their donation. The potential revenue of running their own Manassas Park (potentially millions) was considered at the time. Internal SCV memos were already noticing the visitation at other national parks. The Henry Farm donation would be similar to donating the Burnside Bridge at Sharpsburg, Marye’s Heights in Fredericksburg, or Little Round Top at Gettysburg. The generous donation was a true act of both patriotism and national reconciliation on the part of the South and the Sons of Confederate Veterans."

The nation owes a debt of thanks to the SCV for preserving this important piece of American history and donating it so that all may enjoy and learn.

Jessica James

Yes, Black Confederates really existed

2011-08-08T05:45:00.000-07:00

Since there are still those in the world of academia who refuse to believe (or teach) that African Americans served in the Confederate army, I thought I'd post a link to this interesting story from NPR.

After years of research, the woman in this story and her daughters have become proud members of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Check it out:
Confederate Daughter Arises

Arlington House: Memorial to Robert E. Lee

2011-08-03T06:11:00.000-07:00

Arlington House

Part II

There are probably some people out there who don't know that Arlington National Cemetery is located on the grounds of Arlington House, the home of Confederate General Robert E. Lee for three decades. It has long been a place that I wanted to visit, so I thought I'd share my experience for those who may never get to see it firsthand.

View of Washington and Potomac
River from porch of Arlington House.

Built in 1802, with amazing views of the Potomac River and the nation's capital, Arlington House began as somewhat of a memorial to George Washington. It was built by George Washington Parke Custis, who was raised from infancy by his grandmother Martha Dandridge Custis Washington, and her second husband George Washington. (Yes, the George Washington).

Custis married Mary Lee Fitzhugh in 1804, and their only surviving child, Mary Anna, grew up and married Lt. Robert E. Lee, a childhood playmate. The couple eventually inherited the house and had seven children. When touring the home, it isn't hard to imagine the sound of all of those children playing. One of the downstairs rooms was their favorite, and little Agnes Lee recalled how they "rode round and round on stick horses, making stables of the niches in the (window) arches."

My favorite photo of Lee.

With the coming of the Civil War, Arlington House ceased to be a home. Lee left for Richmond in April of 1861, and Mrs. Lee left in May when Union troops prepared to occupy Arlington Heights. Interestingly, Mrs. Lee entrusted the house keys to a servant, Selina Gray, which was a great deal of responsibility. This was not uncommon during the Civil War, and was in fact fairly typical of the trust many Virginia families placed in their slaves. Selina took the position seriously and confronted the Federal commanding officer when the Lee's possessions began to disappear.

In 1864, the government took possession of the estate when Mrs. Lee could not appear in person to pay property taxes. For reasons both practical and symbolic, the army then established a military cemetery on the grounds, which grew to become Arlington National Cemetery.

Bedchamber where Mary Custis died.

Among the rooms that you can see during the tour of the house are the Family Parlor, where Mary Custis and Robert E. Lee were married; the Dining Room, where Lt. Lee proposed to Mary Anna; the White Room, where the Lee children played; and the Lees' bedroom where Robert E. Lee spent a sleepless night agonizing over his decision to remain a U.S. Army officer or follow Virginia.

I loved the large windows, fireplaces and well-worn wood floors, but my favorite place in the house was the staircase. There are two, as is common in old houses. The one that was likely the servants' stairs was very steep and narrow, and the handrail was well worn. I happened to be alone when I was on the stairs and thought about all of the hands that had held onto that railing. It's just an amazing experience to have the opportunity walk in the footsteps of all that history.

One other important memorial of interest on the grounds of Arlington House - located in the flower garden actually - is the monument to unknown Civil War dead. The tomb reads:

"Beneath this stone repose the bones of two thousand one hundred and eleven unknown soldiers gathered after the war from the fields of Bull Run and the route to the Rappahannock. Their remains could not identified but their names and deaths are recorded in the archives of their country, and its grateful citizens honor them as of their noble army of martyrs.
May they rest in peace.
September AD 1866"

Arlington House is undergoing renovations - and has been for a few years now - so I hope to go back when it is finished and the furnishings are back in the house.

Jessica James

A sacred shrine - Arlington Cemetery

2011-08-01T07:42:00.000-07:00

Arlington National Cemetery

Part 1

After a heavy book signing schedule in April and May, and then working long hours throughout the month of June (as in 85 hours in one week) I've taken some time off in July to get caught up.

Last week I checked off one of the things on my summer list by visiting Arlington National Cemetery and Arlington House, the former home of General Robert E. Lee.

I have to say that no picture could capture the solemn sacredness of this military shrine. In addition to tombstones stretching as far as the eye can see, the sound of muffled drums beating as another veteran is laid to rest adds another dimension to the experience. More than once I heard the haunting music of the military band floating across the hills, followed by three rifle volleys, and then the eerie notes of "Taps." About 6,900 burials take place at Arlington each year.

Tomb of the Unknown

The cemetery covers 624 acres and holds the remains of more than 320,000 servicemen and women from every war and conflict in our history. In addition to the well-known Tomb of the Unknowns which is guarded by a sentinel 24 hours a day, there are the graves of some who have been overlooked by history. Johnny Clem is one of them. He was a 10-year-old drummer boy during the Civil War who attained the rank of sergeant by the age of 12.

Confederate Monument

I visited Arlington on one of those very hot days and the Confederate section of the cemetery is located about as far away from the Visitor's Center as you can get, but I made the trek on foot.

It is interesting to note that despite the fact that animosity toward the South was still very intense after the Civil War, by the end of 1901 Confederate soldiers that had been buried in Alexandria and at the Soldiers' Home in Washington were brought together with the soldiers buried at Arlington and re-interred in the Confederate section. Among the 482 persons buried there are 46 officers, 351 enlisted men, 58 wives, 15 southern civilians, and 12 unknowns.

The Confederate dead are buried in concentric circles around the Confederate Monument, and their graves are marked with headstones that are distinct for their pointed tops. Legend attributes these pointed-top tombstones to a Confederate belief that the points would "keep Yankees from sitting on them."

Dedicated on June 4, 1914 (Jefferson Davis' birthday is June 4), the 32-foot monument includes on its summit, a larger-than-life figure of a woman representing the South. Her head is crowned with olive leaves, her left hand extends a laurel wreath toward the South, acknowledging the sacrifice of her fallen sons.

The base of the memorial features several inscriptions. On its front face are the seal of the Confederacy and a tribute by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, followed by the Latin phrase: "Victrix Causa Diis Placuit Sed Victa Caton." This phrase means: "The Victorious Cause was Pleasing to the Gods, But the Lost Cause to Cato." On the rear of the monument is an inscription attributed to the Reverend Randolph Harrison McKim, who was a Confederate chaplain and who served as pastor of the Epiphany Church in Washington for 32 years. It reads:

Not for fame or reward
Not for place or for rank
Not lured by ambition
Or goaded by necessity
But in simple
Obedience to duty
As they understood it
These men suffered all
Sacrificed all
Dared all-and died

Arlington National Cemetery is a history lesson spanning more than 600 acres. In addition to the Civil War, I visited areas where rested the remains of veterans from the Revolutionary War, Spanish-American War, Battle of the Bulge, Rough Riders, The Challenger, Iran Rescue Mission, Unknown Dead of 1812, and Pan Am Flight 103.

On Wednesday I will post about my visit to Arlington House, the home of General Robert E. Lee, whose property became Arlington Cemetery.

Jessica James

Warshing clothes in the old days

2011-07-27T06:16:00.000-07:00

Saw this post and thought I'd share a piece of life during the Civil War. This is a word-for-word copy of what an Alabama grandmother gave to a new bride, with spelling errors and all.

I think it's funny because I hear people complain all the time about having to "do wash." Really? Putting clothes into a washer and taking them out is hard work? Most people then do the time-consuming task of taking the clothes from the washer and throwing them into the dryer. I still do that part the old-fashioned way and hang them outside or on a clothes rack inside, depending on the weather. I might use my dryer an hour a year, if that.

After reading this, I hope you agree that "doing wash" isn't so bad a chore after all.

(FYI: For non-southerners, wrench means rinse.)

WARSHING CLOTHES

Build fire in backyard to heat kettle of rain water. Set tubs so smoke wont blow in eyes if wind is pert. Shave one hole cake of lie soap in boilin water.

Sort things, make 3 piles

1 pile white,

1 pile colored,

1 pile work britches and rags.

To make starch, stir flour in cool water to smooth, then thin down with boiling water.

Take white things, rub dirty spots on board, scrub hard, and boil, then rub colored don't boil just wrench and starch.

Take things out of kettle with broom stick handle, then wrench, and starch.

Hang old rags on fence.

Spread tea towels on grass.

Pore wrench water in flower bed.

Scrub porch with hot soapy water. (Ha! Love this one)!

Turn tubs upside down.

Go put on clean dress, smooth hair with hair combs. Brew cup of tea, sit and rock a spell and count your blessings.

Jessica James

150th anniversary of the Battle of Manassas

2011-07-24T08:36:00.000-07:00

Prospero's Bookstore - (Heaven)

Another great time was had at the 150th anniversary of the Battle of First Manassas Civil War event on Friday - but, boy was it hot! I don't know how the re-enactors did it, especially with the sun beating down on the wide, open battlefield.

I signed books before and after the parade at Prospero's Bookstore on Center Street, selling completely out of my historical fiction novel Shades of Gray, and only having a few copies of my new novel Noble Cause left.

Parade down Center St., Manassas.

I sat outside most of the morning and perspired in a most unladylike fashion, but enjoyed meeting people from all over the country. I love that they were willing to travel and endure triple digit temperatures in order to learn about more about our nation's history.

There was a pretty large crowd gathered for the parade, and everyone that I talked to planned to head to other events despite the heat. According to reports, organizers had signed up 8,700 re-enactors to take part in Saturday's and Sunday official re-enactment, with 5,700 requesting to be Confederates.

Confederates march in the Parade.

As most of you probably know, First Manassas (or Bull Run) was the largest and bloodiest battle in American history up to that point. Union casualties were 460 killed, 1,124 wounded, and 1,312 missing or captured; Confederate casualties were 387 killed, 1,582 wounded, and 13 missing. The Northern public was shocked at the unexpected defeat of their army when an easy victory had been widely anticipated. The result of this battle is that both sides came to realize the war would be longer and more brutal than they had imagined.

After the crowds had cleared out after the parade, I decided to do a little sightseeing in Manassas. I hiked down Center Street to the Confederate Cemetery - an easy walk on a normal day, but I struggled a little with temps near 100 degrees.

The acre of land for the original cemetery was donated in 1867, and within a year, more than 250 men had been laid to rest. In 1874, the Town of Manassas acquired the adjoining land and began a Citizen's Cemetery. The cemetery features a statue of a Confederate soldier under which the majority of the soldiers are buried. It was nice to see that someone had placed Confederate flags on other headstones in the cemetery to mark where Confederate veterans had been laid to rest.

From the cemetery, I made my way to the Visitor Center, located in the old train station in Manassas. The Historic Manassas Train Station was constructed in 1904. In 1912 it was destroyed by fire and rebuilt on the original foundation in 1914. The station was completely restored to be historically correct in 1997.

I happened to be taking a photo just as an Amtrak train was pulling in which is kind of an interesting contrast of new meets old.

If you're thinking about a trip to any Civil War sites, I highly recommend Manassas. The Old Town has some great shopping at antique stores - and Prospero's Bookstore is a landmark that you must visit. Many thanks to all those who made the Manassas event a very memorable one!

Jessica James

Follow A Civil War Romance Online

2011-07-14T16:41:00.000-07:00

Follow A Civil War Romance Online

Civil War book signing at Manassas event

2011-07-11T07:49:00.000-07:00

I'm looking forward to my next book signing at Prospero's Books in Manassas, Va. The signing will coincide with the 150th anniversary of the first large battle of the Civil War: First Manassas or the Battle of Bull Run.

Since I launched my Civil War novel Noble Cause at the 150th anniversary of the start of the war in Charleston, S.C., in April, I think it is only fitting that I should attend the first major battle event as well.

According to news reports, they have about 8,000 re-enactors attending, which is a pretty large event. I have a feeling that it will grow even more to be closer to the 15,000 they were originally expecting.

I ran across this little tidbit from the battle and found it interesting since it highlights the civilian side of the war:

On Sunday, July 21, 1861, Judith Carter Henry, 85, was home with her daughter Ellen. It was a day like any other, except that John, her son, was visiting.

The family heard firing that was threateningly close to their home. By the end of the day, Confederate snipers had occupied Henry's house and Union forces had shelled it. Ellen Henry lost her hearing from the blasts that day and Judith Henry lost her life. She was the first civilian casualty of the Civil War.

Initially viewed by many as a great adventure, a sobering reality set in that fateful Sunday when the Battle of First Manassas ultimately produced more than 4,500 causalities and ended the innocence of a young nation on Henry's fallow fields.

If you're in Manassas for this commemoration event, I hope you stop by and say hello! I will be signing both of my historical fiction novels at Prospero's, 9129 Center Street, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 22. If you're in Old Town during the Military Parade, stop by and say hello!

Jessica James

Civil War novel wins award for Southern fiction

2011-07-05T16:58:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what happened that it is July already. Maybe it was the 85 hours I worked the last week of June at my part-time job? I didn't see my house except to sleep for almost two weeks, and am still in the process of catching up.

Despite those long hours, I received a great boost in the midst of that long work week when I was notified that I'd won the John Esten Cooke Award for Fiction. This award is presented annually to encourage writers of fiction to portray characters and events dealing with the War Between the States, Confederate heritage, or Southern history in a historically accurate fashion.

John Esten Cooke is probably not well known to a lot of people, but he was a novelist, playwright and historian, who wrote more than thirty volumes of novels, biographies and histories. He was known as a social historian of colonial Virginia and many of his books were based on actual experiences he had during the Civil War, where he served under General J.E.B. Stuart.

While doing research for my novels, I read many of Cooke's books so this award has very special meaning to me. The Military Order of the Stars and Bars, which gives the award, is a highly esteemed organization that requires its members to be male descendants of the officers who served honorably in the service of the Confederate States of America or be descendants of the elected and appointed civilian officials of the Confederate States.

I have won numerous literary awards for my historical fiction novels, but none mean as much to me as this one! I hope I can do John Esten Cooke proud as I try to portray the South in its true light, and give readers an historically accurate picture of the War Between the States.

Jessica James

Trailer for Civil War novel "Noble Cause"

2011-06-22T05:24:00.000-07:00

I finally received all of the rights to post my trailer for my new historical fiction novel Noble Cause, so thought I'd go ahead and share it on my blog as well.

It features the artwork of John Paul Strain, including my all-time favorite piece called "Fire in the Valley." That piece depicts Colonel John Mosby in the Shenandoah Valley. I gazed at that particular piece of art quite often while writing my first Civil War novel Shades of Gray.

Hope you enjoy!

Jessica James

Civil War treasure hunting in Harper's Ferry

2011-06-14T06:21:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post about last weekend -- one of the few weekends I have off during the month of June. We took the short trip to Harper's Ferry to wander around the Flea Market there, and came home with an old wooden-handled hatchet and two baggies of Civil War items that were dug around Harper's Ferry and Loudoun County, Virginia.

I bought the items mainly because, when I see a school is studying the Civil War, I like to send something for the kids to feel and touch -- and buying items in Gettysburg is very expensive. But when we got home and went through the bags, we discovered what little treasures the baggies contained. As you can see, the first photo shows mostly bullets and spent bullets that are just globs of lead. There are also a few buttons, and in the top right, there is some sort of religious medal that is worn almost smooth.

The second baggie contains more of the same, as well as a sleigh bell and an old spoon.

Some may look at the items and see pieces of lead and junk. I look at them as pieces of history, treasures that can never be replaced.

So that is my latest Flea Market find. If anyone knows of any other Flea Markets in the area that I should visit, please let me know.

Jessica James

Horses and the Civil War

2011-06-10T04:57:00.000-07:00

Rooney Lee

During the tour of the historic Farley plantation last Saturday, our guide Clark "Bud" Hall talked about Gen. Robert E. Lee's son, Fitzhugh "Rooney" Lee and his horse "Frantic," both of whom participated in the Battle of Brandy Station.

Of course, when he started talking about a Virginia man and his horse, my ears perked up. There was also a general discussion on horses and the huge role they place during the Civil War.

For a little background on "Rooney," he became a captain in the Confederate Army cavalry at the outbreak of the Civil War and was soon promoted to major. He was eventually placed under the command of Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart, becoming a lieutenant colonel, and later colonel of the 9th Virginia Cavalry.

After the Battle of South Mountain, Lee was promoted to brigadier general. He fought at Antietam under the command of Brig. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, his cousin. He then commanded the 3rd Brigade of Stuart's Cavalry Division at the Battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and was wounded during combat at Brandy Station at the beginning of the Gettysburg Campaign. Two weeks later, he was captured by Union forces at Hickory Hill while recuperating. He became a prisoner of war in New York State until returned to the Confederate Army on February 25, 1864 as part of an exchange.

Lee was promoted to major general and by the end of the war, had risen to second-in-command of the Confederate cavalry. He surrendered along with his father at Appomattox Court House.

In the book Gray Cavalier: The Life and Wars of Gen. W.H.F. Rooney Lee, the author says the Lee was an excellent judge of horses.

"So well and wisely did he select them, that when mounted there seemed an admirable harmony between his own massive form and the heavy build and muscular power of his steed."

The book quotes a young trooper who was somewhat awed by the sight of Rooney Lee on horseback. He swore that he could make out Lee “in the darkest part of that forest at the darkest period of the night."

“He was six feet, three or four and weighed not an ounce less than three hundred pounds. He was mounted on his brown war horse, 'Frantic,' a horse he always had his saddle changed to before going into a fight. The two together, man and horse, made one of the largest establishments I ever saw.”

This got me to thinking about some of the other horses that served during the Civil War. Bud told us that for every man killed during the Civil War (around 625,000), three horses died. Here are some of the famous horses that played a role in the Civil War.

King Philip - One of the more well known warhorses of General N.B. Forest.

Traveller - Probably the most famous horse of the war, he was a big gray gelding that served Robert E. Lee throughout the war and after. Traveller died in June 1871, almost one year after his master's death. He is buried outside of Lee Chapel on the grounds of Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va. Visitors still leave apples and treats on his grave.

Virginia and Skylark - Two of the more famous warhorses owned by Gen. J.E.B.(Jeb) Stuart. (I think Maryland was another one).

Little Sorrel - Warhorse of General Stonewall Jackson. Jackson was riding Little Sorrel when he was shot by friendly fire at Chancellorsville. Little Sorrel survived and was eventually returned to Gen. Jackson's widow.

Cincinnati - Big warhorse ridden by General U.S. Grant.

Dixie - E.Porter Alexander (and Col. Alexander Hunter in the historical fiction novel, Shades of Gray)!

Magic -William Blackford.

Grey Eagle - John Buford, the Federal hero of the first day at Gettysburg.

Charlamayne - Joshua L. Chamberlain of 20th Maine and Little Round Top. After the war he gave the local children rides around the neighborhood on his beloved Charlamayne.

Lancer, Don Juan, Harry, Roanoke - Civil War horses of General G.A. Custer.

Dixie - Henry Kyd Douglas.

Roderick - Another of the great warhorses ridden by old N.B. Forrest.

Red Eye-Dick Garnett. Red Eye survived Picket's Charge. General Garnett did not.

Fanny - John Gibbon.

Milroy - John B. Gordon.

Captain - Wade Hampton.

Pretty - David McM. Gregg.

Billy - Frank Haskell.

Dan - Alexander Hays.

Jeff Davis - John B. Hood.

Faugh-a-Ballagh - Patrick Kelly.

Old Spot - Judson Kilpatrick.

Nellie Gray - Fitz Hugh Lee.

Lucy Long - The forgotten warhorse of the beloved General Robert E. Lee,who served him ably throughout the war.

Hero - James Longstreet. Hero saw it all and survived the war.

Old Baldy- George Meade.

Slicky - Alfred Pleasonton.

Prince - John F. Reynolds, one of the Union Army's finest horseman. He was riding Prince at Gettysburg when he urged the Iron Brigade forward into McPherson's woods on the first day. Reynolds was killed by a rebel sharpshooter. Prince was returned to his family in Lancaster, Pa.

Firefly - Robert Rodes.

Renezi - Phil Sheridan. I just saw his stuffed remains at the Smithsonian. His name was changed to Winchester after the famous ride from that town.

Handsome Joe - John Sedgewick.

Tammany - Dan Sickles.

Jinny - Issac Trimble.

Old Jim - Strong Vincent.

Billy - Charles Wainwright.

Fleetfoot - Walter Taylor.

Sheridan - Warhorse of James Harrison Wilson. He fondly referred to his horse in letter's home as "The Prince of Horses."

Old Bench Legs -Warhorse of Benjamin Grieson.

Chief - The last living cavalry horse of the U.S. Cavalry.

Lunch at Farley: A Civil War treasure

2011-06-07T05:40:00.000-07:00

The historic house called Farley
where we ate lunch after our ride.

Note: This is Part 2 of my experiences on June 4 as part of the Mosby Heritage Area Association Brandy Station Battlefield ride.

After a morning of horseback riding across the beautiful rolling hills on the Brandy Station Battlefield on Saturday, we retired to the historic Farley plantation for lunch. (My second most favorite thing -- next to horses -- is old houses).

Built in the 1790s, Farley boasts one of the grandest and most historic reputations in all of Culpeper County and perhaps Virginia.

William Champe Carter bought the former Sans Souci Plantation in 1801 and renamed it Farley, in honor of his bride, Maria Byrd Farley Carter. The house is one hundred feet long, and about 7,000 square feet. Champe and Maria Carter oversaw countless scenes of social gaiety held in Farley’s formal parlor.

Upon the death of Champe Carter in 1843, Dr. William Wellford of Fredericksburg bought Farley and lived there until the Civil War. Little did he know that Farley would lie squarely within the crosshairs of the four-year conflict.

Looking toward Fleetwood Hill from
the yard of Farley.

During the Civil War, both armies used "Wellford’s Ford" on the Hazel River to anchor their right or left flank, depending on their objective. Farley sits only a half mile from the ford, and was therefore highly suitable for a commanding general to use as headquarters. It also sits a mere quarter mile away from the northern terminus of Fleetwood Hill, the most fought over piece of real estate in American military history.

Walking through the large halls of the house it was hard to imagine all of those who had walked there before me. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart used the house as a headquarters, and wounded and dying men took refuge there following the Battle of Brandy Station.

In late 1863, General John Sedgwick, 6th Corps Commander, Army of the Potomac, moved into Farley for nearly six months as the 120,000-strong Federal army wintered in Culpeper County. According to records, Sedgwick hosted many memorable parties at Farley for visiting dignitaries. Walking around the grounds, we saw stone foundations and partial walls of former slave quarters, as well as the original house built in 1790.

Large, wide hallways run
the length of Farley.

The inside of the house was simply spectacular, with two long halls running the length of both floors. I lost count of the number of rooms, but could understand why it made the perfect headquarters. I've been in a lot of old homes and have never seen a layout quite like it (but plan to use it in a future book)!

On the first floor there was a beautiful library with floor-to-ceiling built-in bookshelves, a music room, the dining room and kitchen. Our guide told us the story of Frank Stringfellow, a Confederate spy, who dressed as a Union officer while Sedgwick was camped there and ate dinner with the Union officers. Stringfellow was very bold, and often walked straight into Union camps and towns in order to gather information. He was so scrawny and small physically that he was turned down by the regular army numerous times before coming a scout.

Union officers sitting on the
porch at the Farley plantation.

Another interesting aspect of this historic home involves this photo of Union officers sitting on the front porch of Farley. When you look closely at the original, you can see two boot scrapers at the bottom of the steps. One of those remains today.

I wish I had room for all of the photos I took, and I wish I could remember half of the information I was given on Saturday. I can't thank the Mosby Heritage Area Association enough for organizing the ride and lunch, and I can't imagine a better guide than Clark "Bud" Hall. Many thanks to all who made this day one of the most memorable of my lifetime.

Jessica James

Riding into history at Brandy Station

2011-06-06T05:09:00.000-07:00

Union Colonel Benjamin
"Grimes" Davis was shot
near here.

Part 1

The Battle of Brandy Station -- the largest cavalry battle ever fought on the North American continent -- took place on June 9, 1863. Of the 20,000 soldiers involved, about 17,000 were mounted. Brandy Station is also the first battle of the Civil War's most famous campaign - Gettysburg.

Can you imgaine 17,000 horses and riders in one place? I can't, but I had the wonderful opportunity to spend the day on Saturday riding the vast Civil War battlefield, thanks to a special event sponsored by the Mosby Heritage Area Association and narrated by Brandy Station expert Clark "Bud" Hall. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

I took a good many pictures during the ride, but I was so excited about the day and was so surprised when it was over, that I didn't realize until the drive home that I had never taken a picture of my wonderful horse, Brooks. He was a retired California police horse, and a real pleasure to ride.

The Battle of Brandy Station

The Confederates had planned for June 9, 1863, to be a day of maneuver rather than battle. Two of their three infantry corps were near Culpeper (about six miles from Brandy Station), ready to start the move to Pennsylvania. Major General J.E.B. Stuart was at Brandy Station to screen this movement with his 9,5000-man cavalry division.

The Federals knew that Confederate cavalry was around Culpeper, but its intelligence had not gathered information of the sizeable infantry force that was there. Knowing the reputation of Stuart, Union commander Major General Joseph Hooker interpreted his presence around Culpeper to indicate a probable raid of the Union army's supply lines. He ordered his Cavalry Corps commander, Brigadier General Alfred Pleasonton, to "break up Stuart's raid in its incipiency."

The Confederates, on the other hand, were completely oblivious to the Federal presence. They had held a grand review for General Robert E. Lee just two miles from Brandy Station on June 8, having no intelligence of the 8,000 Federal cavalryman and 3,000 infantryman closing in on them.

Pausing near the site where
the pickets were surprised.

About 4:30 a.m. on June 9th, Brigadier General John Buford's column of 5,500 soldiers splashed across the fog-shrouded Rappahannock River surprising the Confederate pickets at Beverly's Ford. Nearby Southern horsemen from Brigadier General William "Grumble" Jones' brigade, awakened by the sound of gunfire, rode into the fray partially dressed and often riding bareback. They struck Buford's leading brigade, commanded by Colonel Benjamin F. "Grimes" Davis, near a bend in the Beverly's Ford Road and temporarily checked its progress. Davis was killed in the fight.

Davis' brigade had been stopped just short of where the Confederate Horse Artillery was camped and was vulnerable to capture. Cannoneers swung one or two guns into position and fired down the road at Buford's men, enabling the other pieces to escape and establish the foundation for the subsequent Confederate line. The artillery unlimbered at the Gee House and at St. James Church -- structures located on two knolls on either side of the Beverly's Ford Road.

Heavy and savage
fighting took place
in these woods.

One of the eeriest parts of the ride for me was riding through the woodlot between the St. James Plateau and the Cunningham farm. This was the scene of some of the most savage fighting, and you could just feel it. There was only the slightest hint of a trail, and as you can see to the left, we had to ride single file. There were limbs to step over, boggy spots and rocky areas. It was also fairly dense, so it was much darker within the canopy of the trees, which made it appear even more gloomy.

According to our guide "Bud" Hall, who is a founder of the Brandy Station Foundation, it has been a long and hard fight to save this battlefield. It was first purchased by a developer who wanted to build a business park there. When that was defeated, it was purchased by another developer determined to build a Formula 1 racetrack on those beautiful rolling hills.

In fact, here is a photo (left) of the site where both the racetrack and the business park were planned. Called Buford's Knoll for the commanding officer, it looks down toward a stonewall where Confederate troops were firing upon Union cavalry charging down the hill.

Thanks to the efforts of the Brandy Station Foundation and the Civil War Trust, the land is now preserved for future generations.

For those wondering how the battle ended, J.E.B. Stuart was able to retain the field after 14 hours of fighting, but the Union cavalry gained confidence, essentially eliminating the overwhelming superiority the Confederate cavalry had enjoyed. Union losses numbered 866 and Confederate casualties were reported at 575. About 1,500 horses were killed.

As if a day of horseback riding on historic ground was not enough, the event included lunch at Farley, a plantation house built in the 1790s. Part 2 of this blog post will cover that part of the day, which was equally as fantastic as the ride.

Jessica James

The Great Train Raid event

2011-05-31T06:21:00.000-07:00

I started the Memorial Day weekend as I try to do every year, by placing flags on Veteran's graves at Evergreen Cemetery in Gettysburg. Buried there are veterans of every war, including many from the Civil War.

I seem to get assigned a different section every year, which is great because I always stumble across relatives who have served. This year it was my "Uncle Paul" who was my grandmother's brother. He died when I was young so I don't remember him, but do remember stories about him and the Civil War artifacts he collected over the years. I also placed a flag on the grave of one of my grandmother's cousins.

On Sunday, I traveled down to "the Valley" in Virginia to do a book signing at the Great Train Raid event in Strasburg. The Great Train Raid of 1861 is the name associated with one of the earliest Civil War operations in Virginia, which resulted in the largest capture and removal of railcars and equipment during the entire War.

By using a combination of initiative and ingenuity a small group of soldiers and civilians managed to close the Union's most important east-west supply route for ten mouths. At the same time, they got away with 14 badly needed locomotives, 80 railroad cars and tons of valuable rails and equipment, which they hauled overland using only draft animals for power.

The politics of the time and the layout of the entire raid is outlined on the Great Train Raid website, so be sure to take a look.

A few thousand people gathered to watch the train, which was pulled by a six-horse team, from the Cedar Creek Battlefield, through downtown Strasburg, to the Strasburg Museum. The event included live music, demonstrations, food, and lots of fun things to do. I met so many wonderful people while signing copies of my new romantic historical fiction novel Noble Cause and my Civil War novel Shades of Gray.

In addition to the locomotive being pulled through the town, the parade also included cavalry groups and wagons being pulled by two-horse teams. It was a very hot day, but they all seemed to make the 4.5 mile journey without any problem.

On Memorial Day I did a short book-signing session at the Gettysburg Visitor Center. It's so nice to meet people from all over the country who want to learn more about our history. I met folks from California, Ohio, Connecticut, New Jersey, and of course, Maryland, DC, and Virginia.

I'm glad we have Memorial Day to pause and reflect on those who have sacrificed for us. It's also a day to count our many blessings thanks to the dedicated service of those who continue to put duty to country above all else.

Jessica James

Heritage Day book signing in Purcellville

2011-05-16T05:16:00.000-07:00

I didn't take many photos at my book signing in Virginia on Saturday, but I sure had a great time! The event was Purcellville Heritage Day, an old-fashioned country fair that included a Civil War theme this year in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

This picture is of the Confederate Civil War encampment with vendor tents in the background. It was taken through the window of the historic building where I was located, which was as "old skating rink," complete with beautiful old, hardwood floors.

The formal name for the skating rink building is Bush Tabernacle Auditorium, named after the Temperance Bush meetings that were held on the site starting in 1877. Reformers organized the meetings as a religious temperance rally that advocated educating people on the physical and social problems associated with alcohol. The first three-day event, billed as a Grand Temperance Bush Meeting, was held on the site in August 1878, and continued each year. The owner had a large timber-framed auditorium constructed on the land in 1903 to accommodate the large crowds that attended the annual bush meetings.

The Old Skating Rink in Purcellville.

In January 1947, the Purcellville Volunteer Fire Department purchased the property with the support of the community for $13,000. The roller skating rink opened on June 6, 1947. In 2008, the building was purchased by the Town of Purcellville, which continues to host roller skating and community events in the building.

The Heritage Day event on Saturday had lots of local music, antique collectors, artists, craft vendors, letterboxing, historic trolley tours through town, a farmers market, donkey rides, old fashioned games with prizes, a petting zoo, local wineries -- and lots of great food (Yes, I had to try a little of everything).

The finale of the evening was a premier showing of the documentary Last Hardware Store, which features Nichols store in Purcellville. The trailer gives you an idea of what a wonderful old town Purcellville is (though it's now surrounded by developments as DC residents move west).

Like the weather in Pennsylvania, it was cloudy and a little misty in Purcellville, but it didn't seem to stop people from coming out. I met so many wonderful people and signed lots of copies of both Noble Cause and Shades of Gray.

Thank you Purcellville Preservation Association for putting on this wonderful event.

Noble Cause wins awards!

2011-05-10T11:46:00.000-07:00

I am happy to report that my new Civil War novel Noble Cause has been named the winner in the Indie Next Generation Contest for Best Regional Fiction.

Like my first novel, Shades of Gray, it also was named a Finalist in both the Historical Fiction and Romance categories.

This award was announced today, which is Confederate Memorial Day in some Southern states, so I will have no trouble remembering the date!

I've been invited to attend the awards ceremony in New York City at the end of the month, but May is a pretty hectic one, so don't think I'll be able to make it.

I want to thank everyone who has sent kind emails about how much they have enjoyed Noble Cause. It means a lot!

Big Civil War weekend in Gettysburg

2011-05-02T06:48:00.000-07:00

It was a whirlwind weekend as Confederate History Month drew to a close on Saturday.

First, I had a wonderful book signing event for my new Civil War novel Noble Cause at Pages of the Past Bookstore in Gettysburg. If you're coming to visit Gettysburg, you have to put this store on your list of must-see's. They have a great selection of Civil War books, military, biographies, historical fiction -- and my favorite -- OLD fiction.

After the signing, I walked down to Baltimore Street and watched the skirmish that was part of Gettysburg's commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War.

I've been to numerous battle re-enactments, but it was interesting to see this type of fighting up close, smell the smoke, and hear the gunfire rattling through the streets.

I hope that visitors were not too troubled by the numerous construction projects going on in Gettysburg, some of which have left the streets in disrepair. Because it's such a small town, one small traffic tie-up generally causes the entire town to come to a standstill. I'm sure that shutting down Baltimore Street for the duration of the re-enactment didn't help matters, but it was a worthwhile event.

I also hope people were not too disheartened by all of the hype the promoters caused by contending there was going to be a huge cannon-fire event. It wasn't anything like they said it was going to be. (I only heard about four volleys myself, which I find a little surprising).

Many thanks to all of the re-enactors who came to Gettysburg to help educate people about our history!

To end the weekend, I put all the names of those who entered my BOOK GIVEAWAY contest during Confederate History Month into a hat and drew the winner of a signed copy of Noble Cause. The lucky winner is Myra Cole of Kentucky. Congratulations, Myra!

My next book signing is Saturday, May 7 at the Valley Mall in Hagerstown, Md., as part of Washington County's Reading Day. Hope to see you there!

Jessica James

Obituary for Col. Mosby's Civil War servant

2011-04-29T06:13:00.000-07:00

I thought others might find this interesting. It is the obituary for Col. John Mosby's servant, Aaron Burton, who served with him throughout the Civil War. Anyone who has read of the exploits of Mosby, knows that Burton was quite a character.

Dec. 23, 1902 The Richmond Dispatch

AARON BURTON DEAD

New York, December 22—(Special)-From the residence of his daughter, Rosa Hamilton, there was held to-day the funeral of Aaron Burton, who during the “civil” war was the body servant of Colonel John S. Mosby, the great Confederate cavalry raider. “Father Burton,” as he was known, was with the great guerrilla chieftain in many raids, and although nearly a hundred years of age, his mind was fresh with memories of those stirring events. Richard T. Smith, of Brooklyn, will publish Burton’s memoirs, they having been dictated to him.

The funeral services were conducted by Re. William T. Dixon, pastor of the Concord Baptist Church of Christ, of which the deceased was a member.

Burton was born in Charlottesville, Va., and was the slave of Colonel Mosby’s father. When the Colonel determined to organize his cavalry command, he selected Aaron as his body servant.

The colonel had the greatest confidence in his body servant, and he was frequently left in charge of all booty that was captured from the Union soldiers, while the cavalry raiders went out on other expeditions.
The high estimate in which he was held by Mosby was the same as those of recent times who knew Burton. He was a familiar character in the vicinity of Princeton and Willoughby streets, and was to be found on all sunshiny days seated upon the stoop of the house in which he lived. He was the perfection of politeness, and if even a child said “Good morning, Father Burton,” this old fellow would lift his hat.

Mosby did not forget Aaron in his old days, and frequently sent him checks for substantial sums of money to keep him housed.

Burton came to Brooklyn about seven years ago to live with his daughters. He had three of them living in Brooklyn, and he lived at the home of each of them, dividing the time about equally among them.

He is survived by four daughters and two sons. The interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery.

Off topic: Spring Flowers!

2011-04-25T04:58:00.000-07:00

It sure seems like Spring took a long time to get here this year. Traveling in the South to promote my new Civil War novel Noble Cause gave me a taste of warm weather and gardens in bloom, so I'm very grateful that we've now had a couple of days of sun for my own flowers.

I now have daffodils and tulips in bloom, with my forsythia just about over. I love the contrast of reds and yellows together, so it's nice when the daffodils and tulips bloom at the same time.

My hyacinths are on their way out, but boy, were they fragrant! All of the downpours we've had over the last few weeks didn't help them any. I brought a bunch of them into the house because they were so heavy with moisture they were lying over. Since I often receive hyacinths as Easter gifts (which I plant, of course), I have a number of different colors -- deep purples, deep pinks, light pinks, and ivory.

I can't wait now for the lilacs to open, and the Red Bud trees are just on the brink of being in full bloom. The yard has been mowed and we've already eaten fresh asparagus from the garden, so I guess Spring really is here, even if the weather doesn't cooperate.

I'll probably re-plant this single yellow tulip. I'm not sure where it came from - though I'm always amazed each Spring with what I planted the Fall before. (And I often wonder what I was thinking).

I have lots and lots of daffodils (everyone in Knoxlyn does), and lots and lots of phlox that I use for cover in difficult places. (See below).

Now all there is to do is wait for the strawberries to ripen! Then we'll know that Summer is here.

Jessica James

Civil War novel Launch Party continues

2011-04-20T06:02:00.000-07:00

April will soon be over, but there is still time to enter to win a free signed copy of Noble Cause in two different ways.

#1: Hit the "follow" button on the left-hand column of this blog.

Or

#2: Go to my Jessica James Fan Page and hit the "LIKE" button.

Do both, and get TWO chances to win!

Good luck! Winner will be randomly selected at the end of Confederate History Month on April 30.

Jessica James

Final thoughts on Civil War Book Tour

2011-04-18T06:52:00.000-07:00

The final day of my book tour for my new historical fiction novel, Noble Cause, I went to Patriot's Point where cannons were fired to mark the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War (on April 12).

During my travels in South Carolina, I was somewhat surprised to talk to people who were not aware of the Civil War's anniversary and did not know exactly what happened at Fort Sumter. Here is a short summary of what occurred, as well as actual newspaper posts and dispatches that were sent during those fateful days in April, 1861:

The Fort Sumter saga actually began on December 20, 1860, when South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union, claiming ownership of all federal property within state lines—including, of course, Fort Sumter. Rather than give up the fort, the outgoing administration of President Buchanan hired a merchant steamer, the “Star of the West,” to transport troops and supplies to reinforce Major Anderson who was in control of Fort Sumter.

On Jan. 9, 1861, the ship attempted to enter Charleston Harbor. Cadets from The Citadel (the South Carolina Military Academy) were stationed at Morris Island manning a battery, and they opened fire upon the merchant vessel. When guns from nearby Fort Moultrie joined in the attack, the “Star of the West” abandoned its relief mission and headed back to New York Harbor. Some historians claim the cannon fired at the Star of the West were the actual first shots of the Civil War.

From then on, rumors began to fly about the Federals coming to reinforce the fort and what would be done about it.

Here is a newspaper post from Charleston April 11, 1861:

The Impending War.
From Charleston.
Sumter Summoned to Surrender.
Refusal of Major Anderson to Comply.

A collision is hourly expected. Northern dispatches state than an attempt will be made today to reinforce Fort Sumter in small boats, protected by sand bags, the war vessels in the meantime to protect the landing party on Morris Island. It is reported that Gen. Beauregard has demanded the evacuation of Fort Sumter.

An opening on Fort Sumter is expected every moment. The Battery is crowded with people in expectancy, and troops are pouring in. Business is suspended. The Citadel Cadets are guarding the Battery with heavy cannon. Thousands are waiting to see the attack commence. One thousand mounted men and two thousand patrols, heavily armed, are guarding the city.

Later the newspaper reports:

Major Anderson has refused to surrender. His reply is to the effect that to do so would be inconsistent with the duty he owes to his Government.

Hundreds of persons have been waiting for hours on the wharves and other points of observation, to see the beginning of the conflict, among them a great number of ladies. The people are out on the housetops watching with feverish interest for the first signal of attack. The excitement in the city is intense. Every train brings throngs of citizens and soldiers to town. Twenty-two car loads came from Columbia tonight.

…Stirring times are at hand. The ball may open at any moment with terrible slaughter.

All negotiations for the surrender of Fort Sumter ended at 4:30 in the morning of April 12, 1861, when Confederate forces began a bombardment of the fort. Here are excerpts from the front-page story, from the April 13, 1861, issue of the New York Herald (New York, New York):

The War Begun.
Very Exciting News from Charleston.
Our Special Dispatches from Charleston.
Charleston, April 12, 1861

Civil war has at last begun. A terrible fight is at this moment going on between Fort Sumter and the fortifications by which it is surrounded.

And later that day:

...The excitement in the community is indescribable. With the very first boom of the gun thousands rushed from their beds to the harbor front, and all day every available place has been thronged by ladies and gentlemen, viewing the solemn spectacle through their glasses. Most of these have relatives in the several fortifications, and many a tearful eye attested the anxious affection of the mother, wife and sister, but not a murmur came from a single individual. The spirit of patriotism is as sincere as it is universal. Five thousand ladies stand ready today to respond to any sacrifice that may be required of them.
…Troops are pouring into the town by hundreds, but are held in reserve for the present, the force already on the island being ample. People are also arriving every moment on horseback, and by every other conveyance. Within an area of fifty miles, where the thunder of the artillery can be heard, the scene is magnificently terrible.

The next day, readers of the New York Herald picked up their papers and learned that Fort Sumter had surrendered--the opening battle of the Civil War had ended with a Confederate victory. A correspondent in Charleston churned out a series of rapid dispatches to keep the newspaper’s readers informed of the battle and the entire scene at the waterfront. Here are excerpts from that front-page Fort Sumter surrender story, as printed:

Charleston, April 13, Evening

Major Anderson has surrendered, after hard fighting, commencing at half past four o’clock yesterday morning, and continuing until five minutes to one today.

The American flag has given place to the palmetto of South Carolina.

I thought this was one of the most interesting parts of that post. Note that when the American flag was shot away by the South Carolinians, they sent a boat over to replace it!

During the fire, when Major Anderson’s flagstaff was shot away, a boat put off from Morris Island, carrying another American flag for him to fight under – a noteworthy instance of the honor and chivalry of the South Carolina seceders, and their admiration for a brave man.

The scene in the city after the raising of the flag of truce and the surrender is indescribable – the people were perfectly wild. Men on horseback rode through the streets proclaiming the news, amid the greatest enthusiasm. On the arrival of the officers from the fort they were marched through the streets, followed by an immense crowd, hurrahing, shouting, >nd yelling with excitement.

Here are some of the dispatches that were sent:

No. 8. Charleston, April 11

To L.P. Walker, Secretary of War:

Major Anderson replies as follows: “I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication demanding the evacuation of this fort, and to say in reply thereto, that it is a demand with which I regret that my sense of honor, and of my obligation to my Government, prevent my compliance.”

He adds, verbally: “I will await the first shot, and if you do not batter us to pieces, we will be starved out in a few days.”

(Signed) G.T. Beauregard

No. 9. Montgomery, April 11

To General Beauregard, Charleston:

We do not desire needlessly to bombard Fort Sumter. If Major Anderson will state the time at which, as indicated by him, he will evacuate, and agree that, in the meantime, he will not use his guns against us unless ours should be employed against Fort Sumter, you are authorized thus to avoid the effusion of blood. If this, or its equivalent, be refused, reduce the fort as your judgment decides to be most practicable.
(Signed) L.P. Walker, Secretary of War

No. 10. Charleston, April 12

To L.P. Walker, Secretary of War:

He would not consent. I write today.
(Signed) G.T. Beauregard

I hope this gives a little insight into what was happening in Charleston in 1861. I will carry the memory of spending the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War in this historic city with me always.

Jessica James

Day 5: Civil War Sesquicentennial History Tour

2011-04-14T08:06:00.000-07:00

It's time for a post on Day 5 of my Book Tour for my historical fiction novel Noble Cause. After a relaxing day in Charleston, my niece and I were graciously invited to tour Middleton Place.

The terrace and Butterfly Lakes at Middleton Place.

I'm not sure I can put into words the beauty and majesty of this plantation that sits on the banks of the Ashley River outside of Charleston. Middleton Place consists of 110 acres and is home to the oldest landscaped Gardens in the United States.

According to tradition, it took one hundred slaves almost a decade to complete the wide-sweeping terraces, walks, and artificial lakes to the river and marshland beyond. In addition to that stunning view, there are acres and acres of landscaped gardens that were first laid out in 1741 by Henry Middleton.

Back of South Flanker, the only building
that survived destruction by the Yankees.

The Main House (c. 1705) at Middleton Place had two detached flanker houses, as was common during that time period. Unfortunately all three buildings were ransacked and torched in 1865 at the close of the Civil War.

The surviving South Flanker, originally built as a separate "gentleman's guest quarters," was restored and expanded to serve as the family residence after the war. Repairs began in 1869 and included a new roof and Dutch gable ends.

Thus strengthened, the South Flanker survived Charleston's Great Earthquake in 1886, that felled the gutted walls of the other buildings. The South Flanker continued to serve subsequent generations until becoming a House Museum in 1975, where visitors can see family furniture, portraits, silver and documents.

The picture to the right shows the actual main house that was originally three stories high. (Flankers were only two stories). In addition to being looted and burned by the 56^th NY Volunteers on Feb. 22, 1865 (just two months before the war ended), it was further decimated by the earthquake of 1886.

From 1741 to 1865, this property was home to four successive generations of the Middleton family. Today it is owned by a Foundation that helps interpret the lives of the early Middletons, giving visitors a taste of plantation life in the 18th and 19th centuries.

I will be putting together some video that I took while at Middleton Place later this month, but for now I wanted to post some photos of the grounds. I'm not sure that pictures do the landscape justice. They are truly breath-taking.

The gardens at Middleton Place are said to be the most authentic expression of the 18th-century formal garden ideal -- a marriage between Man and Nature. Although enhanced and expanded over the years, the original framework of Henry Middleton's plan prevails.

In 1941, the Garden Club of America cited Middleton Place as not only the oldest, but also the most important and interesting garden in America.

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love old trees. When I say "old," usually that means 200 to 300 years old. At Middleton Place, that means 600 to 700 years old. This tree, called the Middleton Tree, sits right on the Ashley River. As you can see, it recently lost a limb - which is probably about four feet in circumference. Imagine what this tree has witnessed in its lifetime.

Before I end this post, here is a list of just some of the accomplishments of the Middleton family:

Henry Middleton (1717-1784) was a President of the First Continental Congress
Arthur Middleton (1742-1787) signed the Declaration of Independence
Henry Middleton (1770-1846) served as Governor of South Carolina
Williams Middleton (1809-1883), signed the Ordinance of Secession

I'll be wrapping up my Civil War Book Tour tomorrow with final thoughts on spending the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in Charleston. Hope you enjoyed!

Jessica James

Day 4: Civil War Sesquicentennial History Tour

2011-04-13T07:34:00.000-07:00

Market Hall

After signing copies of my historical fiction novel Noble Cause at Boone Hall Farms and the Beaufort Bookstore, I took it easy the following day with some shopping in downtown Charleston at the historic open market.

Market Hall stands facing Meeting Street as the main entrance to four blocks of open-air buildings. Even if you're not a shopper, this is a great place to browse and people watch. There is a wide assortment of vendors selling high quality products including paintings, pottery, and Charleston's famous sweetgrass baskets.

The market has an interesting history. Charles Cotesworth Pinckney ceded the land on which the Market is built to the City of Charleston in 1788. He stipulated that a public market be built on the site and that it remain in use as a public market into perpetuity.

To fulfill this requirement, the low buildings that stretch from Market Hall to the waterfront were built between 1804 and the 1830's. These originally housed meat, vegetable and fish markets and rented for $1.00 per day -- or $2.00, if the space had a piece of marble to keep the meat or fish cold. Butchers were known to throw meat scraps into the streets, attracting many buzzards that were nicknamed Charleston Eagles. Through the years, the sheds have survived many disasters, including fires, tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes and bombardment.

Sweetgrass Baskets for Sale.

The City Market, one of the oldest in the country, is significant enough to be part of a permanent exhibit entitled “Life in Coastal South Carolina c. 1840” at the American History Museum of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC.

The Daughers of the Confederacy Museum is located right above, but it wasn't open the day we were there. It will definitely be a stop on my next visit.

After shopping, my niece and I strolled along the beautiful Battery area where we met other people who were in town as part of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War commemorative events. Then we headed to Sullivan's Island where we took a stroll on the beach.

Tomorrow I will be posting about my trip to Middleton Place, a plantation located outside of Charleston. (Another beautiful site burned by the Yankees during the Civil War). You won't want to miss it!

Jessica James

Day 3: Civil War Sesquicentennial History Tour

2011-04-11T05:43:00.000-07:00

OK, it's not really Day 3 of my book tour for my new historical fiction novel, Noble Cause. It's Day 5. But it's hard to keep up with touring, signing, and blogging when the sun is shining outside. Today, I'm writing about Day 3, which is the day I spent in beautiful Beaufort, S.C.

As I mentioned in an earlier blog, I made a short side-trip on my way to Beaufort to stop at the Sheldon Church ruins. From its first service in 1757 to its present peaceful setting, the church is truly a tapestry of our nation's history.

The church was set on fire by the British during the Revolutionary War. It was then rebuilt from the remaining walls in 1826. On Jan. 14, 1865, Sherman’s troops burned the church a second time, as part of the “March to the Sea” campaign. While the walls still refused to fall, it was never to be repaired again.

The grounds are beautiful and somber, with those beautiful brick walls and columns standing in the middle of a grove of ancient live oaks. Old tombstones dot the grounds as well.

This is one of those places that is just breath-taking, especially when you consider the history that took place here. It really gave me chills.

From the church, I continued on to my book signing in Beaufort. The City of Beaufort is celebrating its 300th birthday this year, but the history of the region dates back almost 500 years.

During the Revolutionary War, the Beaufort area had scattered fighting between Tories and Patriots. The Beaufort Region is also a staple in the history books for the American Civil War. The first meeting to draft the Ordinance of Secession (by which South Carolina led the withdrawal of the Southern states from the Union) was held at the Milton Maxey House in Beaufort, known today as the Secession House. As a result, Beaufort was an early target of the Federal forces.

House on "The Point" in Beaufort

I fell in love with Beaufort, not only because of its history, but for its beautiful and quiet setting as well. The Point area, especially, is just one beautiful home after another along gorgeous tree-lined streets.

Beaufort is also known for its Gullah Culture. The Gullah are known for preserving more of their African linguistic and cultural heritage than any other African-American community in the United States. Some of the largest population of Gullahs are here in Beaufort, SC.

I'll have to do another post after I get home on some of the msc. photos I've taken on my trip. Tomorrow I'll be writing about my excursion to historic Charleston and the open-air market.

Jessica James

Day 2: Sesquicentennial Magical History Tour

2011-04-09T05:10:00.000-07:00

Oak Alley at Boone Hall Plantation

I started the second day of my Book Tour for my new historical fiction novel Noble Cause at Boone Hall Plantation in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., just outside of Charleston. You can't help but be awed by the long tree-lined drive (called Oak Alley), but I was also overwhelmed by the beautiful azaleas -- all in full bloom. They were breath-taking and a lovely sight after leaving dreary, cold Pennsylvania.

Boone Hall Plantation House

The son of Major John Boone planted the live oak trees that line the drive in 1743, arranging them in two evenly spaced rows. It has taken two centuries for the massive, moss-draped branches to meet overhead.

Boone Hall is one of America's oldest working, living plantations, having continuously grown and produced crops for more than 320 years. Once known for cotton and pecans, they still actively produce strawberries, tomatoes, and pumpkins.

Boone Hall Plantation House

It was a beautiful day to walk the grounds of this stately home, and I was glad to see school children there, learning about life in the 1800s.

From the plantation, I took the short drive over to Boone Hall Farms, which is a quaint, little market that offers the fresh produce grown on the plantation. I met a lot of wonderful people and had a great time signing copies of Noble Cause.

After the book signing, I took the short trip to Beaufort, with one little detour to visit the Sheldon Church Ruins. This is an historical site that I cannot even put into words. I think I'll save it for Day 3 of my Tour. Stop back tomorrow!

Jessica James

Civil War Sesquicentennial 'Magical History Tour'

2011-04-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm here -- in the land of blooming flowers, Spanish moss and hundred-year-old live oak trees. The sun is warm already at 7:30 a.m., and I'm looking forward to a visit to Boone Hall Plantation and book signing at Boone Hall Farms today.

It was fun to watch the progress of Spring as I drove due South. Just an hour away from my house daffodils and forsythia are in full bloom. Two hours away and the red buds are bloomed with hardwoods close behind. And five hours South pretty much everything is green.

I'm here in Charleston, S.C. to launch my new historical fiction novel Noble Cause, and of course, take part in the 150th anniversary of the Civil War events that are planned for the place where it all began.

I hope to have plenty of pictures to upload tonight. Stay tuned!

Jessica James

Book tour in S.C. for Civil War sesquicentennial

2011-04-05T05:27:00.000-07:00

A beautiful day in southern Pennsylvania, but it was only a tease. More cold weather is expected tomorrow. Lucky it is that I will be heading to South Carolina later this week to launch my new historical fiction novel, Noble Cause, and to witness the 150th anniversary of the start of the War Between the States in the place where it all began--Charleston!

My first book signing will be on Friday, April 8, at Boone Hall Farms, which is right across from the stunning Boone Hall Plantation. Boone Hall is one of America's oldest working, living plantations, and has continuously been growing and producing crops for more than 320 years. I can't wait to see the tree-lined drive with the azaleas in bloom.

I visited Boone Hall many years ago, and it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. The trees that line the drive were planted in 1743, and the result is a spectacular approach to the home beneath a canopy of live oaks.

Following that book signing, I will jump in my Jeep for a short road trip to Beaufort, S.C. The City of Beaufort will celebrate its 300th birthday this year, but the history of Beaufort, Port Royal, and the surrounding Sea Islands dates back almost 500 years.

I will be signing books at the Beaufort Bookstore on April 9, from 1-3 p.m. There is a lot to see in this town, but when I'm done, it will be back to Charleston to sign books at some Barnes and Nobles. On Sunday, April 10, I'm going to take in some shopping at the open air market and visit the Daughters of the Confederacy Museum.

On Monday, my niece and I have been invited to tour Middleton Place so that I can video it for my blog. It looks positively spectacular from the photos. I can't wait to see it -- the gardens should be in full bloom!

Tuesday, April 12, is the start of the 150th anniversary -- the day the Confederacy fired upon Fort Sumter. I'm hoping to make it to Patriot's Point at dawn to witness an artillery bombardment, and from there, head to Folly Island and historic Georgetown to visit more bookstores.

It will be an action-packed week, but I hope to bring it all to you through photos and video right here on my blog, so stayed tuned!

Jessica James

Mosby Rangers 1905 Reunion

2011-04-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

For Confederate History Month, I will be posting every day some of the historical tidbits related to the Civil War that I have run across while doing research. Today's entry is a Washington Post article printed Aug. 22, 1905, about an upcoming reunion of Mosby's Rangers.

(The main character in my historical fiction novel Shades of Gray is based on Col. John S. Mosby and his Rangers).

MOSBY CALLS TO ARMS

Veteran Raiders Plan Attack on Fredericksburg.

Only a Handful of the Old Cavalrymen Will be in Attendance, For Their Ranks Are Growing Thin—Command Was a Terror to the Union Armies and a Byword in the South—Had Best Horses.

Grizzled veterans of the Forty-third Virginia Battalion, Army of Northern Virginia—“Mosby’s Men,” as they were known and feared in the sixties, from the Long Bridge to the Carolinas—will gather around the camp fire at Fredericksburg, Va., next Thursday for their annual reunion, and stories will be told of combats of times gone by, midnight raids, attacks and pursuits, to make the hair of the old survivors’ grandsons stand on end.

In the winter of 1862-63, soon after Lee had hurled Burnside, stunned and shattered, back from Fredericksburg, and the two armies lay glaring at each other across the waters of the Rappahannock, “Mosby’s Men” had their small beginning. The great captains were idle, and a young cavalryman serving with Stuart thought it an auspicious time to put into execution a plan that had long been buzzing in his brain.

Lee had abandoned the part of Virginia lying north of the Rappahannock and east of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the enemy, and Mosby, the youthful trooper, asked his leader to let him take a small squad of men, go up into that country, and do things to the enemy. Stuart readily assented, for he had much faith in the initiative of the young Virginian. He remembered that it was this same Mosby who, the previous summer, had suggested to him his famous ride around McClellan, which ushered in that unfortunate general’s Iliad of woes.

Simply Swiped the General.

So Mosby went up into Fauquier and Loudoun counties. He was an utter stranger there, and for a couple of months devoted himself to learning the land, occasionally stirring up an outpost and getting himself thoroughly disliked. He was “getting his hand in.” Then one morning he found himself famous. He did not, like Byron, awake to find himself so, for he hadn’t been to bed all night. In those dark hours, when all good young men are asleep, Mosby, with two dozen equally irregular young troopers at his back, penetrated far within the enemy’s lines, reached Fairfax Court House about 2 o’clock a.m., and there, surrounded by thousands of the enemy and with all the Army of the Potomac between him and safety, stole a sleeping general from the bosom of his brigade. He likewise brought away several scores of prisoners and horses. Mr. Lincoln, when informed of this impudent theft of a brigadier, dryly remarked that he wasn’t worried about losing a general—he could make another in five minutes; but it was different with the horses.

The daring of this deed dazzled the eyes of the Southern cavalry. Mosby could now pick his men, for, though the dangers were far greater than in the regular service, there was about this debonair company of free fighters a fascination that made every soldier long to join them. But no “pull,” political or military availed. The examination of the applicant was conducted in the first fight after the making of the application; the interrogatories came whirling from the guns of the enemy, swarming about the applicant’s ears in a manner calculated to discourage his ambition and unnerve his right arm.

Tried Out by Shot and Shell.

If his answers spoke back, swift and true, from the muzzle of his navy 6. and he kept within view of his watchful leader, the end of the fight found him one of Mosby’s men—if he wasn’t one of the angels. But it did not suffice merely to become one of the command. Their leader knew that in work so dangerous and responsible a high standard must be maintained, and that his rule concerning it, in order to be effective, must be inflexible. Hence, when a trooper fell away from that high standard, there was no probation, no purgatory of repentance. It was “back to the regular army,” and there was not a man among them but would have cheerfully faced any danger rather than have that sentence pronounced against him.

From the day of the Fairfax adventure to the close of the war, Mosby’s battalion was an irritating gadfly, forever worrying the Army of the Potomac. There was probably no Southern officer who was so universally execrated by the public and press of the North as its leader. Jackson might destroy a whole army corps, Lee might terrify Pennsylvania with impending invasions. But Lee and Jackson stopped fighting sometimes, and sometimes too the Union armies dealt them staggering blow for blow. But this ubiquitous, perpetual, pestilent, shifting, slippery fellow was impossible. Darting out from nowhere with his flight of midnight daredevils, he would sweep up a picket post in his clutches, terrify a company, startle a regiment, and flutter a division. And then, when the long roll had hurried a couple of frightened soldiers from their slumbers into fighting rank, they found nothing but the place where the picket post had been. Mosby was gone, gone with it in his pocket, swallowed up in the darkness whence he had shot forth.

Mosby Always Some Place Else.

This sort of thing made him very unpopular with the Union armies. Your veteran soldier much prefers being shot at, and even killed, to being startled out of a sound sleep at 2 a.m. and compelled to form for fight and then get no fighting. Mosby “got on the nerves” of every soldier within a hundred miles of him.

The War Department at Washington, irritated at repeated failures of the regular troops to deal with him, offered extraordinary inducements to any one who would abate this nuisance. And from time to time squadrons of picked men headed by some brave and seasoned old soldier who had agreed to exterminate Mosby’s men, would sally forth in quest of their quarry. They would scour all Northern Virginia in vain, for Mosby was always somewhere else. He never consulted their convenience as to time or place. Then, some day, when they had grown careless, they would find him.

The usual result of these discoveries is naively set forth in a dispatch from a general from whose camp there had set out a few days before a dauntless colonel, who, with 500 determined spirits at his back, had “taken the contract to clean out Mosby,” as the dispatch stated. The doughty colonel, so the document informs the department, had met Mosby that morning with about 200 men, and forthwith had slipped the leashes on his 500 exterminators. “Two of the colonel’s men escaped and came in.” That is all the general says about the fight.

Had Uncle Sam’s Best Horses.

The reasons Mosby’s men were never “at home” when thus called upon was that except when engaged in active service they did not retain their organization, but scattered around among the many farmhouses of the fertile region. Many of them had their homes there. Others lodged at places known to their chief. He kept scouts ever flitting like phantoms along the Federal lines and when from their information, he determined to strike a blow, the call went forth as though on wings to such of his troopers as he desired to take with him. Where an hour before there had been along the countryside quiet young men, engaged in peaceful pursuits or making love to the girls of the neighborhood, there now rode out a squadron of veteran cavalry, equipped as no soldiers on either side were, a deadly missile in the hands of a soldier who knew well just how and whither to hurl it. No time was lost after the assembling. On swift horses, the best the United States government could furnish, they galloped behind their leader, swept down upon the enemy, a yelling, shouting, death-dealing cyclone of horse and man, drove their blow home, and were away before the astonished fugitives could hurry up support.

This method of warfare was condemned by the North as being wholly wanton. There seemed to be no system in the wiping out of an isolated picket post, a wild foray that resulted in the destruction of a hundred wagons, or a reckless raid that flung the commissary’s railway cars into the ditch. But Mosby was aware that food and supplies were absolutely essential to the soldier in the field, and hence when he aimed a blow at a wagon train he knew it would land on his enemy’s stomach. Hungry soldiers will not fight.

An Ally with Mystery.

At that time the hysterical stage of the war was passed and soldiers thought less about bullets and more about breakfast. Nothing could effectively upset the plans of a commander than to have things happen to his supply trains, and Mosby saw to it that every one of them that came through his country was heavily guarded, or else fell into his hands. Of course, if he compelled them to detach forces to guard them he had also achieved one of his objects, since their offensive force was weakened to that extent.

Mosby’s men also made allies of darkness and mystery. The very fact that his movements were so erratic kept the enemy in a state of unpleasant [unreadable] all along his lines, for it seemed to be that Mosby always stuck where he was least expected. And under the shades of night the excited imagination of the panic-stricken enemy always magnified their numbers many times. In the [unreadable] of fear 2 and 2 are not 4 but [unclear] and darkness ever multiplies by the [unreadable].

Thus by playing upon the imagination and fears of his enemies Mosby accomplished a hundred fold what he could have achieved with the same number of men in the regular army. The pickets, the thrifty sutlers, the insufficient guard, were really captured by their own fears before Mosby had even called upon them to surrender. And the people and the press of the North, as well as the gossip around the Union camps, all were his unconscious allies, since they increased his efficiency by increasing the terror in his name.

Made Sheridan Go Hungry.

In 1864, Sheridan started up the Shenandoah Valley, determined to do short work of that region. He had 75,000 men and opposed to him were Early with barely one-fifth of that number. He set about his work at once, and it looked as though it was a matter of but a few days to [unreadable] when one day he halted. Sheridan missed his dinner because Mosby had eaten it. With 300 men he had captured one of Sheridan’s largest wagon trains near Berryville and that magnificent host of 75,000 veterans sat down [unreadable] for a space of some weeks until their general could arrange about getting his meals regularly.

Of course Sheridan wouldn’t admit that he had been halted indefinitely by a band smaller than his own rear guard, but the facts of history [unreadable] the feelings of even a major general.

While there never was a body of men so completely vitalized and dominated by one person as this body, yet Mosby encouraged independent leaders in his officers. One Maj. Blazer had [unreadable] harrying the Valley, and there came [unreadable] Mosby the cry of the afflicted [unreadable] “Richards,” said he to one of his captains, “take companies B and [unreadable] over into the Valley and stay until you whip Blazer or Blazer whips you.”

A week after, Richards returned with Blazer and what was left of Blazer’s men. In his report, Mosby gave credit for the planning and execution of the campaign to his captain.

Ten or fifteen years ago the survivors of this historic command had their first reunion at Alexandria with 150 attending. Since then they met annually at the various towns that are scatted throughout the country wherein they once followed [unreadable] strenuous enough to satisfy the exacting advocate of that cult. Each year sees their numbers dwindling so it is not expected that more than a hundred will respond to the reunion at Fredericksburg next week.

REUNION OF GRIZZLED SCOUTS

Confederate History Month is here

2011-03-31T17:02:00.000-07:00

April means warm weather, spring flowers -- and of course, Confederate History Month. This year is especially relevant as the 150th Anniversary “Sesquicentennial” of the War Between the States, 1861-1865, is now underway through 2015.

The Confederate History Month Committee encourages everyone to make the events that have been planned as part of the 150th commemoration a family affair and learn more about this important time in our nation’s past. Visit www.confederatehistorymonth.com for more information.

I am really excited to be launching my new historical fiction novel Noble Cause in Charleston, S.C., next week and will be there on the actual anniversary of the start of the War. My schedule is crammed full of plantation visits, book signings, exploring, attending sesquicentennial events, and of course, shopping! I'll be blogging each evening and will post my itinerary before I leave so check back soon!

Jessica James

A visit to Point Lookout: Civil War prison camp

2011-03-17T06:56:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a short trip to Southern Maryland, where I had the opportunity to visit Point Lookout at the very tip of Maryland. Located on a peninsula formed by the confluence of the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay, the Point is a beautiful--yet somber and sad, place to visit. When standing on the tip of that peninsula and gazing out at the blue water of the bay, it's hard to imagine the chilling and horrific events that occurred there.

As the plaque says, this area was established as a prisoner-of-war depot after the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. Confederate soldiers and Maryland civilians were imprisoned at Point Lookout and guarded by 400 Union troops. With only tents for protection, at least 3,384 prisoners died. (This is the official government number. Others put the number of dead at substantially more thousands).

Anyone who has been to Point Lookout is probably aware of the memorial that has been placed there by the Point Lookout Prisoners of War Descendants Organization (PLPOW). The group was founded to honor the sacrifices of their ancestors and to bring attention to the true story of the inhumane treatment of prisoners at the camp.

Point Lookout was built to hold 10,000 prisoners, but at times, held more than double that number. Due to inhumane conditions as well as active persecution, thousands of prisoners died. Even though there were adequate funds to house and feed the prisoners adequately, the prisoners died from the elements, disease, starvation and indiscriminate shootings.

In 2002, The Maryland Park Service and U.S. Veterans Administration began to require all speeches and re-enactments be submitted for censoring. (Very common these days, unfortunately). Descendants were further discriminated against with a directive that prohibited the display of the Confederate Flag over the mass grave of the thousands of men who fought and died for the Confederacy.

In 2003, PLPOW did a wonderful thing. It purchased land at the entrance to Point Lookout State Park and erected a memorial plaza that is free of government interference and restrictions.

As you can see from the photo, all of the Confederate flags are flying above the memorial and a plaque in front explains the history of the different flags.

Surrounding the memorial are small placards that tell the story of the horrible and horrific conditions at Point Lookout, taken from official reports and diaries. I almost stopped reading about halfway through, they are so very sad and poignant. Some tell of Yankee guards shooting indiscriminately into tents and killing prisoners; others tell of the feasts that the guards dined upon while between 12 and 15 prisoners were dying from starvation each day.

One of the placards tells of a prisoner who survived his time at Point Lookout, but hated Yankees so much as a result that he carried his Confederate uniform with him for fear that he would die and be buried in a blue suit. He died in the 1920s and was buried in his Confederate uniform.

The photo to the right is a part of the Confederate memorial. It's an iron cauldron called the "Bean Pot" from the prison camp. The plaque states that the prisoners were lucky if they found a bean in their bowl.

Point Lookout is now a state park that has camping, swimming and fishing activities. I hope all who visit there take a moment to reflect on the events that occurred there during the Civil War. It is a part of our past that is difficult to look at and remember--and yet it should never be forgotten.

Jessica James

150th anniversary of the Civil War events

2011-03-10T12:43:00.000-08:00

Oh, my this is going to be a busy year! Hope you are all aware of the great historical events taking place across the nation to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the start of the War Between the States.

I will be in Charleston, S.C. in April -- yep, where it all began exactly 150 years ago. Looking forward to doing a book signing at Boone Hall Plantation's farm store and stopping by other bookstores in the area to sign copies of Noble Cause and Shades of Gray.

On April 30 I'll be back in Gettysburg at a great bookstore called Pages of the Past, located at 10 York St. There is a Civil War cavalry engagement that day on Baltimore Street so that will be fun to see as well. (Though I have a feeling the traffic won't be too fun to see).

On May 7, I'll be at the Hagerstown Mall for Reading Day. There will be dozens of other authors there and plenty of things for the kids to do if you're in the area. (Also, it's the day before Mother's Day, and I'm thinking a signed copy of a historical fiction novel would make a great last-minute gift).

On May 14, I'm looking forward to attending Purcellville Heritage Days in Purcellville, Va. This is a great little Civil War town that was frequented by Mosby's Rangers. They have some wonderful old-time events planned, including a huge model train display.

The end of May I'll be back in Gettysburg for a signing at the Gettysburg Visitor Center, and July 9, I'll be at Rose Hill Manor in Frederick, Md.

I'm really looking forward to a book signing at Prospero's Books in Manassas, Va. on July 22. There is a Grand Review Parade that day in Old Town Manassas and re-enactments all weekend. The entire town will be taking part in commemorating the first major engagement of the war.

I'm really looking forward to attending these events and hope everyone stops by to say hello if they're in the area!

Jessica James

A sure sign of Spring

2011-03-01T08:22:00.000-08:00

Back when I was a newspaper reporter, the phones would start ringing the end of February or the beginning of March with people calling in their first sightings of robins. (Yes, that was back in the "old days," I know).

Anyway, I didn't call my local newspaper, but I did see a field full of robins two days ago. It was enough for me just to feast my eyes on their bright orange bellies and know that Spring is just around the corner!

A trip into the past

2011-02-24T08:58:00.000-08:00

Well, I promised some more photos from Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, so here they are.

You have to appreciate the beautiful craftsmanship on some of these monuments and wonder about the amount of time it must have taken to create them. I am always drawn to those that include figures and I thought this one to the right was especially beautiful.

As I said in my earlier post, this cemetery encompasses 135 acres that traverse over rolling hills and through large stretches of stately trees. It is easy to get lost once you've parked your car and start walking around, and it's easy to lose track of time as well!

This beautiful angel is dedicated to the daughter of Jefferson Davis.

It reads:
Varina Anne Davis
Beloved Child of Jefferson Davis
President of the Confederate States of America and Varina Howell Davis.

There were many other monuments with beautiful inscriptions. One of the most prominent of those was an immense, solid granite memorial that stood about 20 feet high. There is an inscription on all four sides, but I could only make out the words on two of them.

A Husband's Tribute

One side simply reads:
A Husband's Tribute

The other side reads:
To the memory of Evaline Augusta Fuqua
Born Jan. 1, 1829
Died May 5, 1851
Wife of M.H. Nace
A faithful and devoted wife
A fond and affectionate mother
A true friend
And an exemplary Christian

Quite a tribute to a wife and mother who was only 22 years old when she died.

Well, I saved the best for last--or maybe it's more like I saved the most heartbreaking for last. This particular monument I remembered from visiting Hollywood Cemetery years ago while doing research for my historical fiction novel Shades of Gray. I knew the general area it was located in, but still had trouble finding it.

It may be hard to see that it's a woman kneeling over with her head in her arms. The simple inscription on the top of the monument is:

I shall go to him
But he shall not return to me.

This is the grave of W. N. Worthington (William Nicholas Worthington). He was 29 at the time of his death and a former Confederate staff officer. In doing more research I found that he served in the 4th Virginia cavalry, but died in Toledo, Ohio.

I'm going to do one more post on Hollywood Cemetery, and that will be to talk about the grave site I found for Frank Rahm, one of Mosby's Rangers. I possess Rahm's field desk and other Civil War items, and have been trying to trace his family tree.

Jessica James

Sorrow, hope and history at Hollywood Cemetery

2011-02-18T06:43:00.000-08:00

Tombstones overlooking the James.

As most of you know, I had a Valentine's Day book signing at Shirley Plantation for my historical fiction novel Shades of Gray this week. With so much to see in Richmond, I went a day early--and stayed a day later. My first stop was Hollywood Cemetery.

Hollywood Cemetery is hard to describe. To say it is large and sprawling is an understatement, as every time I go there I have to give myself at least 30 extra minutes to find my way back out. Its paths wind through 135 acres of valleys, over hills, and beneath stately trees. The architectural beauty of the monuments, statues, buildings, fences, and tombs is just breathtaking.

Black monument in background
is President James Monroe's
resting place. His casket is
entombed within.

In addition the beauty of the cemetery's rolling hills and winding paths that overlook the James River, Hollywood has historic value as well. It is the resting place of two United States Presidents (James Monroe and John Tyler), as well as Confederate States President, Jefferson Davis. It is also the resting place of 25 Confederate generals--more than any other cemetery in the country--and thousands of Confederate soldiers, 11,000 of whom are listed as "unknown," killed during the Battle of Gettysburg. In addition, six Virginia governors are buried there as well as two Supreme Court Justices.

Hollywood Cemetery was started in 1849 on land once owned by William Byrd II that was known as "Harvie's Woods." It was designed in the rural garden style, with its name, "Hollywood," coming from the holly trees dotting the hills of the property.

Pyramid to men of
Confederate army.

In 1869, a 90-foot high granite pyramid was built as a memorial to the more than 18,000 enlisted men of the Confederate Army buried in the cemetery. My picture doesn't show how tall and impressive this monument is. The pyramid was erected from granite stones pulled from the nearby James River, and was built by labor from the nearby State Penitentiary. It has a supernatural story behind it as well, as there are claims from visitors that they hear soft moans coming from around and inside the pyramid. Some say it is the soldiers that have not ever been identified trying to make their presence known. It is also common for people to feel cold spots around the pyramid.

There are many local legends surrounding certain tombs and grave sites in the cemetery, including one about a little girl and the black iron statue of a dog standing watch over her grave. This one is a little creepy for me because I had never heard this story until I started writing this blog. However, when I was lost and trying to find my way out of Hollywood, I did a u-turn and this monument was right in front of me, so I stopped and took a picture.

Dog guarding a little girl.

I have since learned that this grave belongs to a Rees who’s first name was most likely Bernadine. The girl passed away of Scarlet Fever in 1862 at the age of three. Grounds people have told of seeing the apparition of the little girl playing with the dog at night, and visitors claim that they will pass by and it will be pointed one way and when they come back by it will be pointed another. It is also claimed that you can hear it growl when you get close to the girls grave. (It only wagged its tail at me :)

Just to give you an idea of the Civil War officers that are buried at Hollywood, they include Richard Garnett, Eppa Hutton, Henry Heth, Fitzhugh Lee, Matthew Fontaine Maury, Surgeon Hunter McGuire (who amputated Stonewall Jackson's arm), John Pegram and George Pickett.

Here are a few of the other photos I took of historical Civil War figures. Please stop by next week when I show some of the photos of the heart-wrenching and poignant epitaphs I ran across.

Gen. George Pickett. Grave beside
his monument is his wife,
moved there in 1998.

Unknown soldier

Eppa Hutton

Gen. J.E.B. Stuart. His little
daughter Flora, who died during
the war, is buried behind him.

Romance and Civil War history on the plantation

2011-02-16T06:46:00.000-08:00

Shirley Plantation main house.
The tree is 350 years old.
James River lies just behind.

I'm back from my whirlwind trip to Richmond where I signed copies of my Civil War novel Shades of Gray at Shirley Plantation on Valentine's Day. What a great historical site this is, offering visitors an authentic and visual link to the past!

Shirley Plantation is Virginia's first plantation. Founded in 1613, only six years after the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown, the plantation and its numerous outbuildings have survived Indian uprisings, Bacon's Rebellion, the American Revolution, the American Civil War, and the Great Depression.

Being from Gettysburg, I am accustomed to our "old" buildings being Civil War era. How mind-boggling that construction of the present mansion at Shirley began about 1723 when Elizabeth Hill, great-granddaughter of the first Hill, married John Carter, eldest son of Robert "King" Carter. Completed in 1738, the mansion, referred to as the “Great House,” is largely in its original state and is owned, operated, and resided in by direct descendants of Edward Hill I. Yes, that makes the 11th generation currently residing at Shirley!

One side of Kitchen house.

My book signing was in the kitchen - a two-story brick outbuilding that is larger than my original house. The staff has created a wonderful interpretive exhibit showing what foods would be served in colonial days. Directly opposite to the kitchen was the laundry building (currently the gift shop and administrative offices), which is equally impressive is size and eloquence.

The guided tour of the Great House highlights original family furnishings, portraits, silver, and hand-carved woodwork as well as stories of the Hill Carter family. The plantation has been called the most intact 18th century estate in Virginia. Several features inside the house include the "Flying Staircase" and the Queen Anne Forecourt, which are the only remaining examples in North America of this architectural style.

Inside the smokehouse.

Other outbuildings on the plantation - all made from brick that was manufactured on the plantation - include an ice house, stables, smokehouse, and storehouse. They are all impressive in their size and architectural detail. I found the smokehouse really interesting as the plantation smoked about 10 TONS of pork per year.

The plantation also has a root cellar that was made from the foundation and cellar of a "flanker house" that burned down after being struck by lightning.

"Sweety" enjoying my
Shades of Gray book signing.

At the end of my book signing I had a little help from a very friendly kitty. I think she liked the sunlight coming in through the window onto the table - or maybe she just really liked my book Shades of Gray.

I have much more to write about my trip to Richmond including my foray into Hollywood Cemetery where J.E.B. Stuart, George Pickett, President Jefferson Davis, and many other notable Civil War historical figures are interred. I also visited the church where Patrick Henry gave his famous speech, "Give me liberty or give me death," on March 23, 1775.

Richmond is a fabulous city. I didn't have time to visit half the places I wanted to see, so I guess I will have to go back!

Jessica James

Answers to yesterday's puzzle

2011-02-14T17:58:00.000-08:00

Here are the answers to yesterday's Valentine's Day puzzle.

Were you able to find the seven hearts?

Artwork by Jim Warren.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Test your visual skills with this puzzle by Jim Warren.

Can you find the seven hearts hidden within?

Answers above.

Click on his name to see more of Jim Warren's unbelievable work.

Hope you have a romantic day!

Jessica James

2011-01-27T07:26:00.000-08:00

Find out how to get a copy of this e-book "From the Heart: Love Stories and Letters from the Civil War," on my author page.

Don't forget to follow this blog!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Jessica James

Birthday of a cherished son of the South

2011-01-17T17:07:00.000-08:00

“I have fought against the people of the North because I believed they were seeking to wrest from the South its dearest rights. But I have never cherished toward them bitter or vindictive feelings, and have never seen the day when I did not pray for them.”

- Gen. Robert E. Lee

While the nation honored the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, three states celebrated the birthday of another man as well. In Arkansas, Alabama and Mississippi, the slain civil rights leader shared a state holiday with Robert E. Lee, commanding officer of the Confederate Army during the Civil War.

Robert E. Lee was born at “Stratford ” in Westmoreland County, Va., on Jan. 19, 1807. His father, "Light Horse" Harry, was a hero of the Revolution and served as Governor of Virginia.

Lee graduated from West Point Military Academy in 1829, second in his class and without a single demerit. Two years later, he married Mary Anna Randolph Custis, the daughter of George Washington Parke Custis, (grandson of Martha Washington and the adopted son of George Washington).

Since Mary was an only child, she inherited Arlington House, which lies across the Potomac from Washington, and is now home to Arlington Cemetery.

In 1838, with the rank of captain, Lee fought valiantly in the War with Mexico and was wounded at the Battle of Chapultepec. He was appointed superintendent of West Point in 1852 and is considered one of the best superintendents in that institution's history.

General Winfield Scott offered Robert E. Lee command of the Union Army in 1861, but he refused, saying, “I cannot raise my hand against my birthplace, my home, my children.” Instead, he served as adviser to Confederate President Jefferson Davis, and then commanded the legendary Army of Northern Virginia.

In the fall of 1865, Lee was offered and accepted the presidency of troubled Washington College in Lexington, Va. The school was later renamed Washington and Lee in his honor. Lee died on Oct. 12, 1870, at Washington-Lee College. He is buried in a chapel on the school grounds with his family and near his favorite horse, Traveller.

President Theodore Roosevelt described General Robert E. Lee as "the very greatest of all the great captains that the English-speaking peoples have brought forth." And President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was criticized for displaying a portrait of Robert E. Lee in his office, said, "Robert E. Lee was, in my estimation, one of the supremely gifted men produced by this nation."

Robert E. Lee was the hero of the Southern people and admired both North and South of the Mason-Dixon Line. This Christian-gentleman's last words were, "Strike the Tent."

Thanks to Calvin E. Johnson Jr., speaker, writer, and author of the book, “When America Stood for God, Family and Country,” who contributed information on Robert E. Lee.

Gettysburg churches a treasure trove of history

2011-01-10T07:06:00.000-08:00

Trinity UCC, Gettysburg

I've been attending different church services the last few weeks--which may not seem like a topic for an historical fiction author's blog--expect that every church I have attended was used as a hospital during the Civil War. (Any church that was around during the Civil War was used as a hospital in this town).

This week I attended Trinity UCC on High Street, which had its origins in 1790 when the congregation met in a log cabin school room adjacent to the present building. The cornerstone of the church that now stands at the intersection of High and Stratton streets was laid in May 22, 1851. In 1863 this building served as a hospital for wounded soldiers of both armies during the Battle of Gettysburg, and in 1918 it served as a “Y” hut for the soldiers of Camp Colt during World War I.

The church was remodeled in 1892 with the addition of the vestibule, tower, and stained glass windows. The windows are absolutely beautiful. Just like any of the churches in Gettysburg, visitors are always welcome.

Last Sunday I attended another historic church, Christ Evangelical Lutheran on Chambersburg Street. This is the oldest building in Gettysburg continuously used as a church, and was one of the first to be established as a hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg. Originally founded in 1836, this was the third of three Lutheran institutions started by Samuel Simon Schmucker and his colleagues. (The Seminary, founded in 1826, and Gettysburg College—originally named Pennsylvania College—founded in 1832, being the others).

Christ Lutheran Church

Built in 1835~1836, the church still has its original foundation, brick walls, front pillars, bell tower, bell, floor joists, rafters, and beams. The original, plain glass windows were destroyed during the Battle, and were later replaced with stained glass. The same key and hardware from 1836 are used to open the church's front doors.

This photo shows two historic Linden trees that witnessed the rich history of Gettysburg for nearly 170 years. Sadly, they were removed last year for safety reasons. You can also see the plaque at the bottom of the steps that tells of the death of Chaplain Horatio Howell during the Battle of Gettysburg.

There are many versions of what happened to Howell, but the most likely is that as Howell emerged from the hospital/church from the center door at the top of the steps, a Confederate at the bottom of the steps demanded that he surrender his sword. Howell, instead of unbuckling his weapon, tried to explain that he didn’t have to surrender it because he was a noncombatant. The Confederate was apparently in no mood to negotiate, and shot and killed Howell while standing at the spot now designated by the marker. Howell’s body fell at the landing/portico on the top of the steps.

The marker's inscription shows that approximately 30 years after the battle, when the marker was placed there, the veterans were still bitter about the way that Howell died. It reads:
In Memoriam
Rev. Horatio S. Howell
Chaplain
90th Penna Vols.
Was cruelly shot dead on these church steps on the afternoon of July 1, 1863.
"He delivereth me from mine enemies. Yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me."
18th Psalms
48th Verse
"He being dead yet speaketh."
Hebrews 11, 4th

This plaque gives me chills every time I pass by it, as it brings to mind the terrible events that occurred here even as we go hurrying by in our daily lives more than a century later. I don't know how many people drive by or walk by without ever reading the memorial, but as we approach the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, I hope more will take the time to reflect on what happened here.

Hope you enjoyed this brief look at just two of our local churches. I'll be attending more services in the future, and will keep you posted!

Jessica James

Historic treasures discovered in bank vault

2011-01-05T09:23:00.000-08:00

This is old news - the discovery of the two trunks having been made in 2002 - but I just ran across this article and thought I'd share it in case there are others who were unaware.

The discovery of two long-forgotten steamer trunks crammed with family memorabilia from the estate of Robert E. Lee occurred in 2002, as Robert E. L. deButts, Jr., the great-great-grandson of Robert E. Lee, conducted family research. A commercial and securities lawyer in New York, deButts had queried Burke & Herbert Bank & Trust in Alexandria, Virginia, to see if they retained any financial records of his great-grandaunt, Mary Custis Lee.

After the Civil War ended, Mary spent much of her life traveling abroad, and used the bank as a permanent address. As the officers of the family-owned bank checked their inventory, they decided to look in their rarely used “silver vault,” which safeguards items too large for safe-deposit boxes. A pair of dusty wooden steamer trunks caught their eye, the larger one bearing a piece of tin patching and the unmistakable stenciled letters, “M. Lee.”

Discovered in the trunks, which had been unopened at least since Mary Custis’ death 84 years before, were 4,000 yellowed letters, postcards, documents, photographs, and artifacts. DeButts took the contents to the Virginia Historical Society in Richmond, which houses the nation’s largest collection of Lee papers, and started sorting. One envelope contained three cloth stars of gold thread, identified in a note as those that Lee cut off his uniform after his surrender to Grant at Appomattox.

The earliest letter in the trunks dates to 1694, a letter from John Custis II, the family’s first English immigrant, to merchants back home discussing the tobacco crop and the shipbuilding business on the Eastern Shore, valuable details, says Shepard, for future researchers. Also amidst the letters is an unusual 1766 manifest of 266 African American slaves owned by John Parke Custis, the stepson of George Washington. There are accounts from the 1760s and 1770s kept by George Washington; an 1860 letter from Robert E. Lee to the Secretary of War about relations between Mexico and the U.S.; an 1872 letter from a former slave at Arlington House to Lee’s wife; postcards and mementos from around the world acquired by Mary Custis; and the correspondence of Lee’s mother-in-law, Mary Fitzhugh Custis, an anti-slavery activist in the upper South.

There are family letters that give life to Lee’s experience in the Mexican War. His grief over the loss of Arlington House is palpable in a Christmas 1861 letter to his daughter Mary: “I should have preferred it to have been wiped from the earth, its beautiful hill sunk, & its sacred trees burned, rather than to have been degraded by the presence of those who revel in the ill they do for their own selfish purposes.”

The collection also includes several hesitant attempts by Lee to chronicle his military actions in the Civil War. He wrote his daughter on September 23, 1862, just after the Sharpsburg campaign. “We had two hard fought battles in Maryland and did not consider ourselves beaten as our enemies suppose. We were greatly outnumbered and opposed by double if not treble our strength and yet we repulsed all their attacks, held our ground and retired when it suited our convenience.” Brave words in the wake of a campaign that caused a quarter of his army to desert—and enabled Abraham Lincoln to seize the moral high ground and issue the Emancipation Proclamation.

At other times, Lee’s letters are unselfconscious and expressive. Early in the war, as the South’s fortunes surged, Lee wrote a sentimental Christmas letter to Mary: “I send you some sweet violets that I gathered for you this morning while covered with dense white frost that glistened in the bright sun like diamonds and formed a broche of rare beauty and sweetness . . . “

The letters are now available for research at the Virginia Historical Society.

Civil War message in a bottle deciphered

2010-12-26T10:09:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe that we are still making discoveries about the Civil War when we are just months away from commemorating the 150th anniversary of its start. The latest discovery is the deciphering of a message in a bottle that was intended for a Confederate general.

In the encrypted message, a commander tells Gen. John Pemberton that no reinforcements are available to help him defend Vicksburg, Mississippi.

"You can expect no help from this side of the river," says the message, which was deciphered by codebreakers.

The text is dated 4 July 1863 - the day Vicksburg fell to Union forces.

The bottle, less than two inches in length, had sat undisturbed at the Museum of the Confederacy since 1896. It was a gift from Capt. William A. Smith, of King George County, who served during the Vicksburg siege.

Earlier this year the museum's collections manager, Catherine Wright, decided to investigate the wrapped note it contained.

When Wright found that the message was coded, she asked retired CIA codebreaker David Gaddy crack it - which he did in several weeks. A Navy cryptologist later confirmed the interpretation.

The code is called the 'Vigenere cipher,' a centuries-old encryption in which letters of the alphabet are shifted a set number of places so an 'a' would become a 'd' — essentially, creating words with different letter combinations.

The code was widely used by Southern forces during the Civil War, according to Civil War Times Illustrated.

The source of the message was likely Maj. Gen. John G. Walker, of the Texas Division, who had under his command William Smith, the donor of the bottle.

The full text of the message to Pemberton reads:

'Gen'l Pemberton: You can expect no help from this side of the river. Let Gen'l Johnston know, if possible, when you can attack the same point on the enemy's lines. Inform me also and I will endeavor to make a diversion. I have sent some caps (explosive devices). I subjoin a despatch from General Johnston.'

The last line, Wright said, which seems to suggest a separate delivery to Pemberton, would be the code to break the message.

After a six-week siege, in which residents of the city resorted to eating cats, dogs and leather, Pemberton relented. Vicksburg, so scarred by the experience, refused to celebrate July 4 for the next 80 years.

'Glorious Courage in One so Young'

2010-12-13T07:23:00.000-08:00

For those who are not familiar with the young Confederate officer John Pelham, I thought I'd do a short post on one of his actions in Fredericksburg, Va.

A Major of artillery at the age of 24, Pelham kept Union General William Franklin's infantry (16,000 of them) hugging the ground with just two cannons. This is just one of the many stories from the Civil War that shows truth is stranger than fiction. If an historical fiction author wrote this actual series of events into a plot, I would venture to say that readers would call it "implausible."

According to official records, Confederate General JEB Stuart received the following dispatch from General “Stonewall” Jackson: “General, order Major Pelham to open fire against the advancing enemy.”

JEB passed the order to Pelham, who asked excitedly, “General, I would like to have permission to take two guns half a mile along a hidden path... I can pour an enfilading fire on the flank of [General William B.] Franklin’s troops and knock them down like ninepins.”

Sending two guns to stop three regular Federal divisions probably did not seem wise. The enemy most surely would quickly overpower this tiny island of resistance and kill or capture Pelham and his gunners. But General Stuart placed such confidence in his young artillerist’s judgment that he replied, “Go ahead Major, but be careful to withdraw in plenty of time.”

Pelham saluted and rode off with a Blakely gun and twelve-pounder Napoleon. His crew loaded the cannon with solid shot and aimed them so as to enfilade the Yankee front line only 500 yards away. Startled by this flank fire, the enemy halted, and many infantrymen hugged the ground to escape the next salvo. While Pelham continued to rake General Franklin’s divisions, the Federal commanders ordered their batteries to wheel around and silence Pelham whom they believed must have unleashed at least an entire battery on their flank. Ere long, sixteen Yankee guns were raining shot and shell on Pelham’s two guns.

For a full hour Pelham exchanged a raging fire with the enemy. The enemy retaliated with a deadly vengeance by exploding a shell squarely on the Blakely, causing the crew to redouble the Napoleon’s fire. General Franklin reinforced the fire of four of his own batteries on Pelham with the firepower of long-range guns on Stafford Heights.

Not only did Pelham maintain his position, but his rapid, shifting fire completely halted the enemy’s advance. All along the Confederate right admiring eyes watched unbelievingly as Pelham dueled with a hundred guns with a single cannon, checking the advance of 16,000 blue-coated infantry.

General Lee, observing the spectacle through his field-glasses, turned to an aide and exclaimed, “It is glorious to see such courage in one so young.”

Information taken from the book Colonel John Pelham, Lee’s Boy Artillerist by William Woods Hassler.

Jessica James

Civil War cooking at Belle Grove Plantation

2010-12-13T05:51:00.000-08:00

I just got around to downloading video from my book signing event at beautiful Belle Grove Plantation in Middletown, Va. that took place during the Cedar Creek Battle re-enactment in October. As you can see, the kitchen workers were preparing a full meal that included sausage, beans, and more. Temperature control is not easy to obtain, but the food smelled fantastic.

This plantation is located in a beautiful part of the Shenandoah Valley near Winchester. It's a must-see!

Jessica James

Hummingbird adventure in Gettysburg

2010-12-06T05:36:00.000-08:00

Rufous Hummingbird in Gettysburg

I spent Saturday morning watching a "bird bander" put a band on my little hummingbird that arrived at my feeder on Nov. 19. He was also measured, weighed and identified as a male Rufous from the Rocky Mountain area.

Apparently these birds are migrating here more and more, though it is still fairy unusual. If more people would keep their feeders out, perhaps we'd see them even more. Most people, of course, take their feeders down in October because the Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds that spend the summer in the Mid-Atlantic area migrate to the South.

That's me holding the Rufous.
He flew away a split second later.

It is dipping down into the 20s at night here and the wind is howling. I can't imagine how this little guy stays warm, although he is a healthy weight with a high fat volume stored up. In fact on the scale they use, a 2.5 is very healthy, and he was a 3. That shows I'm doing something right with the food I mix.

By the way, for anyone who feeds hummingbirds or who wants to start, I was told it is good that I don't use the pre-made red dye food. The dye causes problems in hummingbirds. You can attract them by using a red feeder rather than red food.

According to the bird experts, this hummingbird will probably stick around, at least until breeding season begins in February. It looks like I have another mouth to feed for a few months!

Remembrance Day in Gettysburg

2010-11-22T04:54:00.000-08:00

I had a great time signing my historical fiction novel Shades of Gray at the American Civil War Center in Gettysburg on Saturday as part of the annual Remembrance Day festivities in Gettysburg. I met many wonderful people from New York, New Jersey, and Ohio, to name a few.

The staff at the museum was fantastic and made the event very enjoyable. The gift shop at the Wax Museum (as it's known locally) is definitely one of the best in town. I highly recommend it if you're planning a visit to Gettysburg.

The signing gave me the opportunity to be in the heart of the tourist area, so I got to see a part of town that most locals avoid during this busy weekend. After the signing I walked up Steinwher Avenue, bought a cup of hot apple cider, and enjoyed the parade.

It was wonderful to see so many people lining the streets to enjoy history. I always recommend this weekend in November to anyone planning a visit to Gettysburg. I think it's even better than the Battle of Gettysburg anniversary in July -- though the weather does not always cooperate. (But I'd actually rather be cold than suffer through 95 degrees and high humidity).

After the parade, I walked around town and visited different shops. (Again, locals don't usually shop in the tourist area, but they don't know what they are missing). I found a few Christmas gifts and lots of things I wanted for myself!

Being around so many other people who enjoy history heals my soul. I'm so blessed to live in such a great town!

Jessica James

Civil War book signing in Gettysburg

2010-11-18T09:55:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful weekend is in store for us in Gettysburg, Pa.! It's Remembrance Day weekend and I think the weather is actually going to cooperate for a change.

For those who are not familiar, Nov. 19 is the anniversary of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address (1863), and it's a great time to visit - especially when there is no sleet, rain or wind predicted.

As part of the festivities, I will be signing copies of my historical fiction novel Shades of Gray on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the American Civil War Museum Complex on Steinwehr Avenue (around here it's known as the Wax Museum). Jeff Shaara and Robert Trout will also be signing on Saturday so I'm really looking forward to it.

I'm including a list of other events happening in town. The highlights are the annual Parade - an absolute must-see - and the illumination at the National Cemetery.

Nov. 19, 10:15 a.m. Dedication Day events will be held in the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, Gettysburg, starting with a wreath-laying at 10:15 a.m., followed by a speech by Sam Donaldson. For more information, visit www.gettysburg.edu/civilwar/institute.

Nov. 19, 11:15 a.m. The United States Colored Troops Graveside Salute will be held at the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, Gettysburg. Featured speaker will be Hari Jones.

Nov. 19, 4 p.m. Jim Getty will share his personal reflections in “My Life as Abraham Lincoln” at the Gettysburg Presbyterian Church, Baltimore St., Gettysburg. For more information, call 334-1235.

Nov. 19, 5-7:30 p.m. Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center presents "An Evening with The Painting." National Cyclorama expert Sue Boardman presents the history of the Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama painting. Attendees will have an opportunity to spend time viewing the painting in the gallery. Tickets are available online at www.gettysburgfoundation.org or by calling 877-874-2478.

Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m. Edward Ayers will present “Loyalty and America’s Civil War” as the 49th Fortenbaugh Lecture at the Majestic Theater, 25 Carlisle St., Gettysburg.

Nov. 19, 8 p.m. Joy Melcher and Civil War Lady will host a Remembrance Day Ball at the Gettysburg Hotel, with dance-mistress Karen Chartrand-Duffy. For more information, visit www.GettysburgBall.com or call 712-310-9383.

Nov. 20, 10 a.m. Dedication of the Meade and Humphreys Monuments at the Gettysburg National Military Park by the George G. Meade Society, followed by the Meade Society annual dinner in Emmitsburg at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call the Meade Society at 215-848-7753.

Nov. 20, 11 a.m. - “Remembering Honor” ceremonies at the Winfield S. Hancock statue on East Cemetery Hill, sponsored by the W.S. Hancock Society. For more information, call 610-630-0912.

Nov. 20. 1 p.m. The Remembrance Day Parade and Ceremonies will be held in the streets of downtown Gettysburg. Sponsored by the Sons of Union Veterans. For more information, call 259-6156.

Nov. 20, 3:30 p.m. A special service of Remembrance will be held at Lincoln Cemetery. A keynote address will be given by Dr. Walter Powell, Gettysburg historian and a founding member of the Lincoln Cemetery Project Association, followed by a wreath laying by members of the 54th Massachusetts and 3rd United States Colored Troops.

Nov. 20, 6 p.m. The Farnsworth House, Gettysburg, will hold a Mourning Theater presentation with proceeds benefiting the Adams County SPCA. For more information and to reserve seats, call 334-8838 or visit www.gettysburgshauntedaddress.com.

Nov. 20, 5:30-9:30 p.m. The 8th annual Remembrance Illumination will be held at Soldiers’ national Cemetery, Gettysburg.

Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m. "Candlelight at Christ Church: Songs and stories of a Civil War Hospital" will be presented at Christ Lutheran Church, 30 Chambersburg St., Gettysburg.

Nov. 20, 9 p.m. The National Order of the Sons of Civil War Veterans’ Annual National Civil War Ball will begin at the Eisenhower Conference Center (Bus. Rt. 15S), featuring the Victorian Dance Ensemble, cake-walk, door prizes, and photographer. Cost is $25 per person, with all proceeds going to the GNMP.

Hope to see you in Gettysburg!

Jessica James

'50 Great Writers You Should be Reading'

2010-09-21T17:50:00.000-07:00

What a busy summer it was! I don't quite know where it went, but I love this time of year - especially now that the weather has turned cooler here. I have already helped to split and unload a truckload of firewood, something that will become a ritual every weekend very soon.

In the writing world, I was pleased to learn recently that I am featured in the new book 50 Writers You Should Be Reading, just published by The Author's Show.

I was interviewed for the radio show back when my historical fiction novel Shades of Gray was new, so it was a bit of a surprise when I found out I was selected for this inaugural edition.

According to the publisher's information, the authors in the book were chosen for their ability to verbalize their deep love for the craft of writing, and presents to readers some of the "best writers the new world of publishing has to offer."

Wow. It's nice to be included in this wonderful book. You can take a closer look or find ordering information at The Author's Show.

Jessica James

Rare Civl War artifacts discovered in Georgia

2010-08-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

According to reports, Georgia archaeologists have unearthed a number of rare Civil War artifacts after locating a Confederate prison camp.

State officials announced the discovery of Camp Lawton, which was reportedly found by a graduate student studying archaeology at Georgia Southern University. Student Kevin Chapman and his team found evidence of the camp's stockade wall at Magnolia Springs State Park early this year. They also unearthed a tourniquet buckle, a makeshift tobacco pipe and a picture frame.

Dave Crass, Georgia's state archaeologist, says it's very rare to find such an unspoiled Civil War site. Camp Lawton imprisoned about 10,000 Union troops, but only for about six weeks before Gen. William T. Sherman's army arrived and burned it during his 1864 March to the Sea.

A memorable Civil War weekend

2010-08-10T05:30:00.000-07:00

Welbourne

I have returned from two of the most wonderful days in my entire life. Really! Looking back on it now, I feel like I was in a time warp, or maybe I dreamed the whole thing. It was just too good to be true.

It’s funny since the whole thing was kind of a last-minute trip. I received the Mosby Heritage Area Association newsletter, which announced an event at Welbourne (now a B&B) and the neighboring estate, Crednal. (Yes, most houses have names in this part of Virginia).

Since I’ve always wanted to stay at Welbourne -- Gen. J.E.B. Stuart and Col. John Mosby visited there -- I booked a room. (For those of you who don't know, Col. Mosby is the Confederate officer that the main character in my historical fiction novel Shades of Gray is patterned after).

I knew it was going to be a good trip when the innkeeper called me while I was still on the road to tell me how to get to my room in case she didn’t see me when I arrived: Turn right at the front door, and go straight through the library…

Straight through the library? Already starting to sound like heaven! (It only gets better).

When I arrived at Welbourne, I happened to run into Miss Sherry, the innkeeper. After walking through the library and showing me my room, (picture me trying to control myself just walking through a library… an old library, with old books…), she told me I might want to close my front door since there were soldiers everywhere. (I guess she thought I would think that a bad thing).Sure enough, five minutes later the hounds started barking and I found four Confederate cavalrymen right outside my door. They were actually heading for the water tubs for the horses—which just happened to be right outside my room. (Thank you very much).

The Cavalry heading back to their campsite (yes, that's my Jeep)

To back up a little bit, I haven't been to this part of Virginia for years... since doing research for Shades of Gray. Back then, I would drive around for hours on the dirt roads, comparing landmarks with first-hand accounts of the war to try to find the locations of actual events. One place that eluded me for years was Heartland, which was Col. Mosby's headquarters. It was burned to the ground by the Yankees, but the chimney and foundation remained.

Heartland - Mosby's Headquarters

I did eventually find it in the middle of a cow pasture 10 years ago, but back then there were signs of development. I decided to look for it again over the weekend, fearing all along that it would be the site of a townhouse. As it turned out, the landscape has changed quite a bit --more houses replacing the farmland -- but Heartland is now part of a horse farm with friendly owners who allowed me take photos.

Hathaway House and walnut tree

I also re-visited the Hathaway house, which is where Mosby was almost caught in bed by the Yankees. He slipped out the window and into the limbs of a walnut tree and was not discovered. As you can see, the tree remains. The limb to the window where he was staying, however, is gone.

I probably went a little overboard with photos of stone walls on this trip, but unless you've been to this part of Virginia, you can't begin to understand the miles and miles and miles of stone walls. Those who have read Shades of Gray, know there is a scene in which a stone wall plays a role, and there are many accounts during the war in which stone walls either saved someone - or resulted in their capture.

You get the idea. They are a beautiful part of the landscape and make this little piece of the country unique.

Rt. 743 in Loudoun County, Va.

Another unique thing about Virginia is its dirt roads. I try to plan all my trips without going on a paved road - which is not too difficult to do. (I laughed when I saw a sign that said "one lane bridge ahead." That means they consider what I was driving on to be two lanes)? Here is a photo of Rt. 743, which is the road to Welbourne. (Yes, it's a ROAD, not a farm lane). When I was leaving, I passed a truck on that road. I had to stop with my two right wheels climbing up a bank. He likewise had his two wheels up the opposite bank and we inched by each other. As you can see, it is impossible to see what is on the other side of the hill, and most of the roads wind around with lots of turns. It's great fun!

The Library - Portrait of Col. Dulany

OK. Back to Welbourne. I wish I could do justice to this jewel, but there are no words to describe it or the wonderful owners. Welbourne is part of a 520-acre estate that was the home of Col. Richard Henry Dulany (who is the great-great-grandfather of the current innkeeper Nat Morison). Nat is the eighth generation of the same family to own the property.

The main house dates back to 1770, with additions as late as the 1870s. Col. Dulany founded the nation's oldest foxhunting club and the oldest horse show. As I said before, visitors during the Civil War included Jeb Stuart and John S. Mosby. In the 1930’s F. Scott Fitzgerald and Thomas Wolfe stayed at Welbourne. Both writers published stories using the house as the setting.

I spent a lot of time in the library - needless to say - and now have an entire list of out of print books that I want to buy. I was surprised, though, at how many of the titles I do have -- with the themes of Civil War, Virginia and the Confederacy, I share the same tastes as the Morisons.

Here is one side of my bedroom, with the door on the right opening to the front. That is only half the room. The other side had an antique table, antique writing desk, sitting chair, and huge armoire. I felt like I had stepped back in time.

The reason for my visit was a wonderful re-enactment, which was sponsored by the Mosby Heritage Area Association, and put on by the Valley Light group out of Winchester (THE most realistic looking re-enactment group I have ever seen).

The scenario featured a group of Yankees riding up to Welbourne and taking a young boy prisoner in retaliation for Mosby's raids. The women you see are trying to get their child back. At the end of the night, the Confederates ride in and get the boy back, returning him safely into the arms of his mother.

I assumed the poor quality of the photo was from dust, but this is the only photo in which the "orbs" appear. You decide.

This post does not begin to cover everything I did over the weekend, but I hope it gives you a taste. Perhaps the most memorable part was Nat, the owner of Welbourne, taking the time to share two of his unbelievable historic treasures with me. I could not believe my eyes!

I'm usually anxious to get home after being away -- but on this trip --I somehow felt like I was already there.

Jessica James

Upcoming Civil War events

2010-07-30T17:35:00.000-07:00

What a crazy (and hot) summer. Obviously I have not kept up with my blogging, but I did want to post a couple of events that are coming up.

Civil War at Welbourne and Crednal
Aug. 7

The Mosby Heritage Area Association and the Valley Light Horse Cavalry will present a program on life during the Civil War at Welbourne and Crednal on Saturday, August 7 beginning at 8 pm.

Visitors will be guided by lanterns to four vignettes that depict military life in the Mosby Heritage Area. There will be camp scenes including horses, pickets, and a dramatic ending vignette that will depict what happened when Yankee patrols found Mosby Rangers in the homes of area residents.

Admission to this family-oriented event is $10 for adults and $5 for students. Funds raised from this event will be used for the preservation of Welbourne and the educational programs of the Mosby Heritage Area Association.

So excited about this one! I booked a room at Welbourne and I'm re-reading the Delany's at Welbourne this week. Can't wait!!

15th Annual Potomac River Crossing
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Noon to 4 p.m.

The Colonel William Norris Camp, SCV, invites you to their 15th annual river crossing at historic White’s Ford to commemorate the 148th Anniversary of the Army of Northern VA crossing the Potomac River to start the 1862 Maryland Campaign (Sept. 4-6, 1862). The event is held at Dickerson Conservation Park.

Upon the return from the river they will be serving fried chicken, cole slaw, and potato salad (including soda’s) around 2:30 p.m. There will be a raffle and auction. They are requesting an $8 donation for lunch.

For information visit their website www.mdscv.org/1398 or e-mail brewer000@comcast.net (please put River Crossing in the subject line)

I participated in this event a few years ago and it is a MUST DO if you live in the area. Nothing can compare to walking in the footsteps of our ancestors, and the Norris Camp members are great hosts. I highly recommend this event!

John Mosby Tour
Sept. 18

The Mosby tour will start at at the Truro Rectory in Fairfax City, where Mosby captured Brigadier General Edwin Stoughton. The bus will leave at 8:30 a.m. The group will be visiting Mosby’s grave, the Lottery Site, the Caleb Rector house, Mt. Carmel Church, the Old Chapel, Beamer’s Woods (the Hanging Site), Berryville and more.

The bus will return to the Rectory at 5:30. If you are a member of the Stuart-Mosby Historical Society the cost is $65. If you are not a member of the SMHS the cost for the tour is $75. The tour does not cover your food, however, they will be stopping at a fast food place somewhere on the tour.

Make your check out to Don Hakenson and send it to: 4708 Lillian Drive, Franconia, VA 22310. The Mosby Tour will be conducted by authors Don Hakenson, Gregg Dudding and Eric Buckland. Tom Evans will also be signing books before the tour at the Truro Rectory.

Sign up early - the bus fills up early.

Contact Don Hakenson at 703.971.4984 or dhakenson@cox.net
Contact Gregg Dudding at 703 971 4860 or wdudding@cox.net

A Day with Mosby Symposium
Oct. 2, 10 to 4
Winchester-Frederick County Conservation Club
Winchester, VA

Sponsored by the Turner Ashby Chapter 184 United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Turner Ashby Camp 1567 Sons of Confederate Veterans.

$18 per person.
www.turnerashby184.com or www.turnerasbycamp.com

I want to attend this, but not sure I can fit it in. Love the speakers/authors that are participating so highly recommend.

Jessica James
Historical Fiction Author

Civil War service offers glimpse into the past

2010-06-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

I attended a church service a few Sunday's ago at the United States Christian Commission Civil War Chapel in Gettysburg, and have been remiss in not writing about it.

As you can see from the picture at right, you really get a taste of how services were conducted during the Civil War. For those who are not accustomed to sitting for an hour without being able to lean back in your seat, the service can probably be a little grueling. (But for an historical fiction author, it can be great fun and a great source for background material).

The service was a wonderful mixture of God and country. We sang two of my favorite songs - Amazing Grace and the Star Spangled Banner, as well as a number of old hymns. And where else can you go to church and end up sitting beside a Confederate soldier?

The United States Christian Commission in Gettysburg brings to life the untold stories of the heroes who served on the battlefields without rifle or bayonet -- but with Bibles, bandages and the love of Christ. The present-day USCC is dedicated to telling the stories of those who served their country and Lord, and is in the process of renovating museum space beside the Chapel, which is located on Chambersburg Street in Gettysburg.

If you are in town on a Sunday, I highly recommend attending this service.

Jessica James

A memorable Memorial Day

2010-06-07T06:15:00.000-07:00

Don't know why it's taken me more than a week to write about my Memorial Day experiences, but I'm finally getting around to it. I thought I'd share because it was such an unusual set of circumstances that led to the discovery of some ancestors who fought in the Civil War.

First of all, the plan for the day was to stain the backyard deck. However, since the day turned out to be extremely hot and steamy, we decided instead to drive around the battlefield and act like tourists.

With no real plan in mind, we ended up at the National Cemetery, where the above photo was taken. Walking along the pathway around the cemetery, I suddenly turned into the burial area to read some of the markers. There, in the first row, was a tombstone with the last name of my boyfriend -- and the soldier had served in a New York regiment, where my boyfriend is from. Of all of the thousands of graves in that cemetery, it seemed a little odd that we would stumble across that one, but the coincidences did not stop there.

We then drove over to the adjoining Evergreen Cemetery because I am working on a magazine article on Jennie Wade, the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg. I wanted to take a picture of her monument to go with the story, and look for her fiance's tombstone as well. (He was wounded and died on July 12 - she on July 3).

After getting that picture, we drove around the cemetery a little, and wouldn't you know, I spotted a tombstone with MY last name, along with a marker that showed this soldier had fought from 1861-1865. What makes this even stranger is that I have helped place flags on veterans' graves in this cemetery for a couple of years - but had never done this particular section.

After attending the wonderful Gettysburg Memorial Day parade, we rushed home and I hopped on ancestry.com. There I found that the soldier at Evergreen Cemetery was a great-great uncle. I also discovered that my great-great grandfather fought briefly with the 21st Pa. Cavalry, a fact that had never been passed down.

I always get asked the question at book signings if I had a relative in the war, and I used to just shrug my shoulders and tell them I wasn't sure. Now, after this memorable Memorial Day, I can, 'yes.'

Remembering what Memorial Day is all about

2010-05-28T04:27:00.000-07:00

Since it has its roots in the Civil War, I've covered the history of Memorial Day in other blog posts. Today, I just wanted to remind everyone to remember what this three-day weekend is all about - to honor those who have fallen in service to this country.

To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed in December of 2000 which asks all Americans, at 3 p.m.,"To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps."

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday, and remembers to take a moment to remember the true meaning of the Day.

Jessica James

Aldie Mill's Civil War ties

2010-05-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

I had a great time signing copies of my Civil War novel, Shades of Gray, in Aldie, Va. on Saturday during the village's bicentennial celebration.

The best part was getting to sit right in front of the historic Aldie Mill which was used to supply grain to horses and soldiers by both the Confederate and Union armies during the Civil War. Built in 1807, the mill is located in Loudoun County, along U.S. Rt. 50 (John Mosby Highway).

The mill is one of the oldest gristmills still capable of grinding grain in Virginia. It was built during the presidency of Thomas Jefferson and features tandem water wheels. If you are ever in this part of Virginia, stop by and walk around the grounds. The mill is open on weekends throughout the summer.

The mill also has many links to the "Gray Ghost of the Confederacy," John Singleton Mosby. He surprised Union Cavalrymen there on March 2, 1863. Although the Union forces outnumbered Mosby’s men by 3 to 1, he defeated them soundly. Some Union soldiers ran and hid in the mill's flour bins when they saw Mosby coming, and when captured, came out looking like snowmen.

Another story that is one of my favorites, is the time that Mosby lost control of his horse in front of the Aldie Mill. The Confederate cavalryman was being taken at a full gallop across the bridge toward a line of Union cavalry. In an effort to stop the horse, one of his men took off after him, riding up beside him to grab the bridle. The sight of these two horses galloping at a mad rush toward them, made the Union troops turn around and run.

I learned long ago that sometimes truth is stranger than -- historical fiction :)

I have another book signing this Saturday at the National Park Service Visitor Center and Museum in Gettysburg. Please stop by and say hello if you're in the area!

Jessica James

Great post on search engines for history students

2010-05-13T07:10:00.000-07:00

Just received this info from a kind reader who has written an excellent post called "75 Search Engines for History Students."

Take a look for yourself, but it is really nice that they are broken down into categories like: search engines for history students, search engines for kids, on-line encyclopedias, dictionaries, and photo searches. There are plenty of sites that feature the Civil War, and many others on every history topic imagainable.

Really helpful information that, needless to say, I will be keeping close at hand as I do research for my next historical fiction novel.

Thank you, Anna, for sending it my way!

Jessica James

A Civil War connection to Mother's Day

2010-05-08T16:03:00.000-07:00

Since I am lucky enough to have one of the best mothers on the planet, I decided to do a post on the celebration of Mother's Day. What a great surprise to find out that this holiday actually has a Civil War connection.

Though the earliest historical records of a society celebrating a Mother deity can be found among the ancient Egyptians, the holiday was first suggested in the United States after the American Civil War by social activist Julia Ward Howe. Howe, who wrote the words to the Battle Hymn of the Republic, was horrified by the carnage of the Civil War, and began a one-woman peace crusade, making an impassioned “appeal to womanhood” to rise against war.

Howe’s idea was apparently influenced by Ann Marie Reeves Jarvis, a young Appalachian homemaker who attempted to improve sanitation through what she called “Mothers Friendship Day” in 1858. In the 1900s, at a time when most women devoted their time solely to their family and homes, Jarvis was working to assist in the healing of the nation after the Civil War.

It was Jarvis’ daughter, Anna Jarvis, who finally succeeded in introducing Mother’s Day in the sense we celebrate it today. Anna had dedicated her life to her mother’s cause to establish Mother’s Day to “honor mothers, living and dead.”

As a result of her efforts, the first Mother’s Day was observed on May 10, 1908, by a church service honoring her mother in Grafton, W.V. Grafton is now home to the International Mother’s Day Shrine.

From there, the custom spread to 45 states, until on May 9th, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson made the first official announcement proclaiming Mother’s Day as a national holiday. He asked Americans to give a public expression of reverence to mothers through the celebration of Mother’s Day.

A very happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers out there!

Jessica James

Pre-Civil War: The Art of Letter Writing

2010-04-21T07:50:00.000-07:00

Ironic that on the day a poll came out revealing that 31 percent of teens send more than 100 text messages daily, I received my 1851 copy of The American Letter-Writer and Mirror of Polite Behaviour: A Useful Guide in the Art of Letter-Writing with Rules of Conduct for Both Sexes.

I can't imagine someone from the Civil War era waking up and trying to read a text message or e-mail from today. The flow, grammar (or lack thereof), and overall sentence structure leaves much to be desired to those of us who love the English language.

I thought I'd share with readers the Introduction to this book, which in and of itself is beautiful prose.

The art of letter-writing is one which enters so largely into the daily transactions of life, that those who lack either the taste or the ability to indite a genteel and sensible epistle, are deficient in one of the most important and useful accomplishments that adorn our age and country.

The compilation of an easy, graceful, interesting, and appropriate epistle, is a task that but few are capable of performing with dignity—for the learned often err most grievously in this respect.

Nevertheless, by a little observation and practice, even those who have enjoyed but limited facilities for gaining knowledge, and the acquirements of polite society, will soon be enabled to express in appropriate language their thoughts, and to conduct themselves with that Natural grace and ease, which adds a charm to all personal intercourse; so natural is it for all to learn, when they once possess the inclination to do so.

Philadelphia, July 25, 1851

A sure sign of Spring

2010-04-19T11:25:00.000-07:00

As an historical ficiton author, I usually spend the month of April blogging about the Civil War. It is, after all, the month it all began (1861) and ended (1865). But whether it was the hard winter we had, or the fact that I seem to have very little time on my hands to write, I've been spending every spare moment outside.

After writing a magazine piece about nearby Hanover Shoe Farms, I decided to take a drive and share some pictures with readers of what, to me, is the surest sign of spring. This year, the farm is expecting 418 foals, and the fields will soon be filled them. Since the first ones are born in January and the last ones in June, they are separated in the fields by age (no bullying aloud).

When I worked in Hanover, I used to drive out of my way to go by the fields after a hard day's work. There is no way you can pass by these pastures and paddocks without smiling!

For those who are not familiar with Hanover Shoe Farm, they breed Standardbred horses - the type that pulls a sulky. In addition to the youngsters, Hanover Shoe takes retired race horses and gives them the same level of care that their multi-million dollar mares receive.

The foaling barns, stallion barns and breeding sheds are also open to the public. For more info, visit http://www.hanoverpa.com/.

Happy Spring!

Jessica James

April is Confederate History Month

2010-04-02T16:15:00.000-07:00

April is here! Not only is everything finally starting to bloom after a long, cold weather, April also marks one of the most important months in the history of our nation. In 1861, April marked the beginning of the Civil War, and in 1865, it marked the end of the war. For that reason, April is now Confederate History and Heritage Month, a time to remember the sacrifices of those who fought for the Southern cause.

April 26 has come to be recognized as Confederate Memorial Day in many Southern states. For more than 100 years, the Ladies' Memorial Association, United Daughters of the Confederacy and Sons of Confederate Veterans have held memorial services on or near this day. Other Southern States recognize this day, which began as Decoration Day, on May 10 and June 3.

The history of Decoration Day is said to have begun with Mrs. Charles J. Williams, whose husband served as Colonel of the 1st Georgia Regiment during the war. He died of disease in 1862, and was buried in his home town of Columbus, Georgia.

Mrs. Williams and her daughter visited his grave often and cleared the weeds, then placed flowers upon it. Her daughter also pulled the weeds from other Confederate graves near her Father. After the daughter died, Mrs. Williams visited the graveyard and noticed the unkept soldiers' graves. She wrote a letter that was published in Southern newspapers asking the women of the South for their help. She requested that memorial organizations be established to take care of the thousands of Confederate graves from the Potomac River to the Rio Grande. She also asked the state legislatures to set aside a day in April to remember the men who wore the gray. With her leadership, April 26 was officially adopted in many states. Mrs. Williams died in 1874, but not before her native state of Georgia adopted it as a legal holiday.

Many are not aware that those who served the Confederacy came from many races and religions. There was Irish born General Patrick R. Cleburne, black Southerner Amos Rucker, Jewish born Judah P. Benjamin, Mexican born Colonel Santos Benavides, and American Indian General Stand Watie.

Find out more by visiting Confederate History Month.

Weather during the Civil War

2010-03-17T14:58:00.000-07:00

With all the hype about Global Warming, I thought it would be interesting to print something about the weather during the Civil War. It's eye-opening to see the weather cycles that have been occurring since the beginning of time.

According to the Virginia Vignette, weather was influential in shaping events during the American Civil War (1861–1865). For instance, concerns about weather helped determine overall strategy as well as tactics on the battlefield.

Generals looked to the skies to decide when to begin spring campaigns, cursed at flooded rivers for impeding progress, and pushed their men to endure the extremes of the Southern climate.

Weather also colored the war experience for soldiers and civilians. Becoming a veteran soldier meant being seasoned by the weather as much as being transformed by combat.

Meanwhile, men and women in Virginia and across the nation religiously recorded meteorological events in diaries, letters, and newspapers, knowing how decisive this force of nature, so completely beyond human control, could be on wartime events.

Meteorologically, the Civil War took place at the tail end of what is often termed the "Little Ice Age," a period of general cooling and unpredictability that most scholars date from roughly 1310 to 1850.

Despite what its name suggests, the Little Ice Age actually encompassed dramatic fluctuations in weather, with one year bringing an intensely cold winter and easterly winds, and the next heavy rains and raging heat. On the whole, conditions began to warm after 1850, but during the war Virginia experienced extreme precipitation and alternate periods of blazing heat and bitter cold.

This information was taken from Virginia Vignettes.

Down South

2010-03-04T06:21:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, I am in beautiful South Carolina this week, and I can't think of a better place for a historical fiction author to relax and write.

I am always looking for new plantations to explore, and was thrilled to find one close by called BrookGreen Gardens - a former rice plantation.

I've been to dozens of plantations in the South that were active during the Civil War, but I can honestly say I've never seen so many ancient Live Oaks as I saw at BrookGreen. It was simply breathtaking to think that they stood, not only during the Civil War, but the Revolutionary War as well.

Brookgreen Gardens is now a National Historic Landmark and a display garden with the most extensive collection of figurative sculpture in an outdoor setting by American artists in the world. It also has the only zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums on the coast of the Carolinas.

At the zoo, we saw red and gray foxes (the gray foxes were sleeping in the trees); all kinds of birds of prey, including owls and eagles; and two otters that seemed happy to put on a show for us. The alligators were the only ones that didn't make an appearance.

The 9,200 acres that comprise Brookgreen Gardens is a diverse mix of forested swamps, salt marsh, sandy ridges and fresh tidal swamps. If you're ever near Mrytle Beach, S.C., I highly recommend this natural treasure.

- Jessica James