I just recieved an email on the Stonewall Brigade's SCV Program at The Paxton House on August 11th. This looks to be a GREAT event and I invite all of you to attend as many of the proceeds are going towards The Paxton House Restoration Project. Here are the details: 

The Paxton House "Civil War Day," Saturday, August 11th from 10 am - 8 pm. Come see an encampment of reenactors from the famed "Stonewall Brigade" once led by General Elisha Franklin "Bull" Paxton upon the Paxton House lawn. The camp will open at 10 am where you can see demonstrations of camp life, Civil War medicine, and meet "General Robert E. Lee" and others. Have your "old tyme" picture made in a uniform or hoop-skirt, and visit the sovenier tent. At 5:30 pm, come enjoy free music provided by Dorsey Hostetter and the Maury River Blue Grass Band on the front porch while enjoying the homemade ice cream for sale to benefit the Paxton House restoration. This will be fun for the whole family.

Last week, I posted that I “might” have a BIG announcement coming up. This was done more for my benefit than yours, as I was eagerly anticipating the answer to a prayer. Well, today I am so very excited and proud to announce that my prayer has indeed been answered.

As of today, I have agreed to sign on with The History Press for my first secular (and fourth) book: “Houses Of The Holy: Historic Churches of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania.” And, as I have the exclusive cooperation of our city’s church historians, as well as our local NPS, I can share the details with you here. (I’ll be signing the final contract later this week and I am ecstatic about the possibilities of this endeavor.)

The History Press specializes in regional history titles and they contacted me a few months ago inquiring if I would be interested in writing a book about our area. I pitched the idea of doing one on our landmark churches and they loved it. As you know, there are several noteworthy houses of worship in our area with historical significance from the Colonial, Civil War, and Reconstruction era. These include: Fredericksburg Baptist Church, Old Salem Church, Massaponax Church, Fredericksburg Presbyterian Church, St. George’s Episcopal Church, Fredericksburg United Methodist Church, Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site), and Zion United Methodist Church.

This opportunity is a real blessing to me as I am a huge fan of History Press’ catalog. Several of our fellow CW-bloggers, including Michael C. Hardy, have published books through HP. In fact, his eighth book, “Remembering Avery County: Old Tales from North Carolina’s Youngest County” was just announced.

My plan is to present a concise history of each of these churches, showcasing their origins, as well as the historic events that they witnessed firsthand in the 18th and 19th Centuries. HP also wishes to include at least 40 photographs (some period and some from today) to compliment the narrative, so I’ll be picking through their photo archives and shooting both the exterior and interior of each building for a modern perspective.

The key to making this project special is the concerted effort that I’ll be making to present a complete-perspective from local Christians of all colors and denominations who witnessed our country’s great divide. Each one of these citizens and soldiers, black or white, were called upon to show great adversity, yet they were somehow able to rise above the trial and become the congregations that we still have today. I look at this book as a testament to how faith sustained our city’s believers and I want to strive to present a historical narrative that goes beyond the usual brick and mortar presentation.

Another blessing is the enthusiastic cooperation of John Hennessy, the local Chief Historian/Chief of Interpretation for the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP. He is on board for this project and will be providing me with access to an array of previously unpublished material from the National Military Park’s archives. John is also the one who encouraged me to take this book further to include the stories of the institution of the African-American churches during the Reconstruction Period. This is a much-neglected aspect of our local history and will surely make this title stand out. Therefore, our goal is to present the experiences of the entire population including the Confederacy's soldiers, civilians, AND former-slaves.

This project will span at least 10-12 months and the key component is the cooperation of the churches themselves. Most of these congregations have their own “in-house” historians who will be providing copies of and/or access to the necessary reference material and media. Each one has pledged their support and I feel a tremendous responsibility to get their stories right. I also welcome the challenge of presenting this multi-racial-perspective that encompasses all of the Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania Christians whose historical experiences and perceptions will most certainly cover a broad range of emotions and memories.

Many Southern historians who specialize in the history of the Confederacy, myself included, tend to approach this period 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 (I will continue to do so), we also have to recognize that there were two other groups of our citizens sharing in the same wartime experience. This would be the local Unionists and the African-American population. Therefore, there are actually three completely different perspectives to our area-Christians' experience during the War Between the States. With this book, I hope to encompass all of that in order to present a complete narrative in regards to our landmark churches. Each one is just as important as the other and they all deserve to have their stories told. I’ll keep you posted as this exciting book progresses.

As I was browsing through our CW-community's latest postings from today, I saw that fellow blogger Kevin Levin is hosting a 'History Carnival' over at Civil War Memory. To be honest, I was completely unfamiliar with this concept, so I did a little reading up on it at their website. It looks to be a great opportunity to share your favorite blog-postings with other historians. According to the History Carnival website, "The goal of blog carnivals like this is to provide a regular showcase of the best blogs - well-known and not so well-known - in their fields. Basically, a carnival consists of a listing, usually with editorial comments by a host, of a range of recently published blog posts; most carnivals rotate around a number of hosts, bringing diversity of presentation and different perspectives within the subject theme. Frequencies vary depending on the topic; the History Carnival is currently published on the 1st day of each month."

Kevin was nice to accept my post "Then vs. Now" in regards to perceptions that need to be 'remembered' when touring battlefields. I'll post a link to the carnival when it goes up. For more information on how you can enter, visit Civil War Memory.

There aren’t that many historical subjects out there that can catch my fancy beyond the realm of the Civil War. One in particular that has is the life and times of the great Virginia patriot Thomas Jefferson. Ever since I viewed a PBS/Ken Burns documentary on TJ a few weeks back, I’ve been VERY interested in this American “renaissance man.” I’ve also had this nagging desire to get off my butt and make the relatively short drive over to Monticello. I haven’t been to Jefferson’s magnificent estate since I was a kid, and I vaguely remember falling head-over-heels “in love” with the place. As one who favors other great Virginia patriots such as Lee, Jackson and Stuart, Jefferson appears to be a hero of my heroes.

I’m thinking about purchasing a book on the man and I spent several hours over the last week browsing through his online autobiography. I also discovered a really neat web-blog dedicated to Thomas Jefferson over on World History Blogs. This simple, yet brilliant site is maintained by author Tara Koellhoffer who posts quotes from the Forefather in response to current-events. I have added a permanent link to Tara’s site over on my blog roll and look forward to becoming a frequent visitor.

If anyone is aware of a great, definitive study on Thomas Jefferson (not too heavy), I would really appreciate a recommendation. I’m looking for a good narrative that presents the complete man – not just the politician. Thanks in advance and don’t forget to check out Tara’s blog. It will definitely give you plenty of wisdom to ponder.

I added some updates over on the Pinstripe Press website this weekend including a brand new Photo Album feature. Although I am by no means a professional photographer like “Virtual Civil War’s” Mike Lynaugh or Ranger Mannie, I do enjoy the hobby and usually take several hundred pics when doing my battlefield jaunts and museum appearances. This gallery features my own personal favorites and I will be adding more of my “artsy” shots on a fairly regular basis. So far I have scenes from Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Antietam, Manassas, Ellwood Plantation, Richmond, NC coastline, with many more places to come including Winchester, Rockingham and Harper’s Ferry. Enjoy!

This morning I received a wonderful email from my new friend and fellow Christian Bill Oberst Jr. You know him as General W.T. Sherman from the recent HC film "Sherman's March." Bill's been off doing a shoot for another film and he read my Christian bios on Stonewall and Stuart to pass the time off set. I was very happy to hear that he enjoyed them and he emailed to tell me "I LOVED the books. I learned so much about the faith of these men. Neither they nor their cause were without flaw, but neither am I. You helped me to see them as men who tried to live out their faith in the midst of hell and left an honorable example for all Christians."

Bill was also gracious enough to send a plug for my promo page: "Michael Aubrecht proceeds from a premise Lincoln understood; "Both sides pray to the same God." His is scholarly research in a field largely untouched in the volumes of Civil War material that have preceded him; the devout faith of two of the South's most important generals. It makes for fascinating reading; both for modern Southerners who may question the moral caliber of their slave-holding ancestors, and for Northerners who may have been taught that only the Union fervently believed themselves to be following the will of God. A must-read for anyone seriously interested in the interior life of the players in this great national tragedy."

Validation like this from a fellow believer is the highest form of praise that an author like me can receive as he represents the exact audience that I wrote these two books for. I am so grateful for his praise and only hope that I can continue to do work that is both inspirational and uplifting to those who wish to know the power or prayer. In turn, I extended an open invitation to Bill to tour our battlefields and/or worship at my church on his next trip to Fredericksburg.

After all, not many southerners would get the chance to walk these fields with Ol’ "Sherman" himself. I would consider it a blessing indeed. Thanks again Brother. You made my day.

A week or so ago, I mentioned how I had been asked to become an Associate Member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (an invitation that I gratefully accepted.) Yesterday I received my first camp newsletter courtesy of the SCV Stonewall Brigade #1296 and in it there was information on another wonderful organization called the "Order of Confederate Rose." One of my daughters has an interest in southern history and I am thinking about getting her involved in this group. Like the SCV and UDC, the "Order" has pledged itself to the preservation and presentation of Confederate history. They are also involved in some wonderful projects including the care and protection of burial sites and historical monuments, as well as programs that strive to share the history of the South with all generations. With more and more heritage crisis happening everyday (such as the plight of Oakwood Cemetery in Richmond) groups like this stand on the front lines against those who wish to erase this portion of our nation’s history.

According to the organization’s bio: "The idea for the Order of Confederate Rose came to Jane Latture of Birmingham, AL, after a Robert E. Lee birthday dinner in January 1993, when the speaker, Charles Lunsford, told Mrs. Latture of an Order of Robert E. Lee that had been reactivated in Georgia. Knowing that other ladies in Alabama felt the need to help combat the growing attack on their Confederate Heritage, Mrs. Latture proposed the idea of their own order to some ladies, including Ellen Daniel, Sharon Dasinger, and Harriet Outlaw. All responded positively. The first name to occur to Mrs. Latture was The Order of the Confederate Rose, based on the movie "The Rose and the Jackal" about Rose O'Neal Greenhow, a Confederate Spy. On May 1, 1993, eleven wives and daughters of Alabama Division SCV members met by a picturesque pond in Alabama City during the SCV state convention and organized the order. The ladies amended and approved the name "Order of Confederate Rose", and everyone agreed it was perfect. Then, using ideas from the Georgia order, they mapped out the purposes and the structure of the organization. One evening late in May, Ellen Daniel and Jane Latture met by chance at the home of Sharon Dasinger, where they wrote up a tentative constitution and by-laws for the organization. In July 1993, the first application and a short history of the order appeared in the "Alabama Confederate" offering charter membership to those whose applications came in by August 1, 1993. As a result, 65 applications were received and a charter signing ceremony was scheduled at Cahaba, the first capital of Alabama, on 16 October 1993, to coincide with the fall muster of the MOSB. Great interest in the order was expressed by women from other states at the 1993 SCV National Convention in Lexington, KY., so the Alabama ladies put up a sign and handed out applications. Now, today this is where the order stands. The next steps in its history are up to the members. Their ideas, support and talents will determine the direction of its future."

The OCR remains dedicated to furthering the cause of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. The organization is open to all males and females, ten years of age and older, regardless of ancestry. It is non-racial, non-political, and non-sectarian. The Order of Confederate Rose does not compete with the United Daughters of the Confederacy, or with any other genealogical organization. Their goal is to aid and further the cause of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) and support all endeavors sponsored by the SCV, including but not limited to, the support of honoring Confederate symbols. For more information, visit the OCR’s website.

Although I’m not a big “TV” guy, I am a HUGE fan of the PBS series “The History Detectives.” According to the show’s bio, “History Detectives is devoted to exploring the complexities of historical mysteries, searching out the facts, myths and conundrums that connect local folklore, family legends and interesting objects. Traditional investigative techniques, modern technologies, and plenty of legwork are the tools the History Detectives team of experts uses to give new - and sometimes shocking - insights into our national history. The hosts of the program are a high-energy quartet of renowned experts in the world of historical investigations. Their expertise ranges from architecture, popular culture and sociology to archeology, collectibles and genealogy. Now in its fifth season, History Detectives boasts a loyal and devoted audience who contribute more than 75% of the stories investigated.”

We are fortunate enough to get four PBS channels as part of our cable package here in Fredericksburg, VA. This allows me to watch multiple episodes of “The History Detectives” every Sunday morning before we leave for church. Needless to say, THD covers a lot of Civil War-related material and this season promises to have plenty more shows dedicated to artifacts from the War Between the States. Visit their CW page for a complete list of topics. If you have an interest in obscure American history and the mysteries that surround relics belonging to everyday people, I highly recommend that you check out this show. It’s one of those rare gems that make today’s television worth watching.

As an ex-pro baseball writer, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that today is the 78th Major League Baseball All-Star Game. This will be the first time in 7 years that I did not cover the event for Baseball-Almanac. Last year’s All-Star Week was an outstanding experience for me personally and it somehow seemed fitting that the last game that I covered took place in my own hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It allowed me to share the experience with my father and son. In addition to penning the entire histories of the World Series, Year In Review, and Divisional Playoff sections (as well as numerous biographies and essays), I also recapped every Midsummer Classic from 1933-2006. It was truly an honor and a privilege to have been associated with these guys for so many years and I owe a lot of where I am today to the start that Baseball-Almanac gave me. 

Due to some recurring health-related issues, as well as other CW publishing commitments dominating my time, I had to step down at BA midway through the 2006 season. It feels a little weird not having to worry about this year’s contest and I actually look forward to watching the game simply for the enjoyment of it. It didn’t “hit me” until I watched the Home Run Derby last night and realized that I wasn’t taking notes. BA has an outstanding staff of baseball historians and contributors and I’m sure that this year’s recap will be just as good (if not better) than any of mine up to this point. After all, it is a fantastic spectacle.

Through the years, every franchise has had its share of superstar players that stand out above the rest. They are the ones that bring the fans out to the ballpark and only one game brings them all together at once, The All-Star Game. The first Major League All-Star Game was played on July 6, 1933 at Comiskey Park in Chicago. It was initiated at the insistence of Arch Ward, a sports editor for the Chicago Tribune, to coincide with the celebration of Chicago's Century of Progress Exposition. For over seventy-three years, the "Midsummer Classic" has remained a fan favorite showcasing the top talent in baseball. All-Star teams were originally selected by the managers and the fans for the 1933 and 1934 games. From 1935 through 1946, managers selected the entire team for each league. From 1947 to 1957, fans chose the team's starters and the manager chose the pitchers and the remaining players. From 1958 through 1969, managers, players, and coaches made the All-Star Team selections. In 1970, the vote again returned to the fans for the selection of the starters for each team and remains there today.

For complete recaps, highlights, and statistics from every Midsummer Classic, visit Baseball-Almanac’s All-Star section and for all things baseball, check out the rest of the website. For links to many of my own articles, visit my Baseball Studies web page over on the Pinstripe Press website.

A few months ago, I posted an entry on how I was able to get my hands on a complete set of the Time-Life Books' "Civil War" series by winning an auction on eBay. Last night I was flipping through the title “Spies, Scouts, and Raiders” when I came upon a faded and folded magazine page that had been left behind. This set is a compilation of used books that are all in extremely good condition and at first I thought that the page was simply a scratch-bookmark. Upon further inspection I saw that it was an article that had been removed from an October 1998 issue of “U.S. News & World Report.” The article was from the magazine’s Science and Ideas section and was titled, “The battle was lost in a zone of silence: Acoustics help explain Civil War blunders.”

According to the piece, which was written by Brendan I. Koerner, members of the A.S.A. (Acoustical Society of America) have specialized in the study of acoustics and the pivotal roles that they have played in major world events. One of the members in particular who was interviewed was a gentleman named Charles Ross, a physics professor at Longwood College in Farmville, VA. Prof. Ross contends that “acoustic shadows” affected at least 11 major engagements during the Civil War including Gettysburg and Chancellorsville.

The A.S.A.’s findings stated that this natural phenomenon, in which sounds become inaudible to those close to the source, directly affected many command decisions, which were often based on reactions to battlefield noise. There were several instances of this cited in the article including The Battle of Five Forks and The Battle of Iuka in Mississippi. However, one event in particular stood out above the rest. This episode apparently took place at The Battle of Seven Pines. According to historians the original battle-plan as devised by then acting commander, General Joseph E. Johnston, head of the Confederate forces, was for the Virginians to attack the Federals at the first sound of gunfire.

Unbeknownst to the rebels (or anyone else in the 19th-century for that matter) was the presence of "acoustical shadows." Apparently the previous night’s severe thunderstorms had led to a weather-condition known as “temperature inversion,” which occurs when the temperature becomes significantly warmer at higher altitudes, but remains cooler near the ground. This creates a dome-like reaction in which sound waves are prevented from moving upward and out. Therefore, all sound is prevented from traveling and the result is an unrecognizable audible that is undetectable in the vicinity of its origin. This impromptu "zone-of-silence" led to a botched attack and subsequent wounding of Johnston, who was replaced by Robert E. Lee, two days later. Prof. Ross added that, “You can say that Robert E. Lee’s command of the Southern armies is directly attributable to an acoustic shadow.”

Like most "weathermen," I don’t always believe what they say, but I do find this theory to be most interesting. If this is indeed a scientific fact, then who knows what other military engagements could have been altered by natural phenomena’s like this. BTW: Did you hear something?