As I continue to immerse myself in as much Revolutionary War material as I can, my latest train-companion has been found in a remarkable book titled General George Washington: A Military Life by Edward G. Lengel. According to Booklist, “Lengel is a Washington scholar who chronicles his checkered military career, linking events from Washington's humiliation by the French at Fort Necessity in 1754 to victory with the French at Yorktown in 1781 with evaluations about Washington's ability on every occasion.”  Although the study is presented as a standard, military biography, this author has dug deeper to examine the man behind the uniform.

From the beginning we are introduced to a young colonel named George Washington who is an ambitious and overly-sensitive soldier, somewhat unsure of his ability to lead, but confident in his own convictions. From there we witness his rise to greatness. So far, I have found Lengel’s research to be thorough, and his writing style to be both educational and entertaining. I have really enjoyed learning about Washington’s journey from citizen – to soldier – to supreme commander. I’m only about ¼ through the book and my own assumptions and interpretations of the man have already changed as Lengel has made Washington human.

One facet of the General’s story that has surprised me is the large amount of time that he spent in and around the Pittsburgh area. From land surveying and speculation, to forming alliances and fighting hostiles, Washington and his men traveled to the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania time and time again. Thanks to Mr. Lengel, I must now admit my shame as I apparently paid very little attention to my hometown’s heritage. Growing up, I wasn’t completely oblivious to Pittsburgh’s part in America’s story. As a child, I had visited Fort Pitt and Fort Ligonier and was aware of the ‘role’ the three rivers played in the Revolution and French and Indian War. As an adult, I have visited the Heinz Museum’s exhibits dealing with the earliest settlers and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. That said, I was, and remain, woefully ignorant of the region’s legacy.

As a result I am now planning to make a point to visit and/or revisit as many colonial-era sites as I can in future visits back home. Just as my residence in Fredericksburg leaves me surrounded by Civil War history that has found its way into my work, I am hoping that Pittsburgh will become a similar inspiration. When I made that decision to formally change my period of study, I had no idea it would take me back to where I started. I will be sure to take plenty of photographs and share my observations here in the future.

For my friend (and Patriots of the American Revolution’s new book review editor) Eric Wittenberg, I have agreed to review a new book on Thomas Jefferson. After that I hope to follow-up my Monticello piece with another feature article, perhaps something on General George Washington and his exploits in and around Pittsburgh. I love learning.

…this is the best thing I’ve ever seen.

As promised, here is the highly-anticipated update on the state of the National Civil War Life Foundation. This press release comes following our board meeting last night and was submitted to The Free Lance-Star. In the coming months, several new fund-raising measures will be announced. I will be updating the Foundation's website to reflect the museum's new temporary location later this week. The most significant change is that Fredericksburg is now our intended destination, not Spotsylvania.

For Immediate Release (2/1/2010): On January 31, the board for the National Civil War Life Foundation held their first meeting of 2010. The purpose of this session was to address the changes that had occurred in recent months and to initiate planning for the coming year.

In December of 2009, Terry Thomann, Director of the Civil War Life Soldier’s Museum, relocated his facility from the Massaponnax region of Spotsylvania County to the historic district in the City of Fredericksburg. Currently, Mr. Thomann is displaying a small portion of artifacts within his new gift shop at 829 Caroline Street. The Foundation intends to establish a new museum in the Fredericksburg area that will accommodate Mr. Thomann’s entire collection of over 2,000 items and host a variety of special exhibits including the Civil War in 3D Photography show.

The National Civil War Life Foundation’s mission remains “To operate a national museum and research center that preserves and interprets the human story of the American Civil War and connects the lives of all people of that era to the nation today.” Terry Thomann and Acting Chairman Michael Aubrecht are leading the effort to develop a new business plan for the Foundation to implement in the very near future.

The Foundation continues to focus on supporting education by providing a venue that will introduce students of all ages to the Civil War in an all-inclusive setting. Educating the public through this endeavor remains a top priority of this venture. This unique museum will be designed specifically to engage visitors of all ages in a manner in which they can both relate to and better understand the complexities of the Civil War. The core artifact collection and subject matter expertise is already in place. The need remains for a suitable location to properly present it.

Fundraising, selecting a new location for the museum and increasing the public’s awareness of this project are the priorities of the Foundation in 2010. Several initiatives have been recommended by the Foundation Board and include hosting special events such as “The Angel of Marye’s Heights” documentary film premiere. Rotating exhibits showcasing Fredericksburg’s wartime experiences are also being explored.

The National Civil War Life Foundation wishes the public to know that the current Civil War Life Museum and collection has moved to downtown Fredericksburg and that this project will be moving forward. Updates that reflect the changes in the NCWLF’s status and location will be implemented on the organization’s website at www.civilwarlife.org in the coming weeks. All museum-related events will be announced as they become scheduled. Contact: civilwarlife@yahoo.com

“When you’re making a movie, you can’t think anybody will ever see it. You’ve just got to make a movie for the values it has. The greatest films were made because someone really wanted to make them. And, hopefully, the audience will show up, too.” - Clint Eastwood, actor/director.

“All in all, I am hoping this will turn out to be a quality film that is worthy of the story it is telling.” - Clint Ross, director The Angel of Marye’s Heights

Production photos:

The other day another blogger (you can guess who) posted: “The reason I don’t celebrate Lee-Jackson Day is because I don’t celebrate the cause for which Lee and Jackson are remembered.  They are remembered for their service in an army that functioned as the military extension of a government that was committed to perpetuating slavery and white supremacy.  I find it simply impossible to distinguish between the individuals in question, including their many virtues, and the cause for which they attached themselves to.”

Personally, I find that to be a tremendously over-simplistic view. It’s not called “Confederacy Day,” it’s called “Lee-Jackson Day” and both of these gentlemen are remembered for many reasons. Isn’t Thomas Jackson’s pre-war contributions to the Presbyterian Church, as well as Robert E. Lee’s post-war tenure as president of Washington College worthy of our praise beyond their quote: “service in an army that functioned as the military extension of a government that was committed to perpetuating slavery and white supremacy”?

Of course it is. Why? Because the Civil War does not entirely define them. Ironically, this blogger and his peers often argue that the history of the South should not be limited to the four years of the Civil War. So…in their own hypocritical point of view, the South should not be judged through such a narrow focus, but those who participated in a war on its behalf should. (Do these people ever go back and re-read what they’ve posted in the past? They counter their own arguments.)

Now it is perfectly acceptable that this blogger chooses not to acknowledge Lee-Jackson Day, but according to his logic, we shouldn’t celebrate the legacies of any historically significant, slave-owning “white supremacists” including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and most of their peers, because they also perpetuated slavery and white supremacy. Once again, that over-simplistic viewpoint requires a narrow-focus indeed. How convenient.

So what is my point? My point is that most people today are completely OK with these guys being among many things, racists, because they are able to distinguish the reasons why we should admire them, from the ones we should condemn. Our nation’s entire culture, from the portraits on our currency and most magnificent monuments - to our national holidays and children’s history lessons - celebrate imperfect, racially biased white men just like Jackson and Lee. If we all found it quote: “simply impossible to distinguish between the individuals in question, including their many virtues, and the cause for which they attached themselves to” we would more than likely be left without any historical heroes. How sad.

My response to this blogger is simply this...I believe that the majority of every-day Americans are intelligent and mature enough to determine that our times are very different from our forefathers and to always take that into consideration when acknowledging the past. It doesn’t make someone a racist if they admire these men and it doesn’t mean that they support every quote: “cause for which they attached themselves to.”

As usual this blogger is talking out of both sides of his mouth, but I guess we are not as smart as he is. That must be why I choose to celebrate Lee-Jackson Day.

For over fifteen years, Michael Aubrecht has dedicated his studies to the histories of Major League Baseball, the Civil War and the Founding Fathers. He has published five books (to date) related to the War Between the States, as well as hundreds of essays for Baseball-Almanac, The Free Lance-Star, Mort Kunstler Enterprises, Civil War Historian and Patriots of the American Revolution. By day Michael works as a Technical Writer for the U.S. Marshals Service. In his spare time, he hosts "The Naked Historian" video series, introducing viewers to little-known historical sites in the Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania area. He recently co-produced the dramatic documentary The Angel of Marye's Heights and is now focusing his work entirely on the Colonial-period and Revolutionary War. A popular tour guide, speaker and radio guest, he is vice chairman of the National Civil War Life Foundation and the founder of The Jefferson Project. Michael is a happily married father of four, an ordained minister (ULC), a Libertarian, a proud member of Faith Writers and a supporter of the Civil War Preservation Trust. Visit his website at: www.pinstripepress.net.

The title BLOG, or DIE. comes from the famous “Join, or Die.” flag, based on a well-known political cartoon, created by Benjamin Franklin and first published in his Pennsylvania Gazette on May 9, 1754. It is in the spirit of Dr. Franklin’s call to action that this blog is dedicated. This site deals specifically with the politics, rebellion, and military affairs that guided our nation’s path toward securing liberty and freedom, as well as how these events and their participants are remembered today. Readers may also enjoy The Jefferson Project which was founded by Michael Aubrecht in 2008. The purpose of this blog is to share multi-racial perspectives through historical essays and personal thoughts on the life and legacy of Thomas Jefferson.

Last weekend some good friends of mine from Lee’s Lieutenants participated in a very special ceremony at the U.S. Capitol commemorating Robert E. Lee’s birthday. Al Stone portrayed the guest of honor and members of his staff accompanied him. The observance was organized by the United Daughters of the Confederacy (District of Columbia Division) and featured a salute to the CSA flag, the singing of “Dixie,” a wreath placement at the statue of Gen. Lee, and a guest speaker.

Of course there were some folks who took offense, but I applaud the conviction of the organizers as well as the government officials who authorized this event. One article stated that Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi was the one who OK’d it, yet another piece said that the UDC had been doing this since 1909.

I find it incredibly offensive that people continue to argue against any commemoration of this sort in the same week as Martin Luther King Day. In Virginia, Lee-Jackson Day is now held on the Friday before MLK Day and the fact that Lee and King’s birthdays are a mere 4 days apart is the cause for the “crossover.” It is NOT what one poorly-informed critic called “an annual event that normally attracts a number of white supremacists and neo-Nazis, meant to slight the memory of Dr. King.” On the other side of extremism, I have read people complain about honoring our greatest civil rights leader and refer to him as “a domestic terrorist and an architect of insurrection.” These types of ignorant assertions are ridiculous and soley meant to instigate.

I firmly believe that BOTH of these tremendous individuals deserve our gratitude and acknowledgement - and what better sign of equality than to celebrate them equally? If either of these great men were around today, they would frown upon these blanket criticisms and tell us all to get along.

At the risk of sounding boastful, I wanted to share an excerpt from a wonderful email that I received today. I am posting this to show my comrades that one can indeed step completely out of their comfort zone and not only have that decision validated, but also have it lead to new things. (Some of you have emailed me in private saying that you too are thinking about making a change. Today I say do it!) 

A few weeks ago I had announced my decision to move my focus from the American Civil War to the Revolution. This was a big risk for me as I had published zero material on the subject, nor had I any working-relationships in that genre. In fact, the closest I had come to formally writing about America's fight for independence was the origin studies that I included in my book on Fredericksburg's historic churches. As I stated in my post, I was essentially starting over as I had no credibility, no experience, and no connections in this period of study. My plan (which I have been following) was to simply immerse myself in the subject matter.

A generous editor from Three Patriots Publishing named Benjamin Smith extended an open invitation for me to submit something for Patriots of the American Revolution. I decided to take him up on his offer and penned a 7-page feature on race and remembrance at Monticello. I also introduced Ben to Eric Wittenberg who has quickly taken a very active role in PAR as their new book review editor.

After Ben sent me a PDF of the finished Monticello article I was fairly pleased, but still nervous about what readers would think. I likened this feeling to the first time I ever submitted an article, a combination of anxiousness and nausea. For the last week or so, I've been cringing at the thought of my first offering being panned. Perhaps I had made a mistake. Maybe I should have stayed in my comfort zone after all?

Well...this weekend I received both my complimentary PAR copies and a congratulatory email (below) from noted historian and writer Hugh Harrington. Hugh and I share publishers and I loved his book on the Civil War in Milledgeville. He too had been a contributor to PAR and his words filled me with a great sense of relief. They also initiated a new friendship that will continue to grow as he, Eric, and I continue to grow - not only in this new genre and in the pages of Patriots of the American Revolution - but also as students of America's fight for liberty and freedom. Change is good.

...As for your article. The first thing I have to say is your photography is outstanding. The article is perfect. Not so deep that people get bogged down but not fluff, either...You cite sources (I don't read articles without sources/footnotes) and tell a compelling story. In fact, it would be hard to read - and look at your photos - and be anywhere near Monticello and not drive over to go over the ground in person. Well done, Sir! I hope to see you again in the Patriots and elsewhere - perhaps even in person. Best regards, Hugh T. Harrington

SPACER

As work continues on The Angel of Marye’s Heights documentary, Clint Ross and I want to make a point of saying how very grateful we are for your continued support. In recent weeks, inflating legal and post-production costs have added to the strain of completing this film. Thankfully, our prayers continue to be answered. Due to some generous donations, we are coming closer to reaching our vision. That said…we still have a ways to go.

Clint and I thought it might be a good idea to use video blogging as a sincere way of sharing our own experiences. Periodic video blogs will now be posted here as well as on the film’s official website. For more information on this remarkable story, a preview of the film, and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.theangelmovie.com.

Last week members of the Baseball Writers Association of America cast their votes for the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2010. Not surprising, the majority of candidates were not able to acquire the necessary votes, no doubt leaving themselves and their fans disappointed. Perhaps both parties can take solace in knowing that of all the hall of fames, baseball’s version is undoubtedly the most difficult to get into.

Statistically speaking, less than 1% of all professional ball players (ever) have gained entry to the Hall of Fame with the odds being an overwhelming 70-to-1 against the candidate. Entering in the first year of eligibility is even tougher as only one out of every seven major leaguers enter on their first try. This is why a plaque at Cooperstown is so coveted and why the BBWAA’s voting results are so hotly debated.

This year the only candidate on the ballot to achieve the required 75% was eight-time All-Star outfielder Andre Dawson, who had fallen just 44 votes shy in last year’s election. Other nominees who missed the cut included Roberto Alomar, Jack Morris, Barry Larkin, Lee Smith, Edgar Martinez and the highly controversial Mark McGwire, whose record-breaking legacy has been tragically tainted in recent years.

Following the announcement most experts agreed that “The Hawk” (Dawson) deserved to be rewarded - yet at the same time; many were surprised that Bert Blyleven continued to fall short. Despite tallying 400 votes, (74.2 percent) up from 338 last year, Blyleven was once again marginally passed over for the 13th time. He now has only two more chances for induction before being removed from the ballot altogether.

This former baseball-writer is among those who are vehemently outraged with the HOF’s continued exclusion of the greatest curveball in the history of the game. Thirteen years is a preposterous amount of time for a player of Blyleven’s caliber to be left hanging and some fans have accused the BBWAA of holding a personal grudge against the Dutchman due to his work as a commentator. As each election year passes, this conspiracy theory gains momentum and some believe that Blyleven has a better chance of entering the Hall of Fame’s broadcaster’s wing.

As a contributor for Baseball-Almanac from 2000-2006, I had the great privilege of authoring a majority of BA’s historical sections. During that time I was tasked with researching a myriad of baseball milestones. This often required me to communicate with members of the HOF archives and although I myself was never able to obtain voting privileges, I had working relationships with several that did. Each and every one of them took their responsibility as voters very seriously and I always felt that most players were given a fair shake. That feeling has now left me.

At the risk of sounding cliché I can honestly say that there is only a handful of athletes that I feel blessed to have witnessed up-close and in-person. First is Mario Lemieux. Next is Terry Bradshaw. And third is Bert Blyleven. Looking back I can distinctly recall watching Bert on the mound at Three Rivers Stadium, sitting down batter after batter, wearing that ridiculous canary yellow uniform and cuban-style cap.

More specifically...I remember Bert Blyleven’s right arm, which contributed to two World Series Championships (1979, 1987), two All-Star selections (1973, 1985), and an American League Comeback-Player of the Year title.

Blyleven currently ranks 5th all-time in strikeouts (3,701), 9th all-time in shutouts (60), and 27th all-time in wins (287). According to the web site BertBelongs.com, his other 22-year Major League career highlights include 4,970 innings pitched (13th all-time), 685 career starts (9th all-time), 242 complete games, 15: 1-0 wins (3rd all-time), and 20 wins in 1973. He is also one of only three pitchers to win a Major League game before his 20th birthday and after his 40th birthday.

Most impressive is that Blyleven, with the exception of a couple Cinderella seasons, put up those numbers while starting for mostly mediocre teams. His resume includes the Minnesota Twins (1970–1976), Texas Rangers (1976–1977), Pittsburgh Pirates (1978–1980), Cleveland Indians (1981–1985), Minnesota Twins (1985–1988), and California Angels (1989–1992).

No matter what team may have held him back from the postseason, Bert was first and foremost a great pitcher. It seems that regardless of what clubhouse he called home, his command of the “deuce” was second to none. The deuce was of course the infamous curveball and pitchers today study Blyleven’s delivery with a sense of awe. It is this pitch alone that puts him above and beyond his peers.

Even those with just a casual knowledge of baseball will agree that the curve is among the most difficult, dangerous, and damaging pitches for both the pitcher and hitter. There is a reason why little leaguers are not allowed to use them, college coaches ration them, and very few professionals master them.

Contrary to a fastball which has back spin, the curveball features a diagonal rotation that creates a wake behind the ball, making the pitch drop on its way to the plate. The curveball is primarily used to disrupt the opponent's timing and Blyleven used this toss to embarrass his opponent again and again.

Such a master of the craft, Bert served as the pitching coach for the Dutch during the 2009 World Baseball Classic. That ballclub exceeded expectations, beating the highly favored team from the Dominican Republic twice to advance to the second round before falling. It is said that the Dutch did so largely because of strong pitching performances by unlikely players who credited Blyleven’s tutelage for their success.

The real agony in all of this is that Bert Blyleven missed admission to the 2010 Class by only 0.8%. That means he is the only retired member of the 3,000 strikeout club not in the Hall of Fame...because 5 lousy votes kept him out!

Even more frustrating is the fact that some BBWAA members have openly admitted in recent days that they did not vote at all. I cannot imagine not using that right and shame on anyone who is fortunate enough to have that level of influence and waste it. Perhaps justice will prevail next year as an ever-growing and impatient nation of Bert Blyleven fans await the 2011 vote with baited breath.

To those in the BBWAA who may be listening out there I say do the right thing. Reward a man who made this game better for the years that he played it - and who did so with an amazing curveball that was greater than any other pitcher's at the time (maybe all-time). Isn't that what being a Hall of Famer is all about?

In my 37 years on God’s green earth, I can count the marvels that I have personally witnessed on a single hand. One of these was Bert Blyleven’s curveball. Today he was passed over for induction into the Baseball Hall Of Fame (for the 13th time). Therefore I am canceling all planned posts this week in place of crafting a lengthy and well deserved tribute on his behalf. Days like today make me miss being a baseball writer. I never received voting privileges, but results like these lead me to believe that anyone can be a HOF voter. Stay tuned for my argument on behalf of the Dutchman.

Welcome back friends. I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season. I just returned from a family trip up to Pittsburgh where we spent several days celebrating Christmas with relatives on both sides of our family. Most importantly, I got to spend a week with my eldest son who has been away at college since August. I also managed to find time to visit my favorite used bookstore where I picked up some second-hand titles to expand the Revolutionary War-side of my library. This included “General George Washington” by Edward G. Lengel (which I am beginning to read on the train tomorrow) and “The Battle for New York” by Barnet Schecter.

An unexpected New Year’s blessing came in the form of an invitation to perform the wedding ceremony for my wife’s cousin and her fiancée. I am an ordained (non-denominational) minister (completely separate from my own Presbyterian affiliation) and I cannot think of a bigger honor to be asked. I am humbled and excited as this June I will be speaking at a banquet on Jackson’s 1862 Valley Campaign in Lexington and then the following weekend, performing a wedding ceremony at the Mountaineer in West Virginia. I have been asked to do a lot of great things, but this is by far the greatest.

BTW: My New Year's resolution... getting this gem published.

I find it incredibly ironic that the very week we debut our website for our upcoming film, "The Angel of Marye’s Heights" (see post below), our favorite critic breaks his own self-induced sabbatical to post an entire week's worth of posts debating the validity of the story. Thank you for the discussion and free publicity. Here’s wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

It is with a tremendous sense of pride that I can now present the official movie website of “The Angel of Marye’s Heights” and a 6-minute rough-cut preview. (Due to copyright issues, this sample uses a temporary narration in place of our professional actor’s voiceover.) Stay tuned for upcoming press coverage and find out how you can play a pivotal role in the final production of this film.

UPDATE: Within 12 hours of releasing the website, we have already been contacted by producers at The 700 Club who are interested in discussing a segment on the film. We also have a tentative invitation for a Q&A/screening at a major university in addition to the big premiere opening here in Fredericksburg. This project has certainly been blessed and we are grateful for everyone’s support.

You’ve seen the trailer, met the cast, and soon you can view a preview of “The Angel of Marye’s Heights.” Stay tuned.

While you are waiting: Here’s a link to my latest interview for Patrick Whalen of Uncommon History. It’s a real privilege and I thank him.

CLINT ROSS
Michael C. (Clint) Ross is a Writer, Producer, Director, and Editor. He is a recent MA graduate of Savannah College of Art & Design in Film and Television. He grew up in Athens, GA, and was a carpenter for nearly 10 years before spending time as a Young Adult minister in his hometown. After a personal and life changing conversation with Ken Wales, the Executive Producer of the film Amazing Grace, Clint pursued an education and career in film.