On Thursday I will be posting text, photos and videos from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. This will be my first visit in two years and as I am looking at ways of utilizing the emerging mobile technology available via Blackberry, I can’t think of a better place to experiment with mobile blogging.

My plans are to cover some of the exhibits in the new Thomas Jefferson Visitors Center and Smith Education Center, Mulberry Row, and of course the house and gardens. The turning of the leaves here in Virginia is just reaching its peak and the colors are breathtaking. I also plan to offer my thoughts on the new historical interpretations of the life and legacy of Jefferson via the new museum.

Stay tuned for a multi-media experience.

Since you brought it up my friend...

The 1950 Philadelphia Phillies climbed to the top of the National League, thanks to a clutch performance down the home stretch by twenty-game winner Robin Roberts. Roberts pitched three times in the last five days of the regular season and although he managed to nail down the National League pennant, the marathon had left him unavailable for a Game 1 start. Manager Eddie Sawyer was left with a limited rotation due to the late-season loss of Curt Simmons (seventeen victories) to the Army and recurring injuries to rookie pitchers Bob Miller and Bubba Church.

The Philly skipper shocked everyone after nominating a thirty-three year old right-hander named Jim Konstanty, who had not made a single start during the 1950 regular season. He did however appear in seventy-four games and the standout reliever was 16-7 with a 2.66 earned run average. Konstanty was confident and certainly up to the challenge (and what a challenge it would be).

His opponent was none other than the defending World Champion New York Yankees who had swept six previous World Series (from the Pirates, Cardinals, Cubs and Reds) in twenty-four years and captured twelve World Series titles to date. Many felt that another sweep was a foregone conclusion, but Philadelphia was determined to prove their critics wrong. Konstanty rose to the occasion and pitched a superb outing against the American League champions while allowing only one run and four hits in eight innings. Unfortunately for the Phillies, New York's Vic Raschi spun a two-hit, 1-0 shutout for the opening lead.

By now, Roberts was well rested and ready for Game 2. The Philadelphia ace went up against New York right-hander Allie Reynolds and neither blinked through a 1-1, nine inning standoff. So far, through two regulation games, there had been a total of three runs scored as the pitchers clearly dominated the contest (much to the dismay of the crowds). Joe DiMaggio added a fourth to the total after launching a leadoff homer in the tenth inning for a 2-1 triumph. Now down two games to none, the Phillies were desperate for an advantage on the mound and called upon an unlikely hero named Ken Heintzelman (a seventeen-game winner for the Phillies in 1949 but a lowly, 3-9 pitcher in 1950).

Despite his deplorable regular season stats, the left-hander started beautifully in Game 3 against Eddie Lopat and carried a 2-1 lead going into the eighth inning. After retiring the first two Yankees, Heintzelman stuttered and walked three consecutive batters. Sawyer saw that it was time to make a change and called for Konstanty who induced Bobby Brown to ground to Granny Hamner. Unable to get a break, the Phillies' winced as their shortstop fumbled the ball, and the tying run scored. The Yankees continued their momentum in the ninth, as Jerry Coleman stepped up to the plate and sealed the 3-2 victory.

Now on the verge of another Yankees sweep, the Phillies had kept pace with the perennial champs and only lost by three consecutive one-run decisions (the closest of any contender in any previous New York rally). Their efforts however, would be in vain, as NY skipper Casey Stengel introduced a young up-and-coming talent in Game 4. His name was Ed "Whitey" Ford and the rookie went 9-1 during the regular season after being called up from Kansas City of the American Association. After teammate Yogi Berra led off the Yankees' attack with a run-scoring single and a bases-empty homerun, Ford breezed into the ninth inning with a 5-0 lead. A shutout seemed inevitable for Ford, as he forced Andy Seminick to hit a textbook fly to left field. However, Gene Woodling dropped the ball and both Phillies runners scored. Reynolds came in to get the last out, making the New York Yankees 5-2 winners and repeat champions.

Woodling, who tied Granny Hamner for the World Series batting lead with a .429 average, was distraught over his failure to protect the shutout. Ford was less concerned and happy with the win (which would be the first of many in the Fall Classic). In fact, the Yankees newest ace would go on to set several World Series records. "The Chairman of the Board" as he would later be called, still holds the World Series records for most wins (ten) and most strikeouts (ninety-four). The New York Yankees pitching rotation during the 1950 Series only allowed three (3) earned runs and finished the Fall Classic with a combined 0.73 ERA.

Following their defeat, one of the most frequently asked questions in Philadelphia's sports papers was, "Why didn't the Phillies start Robin Roberts during Game 1?" The answer is during the National League pennant race, Roberts had three (3) starts in five (5) days including the pennant winner on the final day of the regular season - played October 1, 1950 (three days before Game 1).

Ironically, the last two National League teams without a home run during the Fall Classic were the Cincinnati Reds in the 1939 World Series (swept by the New York Yankees) and the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1927 World Series (also swept by the New York Yankees).

Originally written for Baseball-Almanac: World Series section, by Michael Aubrecht

I’ve waited to post anything on the ALCS in fear of jinxing the outcome, but as I sit here watching Mariano Rivera close out Game 6 with a score of NYY 5 - LAA 2, I can safely acknowledge that the 2009 Bronx Bombers have secured the victory and a ticket to the Fall Classic. Well done gentlemen. Well done!

What makes this particular AL Pennant even sweeter is the fact that the New York Yankees will be moving on to meet the NL’s defending World Champion Philadelphia Phillies. The “Phils” of course are the beloved team of my friend and co-author Eric Wittenberg, as well as Dave Raymond, the original “Phillie Phanatic” and Foreword contributor to our upcoming book You Stink! Major League Baseball’s Terrible Teams and Pathetic Players. (How ironic that in the very season we completed our manuscript, both of our teams are meeting in the grand finale.)

To me, there is nothing better than the World Series and this year’s promises to be a great one. Both teams are excellent on both sides of the plate and I can easily see this ending in an epic Game 7. Of course Eric and I have pledged to root against one another with a renewed vigor, and then translate that experience into a new addition to our book’s Introduction.

I may not know a lot about a lot of things, but I do know a little about baseball. As a freelance writer, I started out as a contributor for Baseball-Almanac where I researched and authored their entire historical section including the World Series, All-Star Game, Year in Review and Post-Season recaps. This was in addition to writing bios, essays and editorial pieces. From 2000-2006, I penned over 375 pieces for BA and I loved every minute of it. Nowadays, I watch more Yankees games than any other sporting event and I can’t wait to participate in the MLB Fantasy League at my new job. (I heard a rumor that the U.S. Marshals have a killer rotisserie league.)

People are already emailing me for my predictions and all I will say is that the Yankees must get consistency out of their bullpen, specifically from their middle relievers, and the swingers must stop leaving so many runners stranded on base. Philadelphia is a strong contender and I feel this series will come down to the starters. Whoever has the stronger rotation wins. Hitters won’t be a defining factor - whiffers will. Although both ballparks favor the bat, defense will be the key. This postseason has already given us a fielding highlight reel. Look for low-scoring games and lots of ‘K’s. NY wins in 6 games.

Related links:
Luckiest Fans on the Face of this Earth (eBook)
Articles on MLB history for Baseball-Almanac

Earlier this month, I posted that I was reading Gary Wills’ book “Negro President” Jefferson and the Slave Power. I am enjoying it to say the least, and I can’t wait to finish so I can start The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family by Annette Gordon-Reed. The latter was a bon voyage gift from a good friend and member of The Jefferson Project. Thank you Liane. As a result, I have pledged to read nothing but Jefferson books for the remainder of the year. That said, the Wills book has really opened my eyes to a whole new perspective of America’s Founding Fathers and the nation’s practice of slavery. I had absolutely no idea how influential (even crucial) the institution was to the establishment and operation of the federal government. Slavery yielded a political power that affected all branches at every level.

To quote a review: The book focuses on the influence of slaveholding in United States politics from the post-revolutionary period through the 1840’s, especially 1800 through 1808. It provides a vivid portrait of unsavory and generally ignored aspects of the political career of Thomas Jefferson, the “Negro President” of the title. His opponents styled him thus after the presidential election of 1800, because he would have lost it had not the South’s representation in Congress and the Electoral College been augmented by 60 percent of the census of slaves. This was the “three-fifths clause” of the Constitution at work.

That’s the basic premise for the book and Wills does as extraordinary job of outlining the three-fifths affect and how much power the South maintained as a result. This passage from Chapter 1 in particular, really caught my attention:

In the sixty-two years between Washington’s election and the Compromise of 1850, for example, slaveholders controlled the presidency for fifty-years, the Speaker’s chair for forty-one years, and the chairmanship of House Ways and Means [the most important committee] for forty-two years. The only men to be re-elected president – Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and Jackson – were all slaveholders. The men who sat in the Speaker’s chair the longest – Henry Clay, Andrew Stevenson, and Nathaniel Macon – were slaveholders. Eighteen out of thirty-one Supreme Court justices were slaveholders.

Wills continues to outline additional high-level political positions held by slaveholders (or descendents of slaveholders) all the way up to the turn of the century. To be honest, I never realized how much the federal government was influenced, even controlled somewhat by the institution of bondage. My conclusion: slavery equaled political power, thus political power required slavery. I find that disturbing.

More thoughts to come as I continue to read this fascinating study…

Here is a PDF of the official announcement from The History Press for my fifth and newest book, The Civil War in Spotsylvania: Confederate Campfires at the Crossroads.

This will be the third, and perhaps last post before I start my new Technical Writer position with the U.S. Marshals. As I adjust to my commute, I hope to blog from the train via my Blackberry, but we’ll see how that goes. One of the many things that immediately impressed me about this outfit was their obvious dedication to preserving their own legacy. History really matters to the U.S. Marshals and the moment you enter their headquarters, you are greeted by a large statue of Wyatt Earp. At my panel interview, I was tested on my knowledge of the organization. Fortunately, I had prepped myself by spending some time on their website. Who knows? Maybe someday I'll write a book on the subject.

Much like the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Marshals Service wants their people at every level to fully appreciate the history of those who came before them. As the oldest federal law enforcement agency in the United States, they have apprehended more fugitives than all other law-enforcement agencies combined. As a historian, I love the fact that this group embraces their heritage and goes to great lengths to instill the same values of those who came before them. The list of noteworthy U.S. Marshals is a long one and includes familiar names such as Wyatt Earp, Wild Bill Hickok, and even Frederick Douglass (I never knew that.) Two Confederate Generals also wore the silver-star, Benjamin McCulloch, U.S. Marshal for Eastern District of Texas; who became a brigadier general, and Richard Griffith, who was mortally wounded at the Battle of Savage's Station during the 1862 Peninsula Campaign.

Griffith is a particularly interesting character in southern Civil War history as he was originally from Pennsylvania. He was born in Philadelphia and graduated from Ohio University before moving to Vicksburg, Mississippi. During the Mexican War, Griffith served as an infantryman with the 1st Mississippi Rifles. It was there where he met and became close friends with an up-and-coming colonel named Jefferson Davis. After the war Griffith left the army for civilian life and worked as both a banker and a U.S. Marshal. He also held the rank of brigadier general in the Mississippi State Militia.

At the outbreak of the War Between the States, Griffith sided with the Confederacy and was immediately appointed as a colonel in the 12th Mississippi Infantry. One year later he was promoted to brigadier general and put in command of four Mississippi regiments that became part of Maj. Gen. John B. Magruder’s division. Griffith saw action at the Seven Days Battles near the Confederate capital of Richmond. During that engagement he was mortally wounded in his thigh by a shell fragment. As he died he was recorded to have said, “If only I could have led my brigade through this battle, I would have died satisfied.”

According to his bio: The loss of General Griffith was much lamented by many, including his long-time friend Jefferson Davis. Of the fighting at Savage Station he wrote, “Our loss was small in numbers, but great in value. Among others who could ill be spared, here fell the gallant soldier, the useful citizen, the true friend and Christian gentleman, Brigadier General Richard Griffith. He had served with distinction in foreign war, and, when the South was invaded, was among the first to take up arms in defense of our rights.” Later in the war, a group of soldier-musicians called “The McLaws Minstrels,” serving under Lafayette McLaws and formerly under General Griffith, would play at a theater in Fredericksburg. They charged a modest admission fee, the proceeds from which were used to erect a monument in the Mississippi State Capitol in honor of their fallen commander.

Today, Brig. Gen. Richard Griffith is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Jackson, MS.

As the start date for my new job with the U.S. Marshals approaches, I have found myself eagerly anticipating the many changes that will now affect my work day. Perhaps the biggest adjustment will come in the form of the commute. Not one to sit still much, I have been looking at constructive ways to pass the time on the train. In addition to reading, music has always been a great traveling companion of mine. Recently I re-discovered Classical music. While in school, I developed a serious liking to instrumental film soundtracks that led to my appreciation of the master composers. Over the years, I moved away from the genre, but after coming back, I feel a renewed vigor and appreciation for it. Perhaps I'm finally cool with being un-cool. (Apparently this is nothing new, as my kids have known I'm a geek for years.)

Until recently, I always listened to Talk Radio, but that forum had become so politically charged and divisive, I could hardly stand a minute of it. Frankly, it made me angry, so one day I tuned into a local Classical station as I traveled to and from work. Amazingly, the music had a tremendous calming affect on me and I began to feel incredibly relaxed and replenished. When I got home, I loaded my entire iPod with my Classical CD collection including symphonies from Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and Handel. It was as if I was reacquainting myself with an old friend. I am fortunate that Virginia gets one of the top Classical public radio stations in the country WETA 90.9 FM. Now I find myself listening to Classical as I write and I think my output is improving.

I hope that my musical knowledge and tastes will continue to evolve as I spend more time listening to this style. I know I have plenty of "high-brow" readers out there, so please feel free to recommend any concertos, sonatas or symphonies that you think I may enjoy. The historian in me is especially interested in compiling the kinds of tunes that our Founding Fathers enjoyed. I wonder what was on Jefferson's iPod?

I wanted to share it then, but there were some procedures that still needed to take place. Without getting into any specific-details, I can now say that I have accepted a full-time position as a Technical Writer for the U.S. Marshals. I could not be more excited about this career move and I ask that you be patient in the coming weeks as I adjust to this new job. I think it’s fair to say that I will not be blogging as frequently in the coming weeks, but I promise to make my posts worth your while.

Confederate Campfires at the Crossroads
by Michael Aubrecht
Review inquiries welcome
Ordering information

Camp life is becoming very monotonous at our present abode. Winter is near at hand, and our tents a very inadequate shelter for this cold clime. Wood too has become an object-far off and bad roads to haul it over. The cold winds, howling around us like evil spirits, admonish us to prepare for "worse coming." -James J. Kirkpatrick, 16th MS Infantry, CSA

Often referred to as the "Crossroads of the Civil War," Spotsylvania County in central Virginia bore witness to some of the most intense fighting during the War Between the States. The nearby city of Fredericksburg and neighboring counties of Stafford, Orange and Caroline also hosted a myriad of historically significant events during America's "Great Divide."

Four major engagements took place in this region, including the Battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Spotsylvania Court House and the Wilderness. Today, the hallowed grounds that make up the Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park are the second largest of their kind in the country. In addition, the area remains home to many historic Civil War landmarks, including Chatham, Salem Church, the "Stonewall" Jackson Shrine and Ellwood Manor. Dozens of monuments and roadside markers dot the landscape, and more than 200,000 tourists visit the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania region each year.

Similarly, from 1861 to 1865, hundreds of thousands of troops from both sides of the conflict marched through, fought at and camped in the woods and fields of Spotsylvania County and the surrounding area. The National Park Service christened the region "the Bloodiest Landscape in North America," stating that over a four-year period more than eighty-five thousand men were wounded and over fifteen thousand were killed. A number of exceptionally significant events also took place in the vicinity, including the first clash between Union general Ulysses S. Grant and Confederate commander General Robert E. Lee, as well as the first recorded skirmish between the Southern forces and U.S. Colored Troops.

This book focuses specifically on the Confederate encampments that spread across Spotsylvania County and the adjoining regions during the course of the Civil War. By using the testimonies of witnesses and words taken directly from published memoirs, diary entries and letters home, readers will be able to gain some insight regarding the day-to-day experiences of camp life for the Southern armies on campaign in the Old Dominion.

According to Spotsylvania County's official history, as presented by the tourism bureau:

Spotsylvania's roots extend back to 1721, when the colony of Virginia created a vast new county that stretched past the Blue Ridge Mountains. The county was named for Alexander Spotswood, lieutenant governor of the colony from 1710 to 1720. The City of Fredericksburg was formed from the county in 1728. Spotsylvania's many historic places include the following sites: a skirmish near the Rappahannock River between American Indians and a group led by Capt. John Smith; the first commercially successful ironworks in North America; a slave revolt attempted in the 1810s; and one of the nation's most productive pre-1849 gold mines. The county is probably best-known for the battles fought on its soil during the Civil War. Because of Spotsylvania's strategic location between the Confederate and Union armies, several major battles were fought in the county, including ones at Chancellorsville, the Wilderness, Fredericksburg, and Spotsylvania Court House, one of the bloodiest battles of the war. More than 100,000 troops from both sides died in Spotsylvania.

The nearby town of Fredericksburg blends almost seamlessly into the county's landscape. Its authorized biography states:

The City of Fredericksburg was established by an act of the Virginia General Assembly in 1728, on land originally patented by John Buckner and Thomas Royston of Essex County in 1681. It was named for Frederick, Prince of Wales (1707-51), eldest son of King George II of Great Britain and father of King George III. Its older streets still bear the names of members of the British royal family. Located at the falls of the Rappahannock River, Fredericksburg flourished as a regional marketplace and prosperous seaport before the American Revolution. Although the Fredericksburg region is steeped in over 300 years of history, it is the area's part in the Civil War that attracts most of the visitors today. The City of Fredericksburg is strategically located midway between Washington D. C. and Richmond, Virginia. The City of Fredericksburg was a major objective for both sides during the Civil War. The city changed hands at least seven times and is the site of some of the most intense and crucial battles of the war.

Both locations, in addition to the surrounding counties of Stafford, Orange, Caroline and others, acted as major campsites and stationing locations for thousands of troops from both the Federal and Confederate armies.

Topics in this book include the construction and configuration of winter quarters, daily troop activities, church services, drills and assignments, foraging and supply acquisition, games and entertainment, crimes and punishment, servants, slaves and civilian aid, as well as personal reminiscences of missions and engagements. In addition, an intimate look into the family lives of several soldiers is revealed through their personal correspondence with loved ones who were left behind on the homefront.

Camp life for the common soldier during the Civil War was a mixture of a blessing and a curse. Off the battlefield, these encampments afforded a temporary sense of safety and security. They were also a bastion of boredom, and troops passed the time playing chess, singing songs and participating in a relatively new recreational activity called "baseball." At the same time, many soldiers fell victim to the indulgences of army life that included gambling, thievery, intoxication and prostitution. Thousands of men died of disease and dysentery from poor living conditions, and the scarring that was left behind on the land from camping armies proved to be just as destructive as the battles themselves.

Most soldiers in the field, regardless of their virtue, wrote constantly to reassure their friends and family, or simply to stay abreast of what was going on in their absence. As a result, there is a tremendous quantity of recorded memories available on life (and death) in these canvas communities. Enlisting with visions of glory, many of these men never expected to be away from their families for a long period of time, and few could have predicted the hardships that they would experience. Confederate forces suffered significantly more as the war dragged on, due to a rapidly depleting supply of military resources and basic life-sustaining necessities.

The broad demographic of these secessionists crossed all lines of society, which included everyone from privileged slave owners to poor farm boys. From a frustrated infantryman who described the monotony of his days like this: "The first thing in the morning is drill. Then drill a little more. Then drill, and lastly drill," to Confederate general Braxton Bragg, who commented on the debauchery of vices when he said, "We have lost more valuable lives at the hands of whiskey sellers than by the balls of our enemies," they all served in the same army and tented together regardless of their station.

Fortunately, we still have the written recordings of these soldiers who unknowingly preserved their own legacies by hand. Some pieces in this book were obviously penned early on as they bragged proudly about serving the "Cause." Others were composed long after they had become disenchanted with the war. Many of them were bittersweet as they captured the last chronicles of homesick husbands and fathers who later fell on the battlefield.

Due to inconsistent record keeping and the fact that most of the official records for the Confederate States of America were destroyed during the fall of Richmond in 1865, there is no definitive number that accurately represents the strength of the Southern army. Troop estimates range from 500,000 to 2,000,000 men who were involved at any time during the war. Reports from the War Department began at the end of 1861, indicating 326,768 men; in 1862 with 449,439 men; in 1863 with 464,646 men; in 1864 with 400,787 men; and the last report indicated 358,692 men. An estimate of enlistment throughout the war was 1,227,890 to 1,406,180.

Confederate general Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia is estimated to have had about 75,000 troops in its ranks during the Battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville and about 62,000 during the Overland Campaign, which included engagements at Spotsylvania Court House and the Wilderness. Therefore, one could estimate roughly that anywhere between 62,000 and 75,000 soldiers were stationed or encamped around the region from 1861 to 1865. These numbers pale in comparison when measured against the 135,000 Federal troops that were said to be stationed and/or camped in the neighboring Stafford County.

The exact locations of many of these Confederate camps remain unknown, but the winter quarters for the South's more senior commanders are recorded and marked prominently. These include the headquarters of General Lee, General Longstreet and General Stuart. Other locations of campsites include the grounds of the Spotsylvania Court House and along the Lee's Hill area near Massaponax. For many soldiers, who simply opened their letters with "camped near Fredericksburg," the meaning of "near" could mean anywhere in the Spotsylvania Court House or the surrounding region.

Many of the excerpts in this book were taken from the bound volumes collection at the Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park Service archives. Some are quoted from the original Southern Historical Society Papers. Other pieces cite quotes found in the postwar autobiographies of those who survived. They have been credited in all instances, and the original wording has not been corrected or modified in any way, in order to preserve the integrity of the original documents.

Readers will likely note a distinct difference between the writing and spelling of those individuals who were schooled and those who were uneducated. Many of these transcripts contain poor grammar, no punctuation, atrocious spelling and primitive composition. They also contain an honesty and sincerity that could only be presented through mirroring their original structure. All of them provide an intimate look into the lives of those stationed at Confederate encampments in and around Spotsylvania County.

Judge J.W. Stevens, a member of Hood's Texas Brigade in the Army of Northern Virginia, recalled the average Confederate soldier's camp experiences in his recollections titled Reminiscences of the Civil War...(transcript follows).

[END PREVIEW]

The author’s copies of my new book The Civil War in Spotsylvania County: Confederate Campfires at the Crossroads arrived today. This 160-page title is my fifth published overall, and my second release with The History Press. I must say that I am very proud of the finished product. I will be setting up some signings and lectures in the future. Check back for bookings. In the meantime you can order at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, or direct from THP’s website.

Here’s the teaser: From 1861 to 1865, hundreds of thousands of troops from both sides of the Civil War marched through, battled and camped in the woods and fields of Spotsylvania County, earning it the nickname 'Crossroads of the Civil War.' When not engaged with the enemy or drilling, a different kind of battle occupied soldiers boredom, hunger, disease, homesickness, harsh winters and spirits both broken and swigged. Focusing specifically on the local Confederate encampments, renowned author and historian Michael Aubrecht draws from published memoirs, diaries, letters and testimonials from those who were there to give a fascinating new look into the day-to-day experiences of camp life in the Confederate army. So huddle around the fire and discover the days when the only meal was a scrap of hardtack, temptation was mighty and a new game they called 'baseball' passed the time when not playing poker or waging a snowball war on fellow compatriots.

This weekend I spent a wonderful, albeit exhausting day at the Virginia State Fair. As expected, this event drew thousands of visitors and was spread out over 300+ acres at the Meadow Event Park near Kings Dominion. There was a carnival midway with lots of games and rides, an agricultural and equestrian fair, and most importantly, tons of fried food. Of course we were there for the kids so the majority of the day was spent watching them ride all kinds of nausea-inducing attractions while eating artery-clogging delicacies.

The addition of seeing a 1,000+ lb. pumpkin, meeting Lady Luck from the VA Lottery, and cheering on a lumberjack competition made the 9-hour marathon very satisfying. (We also saw a "snake woman" in the Side-Show Attractions that blew my mind and may have permanently traumatized my youngest daughter. The things they can do with smoke and mirrors nowadays...at least I hope it was an illusion!)

I was very pleased to see both a large Civil War camp, as well as a strong presence represented by the Sons of Confederate Veterans in both the Heritage Village and Convention Center. Everywhere you looked people were wearing rebel flag stickers (including yours truly) supporting Confederate Heritage Month. The re-enactor's exhibits, artillery firings, and camp life demonstrations were excellent. There was however, no Federal representation on site, which I found to be a bit odd. I have never been to a CW event where only one-side was represented.

Additionally I saw large crowds gathered at the Confederate Camp, Indian Village, Virginia Dept. of Historical Resources and VA Game and Fish Wildlife Pavilions, but very few people near the African-American History Shelter. What I found most odd was that the crowd as a whole was very diverse, yet I saw very few African-Americans stop at the exhibit. As I was watching an American-Indian tribal dance demonstration, I was facing toward the shelter and observed dozens of people of all colors walking right past it in favor of other exhibits. I counted 4-6 people total enter the tent. Later as I wandered from site to site, I was one of only 2 people (at the time) to peek in at their exhibits. There were some great educational pieces on the African-American struggle in early Virginia. 

Presentation was certainly not the problem as they had some wonderful exhibits and artwork. Volunteers were not absent either as people were standing by for questions. Location wasn't an issue as they were literally the first stop at the top of the hill as you entered the footpath towards the village. So why did they appear to have so few visitors? And why so few African-Americans?

As the Vice-Chairman of the National Civil War Life Foundation, I sit on a very diverse board, which has vehemently pledged itself to preserving and presenting the Civil War-era histories of ALL participants. We take this directive very seriously. As a result, race in regards to visitation has become an important part of our focus. Nowadays I find myself being more aware of it when I visit battlefields, museums and other history-related events.

Unfortunately, now that I am paying attention, I see very little diversity around me on tours. On a personal level, I have maybe a handful of white friends who show an interest in history, but as one who spends a great deal of time at places like the Fredericksburg Battlefield and Monticello, I see very few minorities there when I visit.

My friends at The Jefferson Project have also opened my eyes to the differences in the ways whites and blacks view and acknowledge history. Some have told me very candidly that in their opinion, younger African-Americans today don't have an active interest in their people's story. Recently, I had a local black historian tell me that kids just don't care about their roots like they used to. He added that their attention is focused on today's athletes and entertainers because they are far more exciting than civil rights leaders who they can't relate to. Older people, in his mind, don't seek out black history because the past can be painful.

Whatever this gap is, I witnessed it on Saturday, at least for the time I was there. Perhaps the problem is in the presentation (or lack thereof)? I know that Gettysburg and Mount Vernon for instance; have made an effort to diversify their programs.

I would love to hear from my readers of all colors (especially you curators or NPS folks) if they have experienced or observed similar situations. Is there a racial difference in the general public's pursuit of history and is there a quantifiable lack of interest among any ethic communities when compared to others? My query is not just in regards to Civil War history either; I am speaking in regards to all periods that are presented today. A future post will be provided compiling the responses.

What are your thoughts?

Lately I have noticed that there are a lot of debates going on, some heated at times, all across the CW blogoshpere. The topics igniting these exchanges range from historical interpretation, to political perspectives and blogging etiquette. What I find so interesting is that neither side ever changes the other's opinion. There is both a passion and stubbornness to the process and I find it both educational and entertaining.

The reason I feel inclined to comment on this today is that beyond the blogosphere, America as a whole seems to be fully engaged in this type of behavior. The divide in our nation, whether political, cultural, racial, spiritual, economical or any other "al" is clearly on the rise. The recent elections and cut-throat partisanship that is going on in the government, coupled with biased media coverage has seemingly enraged citizens everywhere. Everyone has an opinion, or an argument to voice and cynicism is en vogue. In a way, the very freedom to fight with one another is what America is all about, yet at the same time the idea of a "united" states speaks to a sense of unity.

We all have the right to disagree, but I often wonder how far a society will fan the flames of dissent before any kind of compromise or agreement can be reached. It begs the question will the government ever be able to cross party lines and work together? Or will liberals and conservatives ever agree on anything? From the days of the Continental Congress to the syndication of the Glenn Beck show, America has always fought hard for its beliefs, especially at the podium.

It is, in essence, what we Americans do best, and the fact that we come from a lineage of instigators who stood up whether it be for independence, or secession, or civil rights, proves that the act of debate is one of the most precious freedoms that we possess. There was a time in our nation's not-so-distant history that men who came from the same land stood across from one another on a battlefield and killed each other. Be thankful that today, we can fire as many volleys as we want at each other across cyberspace because we live in a free society that encourages debate.

Today I started reading a book by Gary Wills titled "Negro President" Jefferson and the Slave Power. It has been sometime since I read a book for pure pleasure and I am REALLY looking forward to doing so. Unfortunately the newspaper that I periodically write book reviews for is undergoing budget cuts. (Those of you who were expecting reviews, I ask that you please remain patient as I have a great working relationship with the editor and will most likely be back in the future when their resources for freelancers are restored.) As a result, I am going to take some ME time and simply read for fun.

Last Christmas I snagged a hardback copy of this title at a used bookstore to add to my ever-growing collection of books on Thomas Jefferson. There is no other individual in our nation's history as brilliant or complex as TJ and I remain in awe of this man. Anyone familiar with my work with The Jefferson Project knows that I have a newfound fascination for examining the difficult issue of slavery and Jefferson - not only in regards to how Jefferson himself viewed race relations - but also how we today, as people of different colors reflect on his views.

According to Amazon, Wills' book is "a richly detailed study of the United States' tragic constitutional bargain with slavery, and meanders through the lives of several key figures in antebellum American history along the way." This includes issues surrounding the influence of slavery in the U.S. between 1790 and 1848.

In addition to Jefferson, fellow Founder John Quincy Adams and federalist/abolitionist Timothy Pickering also play major roles in this study. The underlying conflict here is a key component in the Civil War. That is the political struggle between Northern versus Slave-State powers which began at the time of Jefferson and erupted with the South's secession. Although I have no intention of working with this material in any formal capacity, I hope to gather some new insights to share with you here.

Beyond the subject matter, "Negro President" looks to be an enjoyable read. Gary Wills is a tremendous historical writer. He won a Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction for Lincoln at Gettysburg: The Words That Remade America, which describes the background and effect of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863.

This past summer I read Joyce Appleby's Thomas Jefferson and I have been casually working my way through The Life and Selected Writings of Thomas Jefferson: Autobiography and Public and Private Letters. It will be nice to read something that I can wrap my little brain around. I am also planning a trip back to Monticello in the fall to photograph the leaves and check out the new Visitor's Center. Perhaps this time I will have a different perspective as I walk Mulberry Row?

I will say that I am entertaining the notion of (someday - off in the future...) writing a lengthy piece on Jefferson's experiences here in Fredericksburg where, at an establishment known as "Weedon's Tavern," he met with his political contemporaries in 1777 and agreed to author a bill for religious liberties in America.

Today, the Religious Freedom Monument stands proudly as a testament to that event. Jefferson himself proclaimed this bill to be one of his three proudest achievements, alongside authoring the Declaration of Independence and founding the University of Virginia. In fact, these three accomplishments are the only ones that he deemed worthy enough to inscribe on his grave marker at Monticello.

BONUS: Gary Wills discussing this book on NPR’s Tavis Smiley Show LISTEN HERE

This week I have been busy researching and writing a piece on John Singleton Mosby for a client. To be completely honest, I was not all that familiar with the man, although I have spent some time with Mosby historians at the Gray Ghost Winery and I am familiar with his famous raid in March of 1863 when he captured three high-ranking Union officers at Fairfax Courthouse, including Brigadier General Edwin H. Stoughton.

From what I gather, Mosby is one of those “larger than life figures” whose military contributions are still debated by experts to this very day. I asked my friend Eric Wittenberg of his thoughts on the legacy of “The Grey Ghost.” He stated that Mosby’s contributions were, in his opinion, more of a psychological deterrent and nuisance, and less of a tactical benefit in the grand scheme of things.

In January of 1863, Major General J.E.B. Stuart tasked one of his most gifted scouts, First Lieutenant John Singleton Mosby, with forming and leading a new group of southern horsemen known as the 43rd Battalion Virginia Cavalry. Acting under the permission of General Robert E. Lee, and in accordance with the Confederate Congress’ Partisan Ranger Act of 1862, this group was christened “Mosby’s Rangers.”

Throughout the course of the Civil War, “The Grey Ghost” and his men continued to make life miserable for Union suppliers and couriers. Despite never taking part in any major engagements, their reputation continued to spread across the Old Dominion. Following the South’s surrender at Appomattox Courthouse in 1865, Mosby begrudgingly disbanded his troops, vowing to never surrender formally.

Ironically “The Grey Ghost” went on to become a Republican campaign manager in Virginia for future President Ulysses S. Grant. With regard to his background with the Confederacy, Mosby wrote, “I am not ashamed of having fought on the side of slavery — a soldier fights for his country — right or wrong — he is not responsible for the political merits of the course he fights in...The South was my country.”

This is perhaps the most interesting aspect of Mosby’s life as his postwar politics did not sit well with many of his peers. I liken this to James Longstreet’s participation in the Republican Party and the backlash that he experienced. As a result, I am now interested in Confederate officers who chose to enter the political sector following the war and especially those who gravitated toward Lincoln’s party. I hope to explore this topic in more detail as time permits and invite your thoughts on the subject.

I have been participating in some online discussions posted over on The Jefferson Today blog dealing with the featured topic of Church and State. This is the official online community of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation and directly tied to the Monticello website. Their ABOUT states the site is “a forum where scholars, public figures, and the general public can debate and interpret Thomas Jefferson’s ideas...” I am really enjoying the exchanges and hope to become a topic primer someday.

A year ago I was interviewed for an upstart Christian publication that has since gone under. To be honest, I had forgotten about the article until today when I received an apologetic email from the publisher (citing the lack of subscription sales for the magazine's closure) along with a transcript of the piece. I am very sorry that this periodical was unable to survive the fledgling economy and it would be a shame to disregard their efforts...

Q: What came first in your life: your love for writing; your passion for the Civil War; or your faith?

A: I would have to say my faith first, but not always foremost. I wish I were one of those people who always had strong ties to the church. However, I was a lazy believer who grew up as a casual Catholic and only became a passionate Protestant in my adult life. I was baptized and raised in the Roman Catholic Church in western Pennsylvania. My mother was a Baptist and my father was a Lutheran. Both converted to Catholicism as young adults and attended St. Margarets of Scotland in Greentree, a suburb of Pittsburgh. As a youngster, I went to Mass on Sundays and attended religious education classes (CCD). I had my First Holy Communion and Confirmation and also participated in the church-sponsored scouts program. Unfortunately, when I graduated from high school, I stopped attending Mass altogether. My wife on the other hand was an active Presbyterian and we were married in her church. When we started a family, our children were baptized into that denomination. After moving to Virginia in 1994, we felt a strong calling to return to the church, so we both took a theology class. I converted officially to Presbyterianism and we have remained active at Spotsylvania Presbyterian Church ever since. Today my wife runs their nursery and teaches a children’s Wed. night class. I’ve led small bible studies and adult classes over the years.

My vocation as a writer enabled me to witness as a Christian. I became a member of Faith-Writers, which is a wonderful Christian writers’ community. I also self-published a religious-based baseball newsletter called “The Good News: Sharing A Love For the Game and the Gospel.” Once people at church found out what I did, I was asked to contribute articles for our newsletter and speak at various ministry meetings. This enabled me to grow both personally and professionally. Today, my pastors and church family are among my biggest supporters. I’ve also been successful in spreading my message using other mediums. Our local gospel/bluegrass station here in Fredericksburg, 89.5FM WWED offers my books as pledge rewards and broadcasts segments of Civil War-themed devotionals from my book “The Southern Cross,” as daily inspirational messages. The U.S. Marine Corps has also used my books and courseware as part of their Tun Tavern Fellowship and my devotional is circulating overseas among the troops. Websites and blogs have also been great avenues for expanding my work. The Internet has opened a whole new world for ministry. Frankly, without it, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do.

Q: In your mind, what is the connection between American spirituality and the American Civil War? How did one influence the other?

A: I personally believe that both go hand in hand. America, in the 19th-century, was a very bible-based society. Many Southern historians who specialize in the history of the Confederacy, me included, tend to approach this period of American history in a “bubble” of sorts. As a result, we often find ourselves writing strictly from the perspectives of the white southern secessionists. And although I vehemently maintain that it is extremely important to honor and acknowledge this aspect of our heritage, we also have to recognize that there were two other groups of our citizens sharing the same wartime experience. This would be the local Unionists and the African-American population. Therefore, there are actually three different perspectives to our areas’ experiences during the War Between the States. Each one is just as important as the other and they all deserve to have their stories told. Spiritually, all of these people prayed to the same God, read the same bible and worshipped in the same manner, regardless of their station or cause.

Don’t forget the impact that each (spirituality and war) had on the other. The Civil War not only divided regions and families, it also divided congregations and denominations. Ultimately, the conflict spread far beyond the battlefield and back into the sanctuaries on the home front. For example, up until the outbreak of secession, the American Bible Society, based in New York, handled the production and distribution of most Protestant-based materials, including bibles and tracts. After the conflict began, an entirely new system had to be formed in order to meet the needs of the Southern congregations. Many of these dilemmas were presented in the minutes of the Presbyterian Church's General Assembly. One major point addressed the need to establish a new chapter of the Bible Society to shoulder the task of producing and distributing religious materials in the Confederate States.

As the war progressed, a movement referred to as “The Great Revival” took place throughout the Army of the Confederacy. By the war's conclusion, it is estimated that at least 100,000 Confederate troops were “born-again” after being introduced to the biblical teachings of Jesus Christ. Much of this can be credited to the efforts of the South's commanders such as General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, who petitioned the government for the acquisition of chaplains to accompany the men into the field. There were also many noteworthy Christians on the Northern side, including General Oliver O. Howard and Father William Corby, the famous chaplain of the “Irish Brigade.” Both sides were filled with a strong devotion to their faith. Both believed that they had the Lord’s blessing. This adds to the triumph and tragedy of it all. In one way, faith gave soldiers the strength to carry on, amidst the darkest of times in our nation’s history. On the other hand, it may have given them a false sense of invincibility or even a misguided belief that their cause was favored over that of their adversaries. I don’t think that God takes sides. I believe that He looks down on all of us in times of war and shakes His head in disappointment. That’s just how I choose to look at it. Man’s sinful nature cannot be denied. We bring misery on ourselves.

Q: You wrote a book about the spirituality of “Stonewall” Jackson, and another book about the spirituality of J.E.B. Stuart. Why did you pick these two specific generals to write about?

A: In those works, my first two books, I set out (writing from the perspective of a Christian) to present an intimate portrait of two gentleman who I believe to be two of the South’s most notable believers. My total “religious-focus,” to an otherwise well-published subject, came about because I have always believed that there is much more to the legacies of these men than magnificent charges and legendary rides around the Union Army. I believe that secular historians have a tendency to focus on the battlefield actions and sometimes forget that there was much more to their subject’s character than just soldiering. For example, the collective memory of General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson is primarily one of a grim, ferocious, even eccentric warrior, whose steadfast courage and tenacity was tragically cut short by friendly fire. People recall his infectious bravery at the First Battle of Manassas, the brilliance of his Valley Campaign and the grand finale of his storybook career at the victorious Battle of Chancellorsville.

These are all very important events in the life of Thomas Jackson, but it is only when one examines his life off the battlefield, that they discover the story behind the man. Jackson’s story was filled with the kinds of heartaches and hardships that would leave many of us questioning our own beliefs. It was a love story, filled with sorrow, testimony, hope and despair and a story that reaffirms the positive power of prayer. Ultimately, it is the story of a man who suffered greatly, but chose to embrace the will of his Savior as the foundation for a legendary life. Everything that followed was, in my opinion, a direct result of his religious experiences and convictions.

The same can be said about the story of Jackson’s legendary subordinate, J.E.B. Stuart. Was Stuart fanatical in the pursuit of his faith, like Jackson? Probably not, but did religion play a pivotal role in his journey toward greatness? Absolutely. Stuart was a cavalier, but more importantly he was a Christian. He was, first and foremost, a man of faith, a man of duty and a man of devotion. His devotion was to his family, to his country and to his men. This was the brick and mortar of his character and, in my opinion, these admirable traits are what enabled him to rise to such legendary heights. By examining his lineage, upbringing and pre-war experiences, we can peer through the flashy red cloak and flowing black-feathered hat and see the real man that existed beneath that magnificent cinnamon beard.

I’ve been criticized at times by secular and/or academic historians for authoring these books with a distinct religious bias or agenda and I answer that charge as guilty. These two books were specifically meant to uplift and enlighten. I wanted the reader to leave with a belief that faith and conviction matters, and that it can give us strength to carry on, especially in times of war. Obviously there is a difference between writing straight-secular history and that kind. I hope to someday be successful at both.

Q: In your opinion, how did their faith affect their leadership and roles in the Civil War?

A: Despite being very different in terms of their demeanor (Jackson was a very somber and serious gentleman while Stuart was very flamboyant and cavalier) both rose to an almost deity-like status in the eyes of their troops. In retrospect I think that Jackson might be taken aback by our modern-day admiration for him and accuse us of practicing “idol-worship.” As with many of their comrades, it was with a heavy heart that Jackson and Stuart entered the War Between the States. After pledging their loyalty to the Union and serving the U.S. Government with such impeccable duty over the years, their conscience was troubled over participating in what many referred to as a forced resolution. Distraught over the North's political posturing, both men had sworn their allegiance to their home state of Virginia and the Confederate States of America. Both vowed to fight for God and country to the bitter end. That’s exactly what they did.

Faith was certainly a major influence on Jackson’s fundamental principles. Unfortunately, not all gentlemen in the Army of Northern Virginia shared their commander’s passion for prayer. At times, their pious general’s religious enthusiasm annoyed those who were agnostic, including members of his own staff. Several shared the notion, early on, that Jackson’s dependence on prayer hindered his ability to make swift decisions. One evening, during a council of war, Jackson listened intently to various options presented by his subordinates. After they had concluded, he thanked them for their efforts, but added that he would present his own plans in the morning. Leaving him to ponder their strategies, Lieutenant-General A.P. Hill said, “Well, I suppose Jackson wants time to pray over it.” Later that night, Hill’s counterpart, General Richard S. Ewell, returned and observed his superior through the tent flap, on his knees praying intensely for guidance in the difficult movements that lay before them. Upon hearing the excitement in Jackson’s voice and witnessing the sincerity in his heart, Ewell said, “If that is religion, I must have it.”

Many people are unaware that J.E.B. Stuart was also a fervent prayer warrior in the Confederate Army. His faith was that of a converted Methodist, although he was confirmed as an Episcopalian. Regardless of the denomination, throughout his life he maintained a consistent Christian character. During the war, he would repeatedly commend his own pastor stating: “Of my own regiment, the acting chaplain, Rev. Mr. Ball, was conspicuously useful.” In addition to the Reverend Ball, Stuart graciously provided chaplains for all of his regiments and regularly encouraged group prayer sessions as well as religious meetings. The result of his efforts eventually led to the establishment of the Chaplain’s Association which held large gatherings encompassing the entire Confederate forces in the winters of both 1863 and 1864.

Q: How does your own faith affect the way you write?

A: As with most believers, my faith affects every aspect of my life both personally and professionally. With regard to my writing, I would say that it definitely influences what projects and publications I will and will not do. My goals are different from some secular historians. First and foremost, I want people to come to know the joy of having a relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Second, I want them to learn something about themselves by reading about other people in our country’s history. Third, I want them to come away with an appreciation for the people that lived and died in the service to their respective countries.

It’s never been difficult for me to find materials when researching the War Between the States from a religious standpoint. It remains a major aspect in the study of the war. I choose to present stories that are uplifting and inspirational. Let’s face it. American history is our most cherished national treasure. However, learning about it means nothing if we can’t adapt it to our lives today in some tangible, positive manner. It is my sincere hope that my readers will find these stories encouraging and uplifting, and apply the wisdom that they contain in their own lives.

When I do a speaking engagement for a local historical or heritage group, I always try to work in a part of my presentation based on memories. I show a slide of one of our local battlefield sites that I took on a beautiful sunny day. Then I cut to a shot taken after a battle, with bodies littering the exact spot I had just shown. And I say this: “It’s far too easy for us to look back today, especially here in our little piece of Central Virginia, known as the ‘Crossroads of the Civil War,’ and forget the carnage that took place here. People come from all over the world to tour our hallowed grounds. And when they get here, everything is perfect. The grass is neatly trimmed and the markers are polished. The freshly painted cannons are all lined up in neat rows. Yet they are standing in the ‘shadow of death.’ Can you imagine the stench of rotting corpses and animal carcasses, or the resultant proliferation of millions of flies surrounding them? Try to picture the nightmarish scenes that were witnessed by the townsfolk following the battle. So the next time that you find yourself touring one of these postcard-pretty places, remember that although our local National Parks appear romantic, the war that took place there was anything but that. Today this ground is beautiful, but the reason we hallow it was ugly.”

Still in the middle of all this death and destruction, in the midst of all this ugliness were countless examples of God’s glory. That is the reason why I write what I write.

Q: Is it challenging to write objectively when you, as a writer, feel so strongly about both your faith and the Civil War?

A: Absolutely, but.... Objectivity certainly has a distinct time and place in historical memory. Is some of the material that I write biased because I am writing it based upon my faith? Yes, of course, but I firmly believe that readers can decipher the difference between the two. If you are reading my Civil War devotional, you are immediately aware that there is a distinct agenda presented in the subject matter that you would not experience if you were reading my regional history book. There are two different audiences and different purposes for each project. One educates, while the other enlightens.

I will say that writing straight secular Civil War history is more of a challenge to me. I still struggle with this approach at times and I am still learning to do a better job of removing my own values from the narrative. My tendency is to present a story as a tribute, trying to see the good on all sides. This is noble, but it can also, at times, be a disservice to the people you are writing about. A perfect example is my recent book about the historical churches of Fredericksburg entitled “Houses of the Holy.” Initially, the first draft of the manuscript lacked the painful realities that were necessary to tell an accurate story. In short, I wrote a piece that was overly positive and soft on complex issues, such as slavery and the residual effect of the war on the local population. Thankfully, John Hennessy, who reviewed the draft, called me on it and was gracious enough to work through the piece with me to ensure that the final draft reflected the true story. He taught me that it's okay to acknowledge the blemishes that darken our history along the way, and to polish them brightly with my own optimism was not an objective approach to the task.

What isn’t challenging for me is finding the inspiration to write in either genre. The men, women, boys and girls that came before us inspire me. I don’t care if I’m writing about Babe Ruth and the 1927 Yankees or the “Stonewall Brigade’s” ferocity at the Battle of Chancellorsville. The stories of these people deserve to be preserved and presented for the benefit of future generations. I am very fortunate in that I can leave my house here in Fredericksburg and be standing on any one of the four local battlefields in 15 minutes. As I stand on a bluff overlooking a field, and the sun is setting in the background as a gentle breeze is tickling the trees, I have all the inspiration I would ever need. At that exact moment the beauty of God’s creation surrounds me, and I am standing on the hallowed ground of man.

Q: Have you considered writing about spirituality with regard to the North during the Civil War?

A: I have written some material featuring the North. “The Southern Cross” features stories on Yankees such as Oliver Howard, Father Corby, Clara Barton and Johnny Clem. “Houses of the Holy” quotes many letters and correspondence from Union troops who were stationed or wounded at Fredericksburg, but that is a secular work. I’d love to do more and have communicated with some experts on obtaining more information about Union chaplains. Of course living and working here in the “Crossroads of the Civil War,” my work favors the Southern point of view, but I have the utmost respect for the boys in blue too. Maybe someone out there might want to collaborate on a project. My dream is to make a short film documentary that presents the contributions of Confederate and Federal preachers during the four battles that took place around here. But, for now, that will have to remain a consideration for the future.

Q: As a writer and historian what genre do you see yourself pursuing more of in the future, Christian or Secular?

A: Hopefully both, if the good Lord will let me.

My "oversimplistic view" of American Exceptionalism... Are we exceptional? ABSOLUTELY
(and I am grateful to have been born here).

This week a couple of our fellow bloggers posted some very personal and intimate thoughts about suffering from burn-out and taking much-needed breaks. My friend and co-author Eric Wittenberg is a perfect example of someone who took his passion for a subject and successfully applied it to a second career. Eric may be the “hardest working man in the history business” and his self-induced sabbatical is very much deserved. Many of us around the blogosphere, who author books, give lectures, lead tours, and even volunteer with the NPS do so in addition to the rigors and requirements of daily life. Sometimes we are lucky enough to incorporate our interests into our careers (*hint on my upcoming announcement), but in most cases we pursue these endeavors in our “free time.” Why? Because we love preserving and presenting the legacies of extraordinary citizens and soldiers who came before us.

Sometimes the privilege of getting “paid to play” can backfire. There was a period in my last year of working with Baseball-Almanac that I could hardly watch a baseball game. I was so sick and tired of sports after writing about it for 6+ years. It took some time for me to be able to enjoy the game again. I still get burned out about halfway through the regular season and don’t get serious about watching it again until the postseason starts (as a Yankees fan that usually works out). As a longtime resident of Fredericksburg, I am completely surrounded by hallowed grounds and historical sites. That said there are days when the last place I want to be is at a museum, or on a battlefield. Other times I am extremely grateful that both reside within a short drive. Both subjects are near and dear to my heart, but they can also get on my nerves.

My own source of enjoyment in giving tours comes from the camaraderie that I share with attendees. Let’s be honest folks, the Sunken Road and Jackson Shrine have become a “been there - done that” to me, but every time I walk them, I do so with someone different. Therefore I get a whole new batch of conversations, questions and insights. My visitors keep things fresh and thankfully I have yet to spend a bad day on the battlefield. I don’t think I’d be able to say that if I gave tours every day.

The same can be said with my published works. The thrill of seeing my byline or book on a shelf is tempered, and I actually enjoy the research part far more than the writing. Perhaps that is why I have been speaking on the subject lately. The process is where I find my own personal satisfaction, not the product. When this all becomes work, and by “work” I mean the kind that you don’t look forward to doing, I’ll find something else to do. I won’t be able to do this (pardon the term) ‘half-assed.’

Over the last few months I have become more aware of the warning signs of burn-out. My recent website update was done intentionally in a way to require far less time, effort, and updates. Other than adding the occasional essay and lecture to the archives, I won’t have to touch anything in the foreseeable future. My blogging is also far more infrequent than it used to be and I am enjoying my time away from the keyboard. With two books on the catapult waiting to launch, I have no intentions of authoring another in the near future. I still have the upcoming Kirkland film and a 2010 talk on Jackson’s Valley Campaign to keep me busy. I’m doing another short piece for Mort Kunstler’s latest print, but that’s it. A few jobs, spread out over long periods of time. Nowadays, that’s the way I like it.

My point today is that we historians (whether professional and amateur) must always be careful not to allow our interests to become obligations, or our passions to become painful. I like to believe that the reason our collective works are of the caliber and quality that they are (whether we are authors, or rangers, or teachers, or guides) is because we love what we do. When we don’t love it anymore – we need to step away and recharge the batteries.

There is so much more to life than the study and pursuit of history. It has taken me years to realize that.

Make time to enjoy our time.
Don’t waste it in lieu of another’s.

I just uploaded the transcript from my lecture on research and writing that I delivered to the Pittsburgh Writer's Project. READ HERE

This weekend I also had the privilege of getting a sneak peek at Clint Ross’ upcoming film on Richard Kirkland. (As co-producer, I get to do that.)  There is still the end section on memory, as well as some animated maps and post-production/SFX work to be done, but it is looking spectacular and I am very pleased.

All of the commentator segments came out great and Clint has done an incredible job of assembling the pieces to tell the story of the “Angel of Marye’s Heights.” This includes appearances by award-winning storywriter Megan Hicks, National Park Service Ranger Donald Phanz, local CW historian John Cummings, as well as Camden S.C. historian and author of "The Long Role" Joseph Matheson. Clint has also intermixed some great period photos, music and dramatic recreations that will grab the audience's attention.

He plans to complete the 30-minute film in time for a December 12 opening here in Fredericksburg. We will be holding an event at the National Civil War Life Museum in Massaponax to raise money for the foundation and the movie will be both on permanent exhibit and shopped around to TV networks. Stay tuned for updates on this project.