One of the best parts of writing regional history books is the wonderful people that you get to meet in the course of doing research. It’s also great to have an opportunity to visit places of interest that you drive by everyday, but have never taken the time to call on. This is especially true for churches. Most people have the church that they regularly attend, and probably never visit another unless attending a wedding or funeral. This project, I have got to visit eight of them and each one has been a blessing indeed. During these visits, I have met with some remarkable clergy, historians, and members. This includes representatives from Fredericksburg Baptist, Shiloh Baptist (Old Site), St. George’s Episcopal,  Fredericksburg Presbyterian, Fredericksburg United Methodist, Salem Baptist Church, Massaponax Baptist Church, and Zion United Methodist. Each one of these special congregations boasts a storied history and this book would not have been made possible without their enthusiasm and cooperation. I look forward to attending a service or two at these wonderful places of worship. 

On a related topic, here is an upcoming event that may interest you:

Faith Under Fire: Spotsylvania's Churches During the Civil War
A Lecture Presented By John Hennessy (Chief Historian / Chief of Interpretation Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP)
Date: Wednesday, 24 October 2007
Time: Lecture 7 p.m. (Preceded by a Complimentary Spaghetti Dinner at 5:30.)
Place: Zion United Methodist Church, 8700 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania, Virginia

Reservations required by Monday, October 15 at (540) 582-3141. Please specify if your reservation is for both the dinner and the lecture, or for the lecture only. Provide your name, phone number, and the number of people attending.

I'll be attending an award ceremony for my son that evening.

As I mentioned in the post below titled “Movin’ On Up,” my family and I spent a wonderful Saturday getting reacquainted with one of my childhood heroes: Thomas Jefferson. Our day trip to Monticello was extraordinary and I picked up a copy of a great book titled “The Life and Letters of Thomas Jefferson” before we departed for home. This version is a Special Edition that also includes Jefferson’s brief autobiography and the drafts for the Declaration of Independence. I purposely sought this book out as it included both historians’ views of the man as well as his own recollections of himself.

However, this study only covers events occurring within Jefferson's lifetime. Obviously, I was interested in what took place during the mid-1800's as the war came to town. We were fortunate enough to have a guide that took the time to include some Civil War material on our house tour. Unfortunately there appears to be little documentation specifically citing the estate’s experiences during the War Between the States. I did manage to do a little researching of my own this morning and found the following write-up that gives a little insight into this aspect of Monticello’s history:

There are few records about the condition of the house while it was held by the Confederates. Neither of the standbys of local history, Woods, Albemarle County, nor James Alexander, Early Charlottesville, allude to Monticello at this time. Only Edward C. Mead in his Historic Homes of the Southwest Mountains makes a brief and unsupported statement: "During the Civil War it was confiscated by the Confederate Government and fell into rapid decay; at one time being used as a hospital . . ."

The only account of any length is found in the suspect volume, G. A. Townsend, Monticello and its Preservation, published, and probably written, by Jefferson M. Levy, Uriah's nephew: "But finally the Commodore's slaves were sold, and the dismantling of the furniture began, the losses were amounting to several hundred thousand dollars. Soldiers broke off the carved sculpture of many mantels. Other people peddled the bust of Voltaire by Houdon and several similar treasures to rich men In New York. Captain Jonas P. Levy, when he visited the place to save it from confiscation, was held as a hostage . . ."

Miss Sarah Stickler, a young visitor late in the summer of 1864 has left her impressions: "The place was once very pretty, but it has gone to ruin now. It is the property of Commodore Levi I believe. There is a large clock in the hall, you get up to wind it by means of a ladder. The parlour retains but little of its former elegance, the ball room is on the second floor, and has a thousand names scratched over its walls . . . There are some roses in the yard that have turned wild, and those are the only flowers. . . The family burying ground shows the same want of attention that the house and grounds do . . ."

Another interesting and untold episode of this time is the disposition of the furnishings after the seizure by the Confederate government. Which pieces, if any, were removed by Confederate soldiers, as claimed by Townsend, which went under Deputy Pattie's hammer at the November 17 sale, and which remained unsold are unanswered questions and are likely to remain so.

Townsend believes there was a substantial amount of furniture in the house in 1862, much of it Jefferson's. Unfortunately, the only item specifically mentioned is a "Bust of Voltaire and similar treasures." Probably three of the "similar treasures" were the pier mirrors attached to the walls of the parlour, the folding ladder in the hall, and the Great Clock above the entrance door. There is no evidence to suggest that Uriah Levy owned other Jefferson furnishings.

The oft-repeated story that Confederate soldiers (who were as capable as any others in such matters) looted the house and carried away thousands of dollars worth of furniture has no basis in fact. A Union army detachment of around 20 soldiers under General Sheridan did conduct a raid on Monticello on March 4, 1865. According to an official claim by Joel Wheeler, the men took two horses, bacon, and flour (Claim Number 168, June 1877. Southern Claims Commission Papers, Record Group 56, National Archives: RG 217, Box 332, Entry 732, Settled case files for Claims Approved by the SCC, 1871-1880)

Source: Monticello & The Civil War; Thomas Jefferson Foundation

Many of our peers in the academic and publishing blogosphere have discussed the challenges in writing honest, insightful, and balanced Civil War narrative that presents the perspectives of both white and black Americans, who shared in the same trials and tribulations of the War Between the States, but have been forever separated in the historical analysis of it. This presents a unique challenge for historians and the best way to accomplish this (IMO) is to gather as much primary source material as possible and write BOTH recollections together, side-by-side, and allow them to stand in judgment by themselves. In other words, lay it all out in print and let the reader draw their own conclusions.

This is the case with my newest book project for The History Press entitled "Houses of the Holy: The Historical Churches of Fredericksburg." This manuscript is coming along great and I am enjoying the fruits of my labor immensely. At this time, I am writing the parallel stories of Fredericksburg Baptist, and the African church that grew out of it: Shiloh Baptist (Old Site). I am amazed by how different the two congregation’s histories portray the same events. Without giving anything away, I do want to share an example of how the white churches appear to have had a ‘paternalistic’ approach to their African brethren, and how the blacks felt this was a ‘patronizing’ attitude that did not view them as equals. The fact of the matter is that despite a clear racial-divide, both sides appear to have been attempting to magnanimously co-exist in a graceful way while collectively worshipping their Lord and Savior.

Unfortunately as is often the case with man, neither were able to maintain a mutual-relationship that benefited one another spiritually or socially. Here’s an example of two views of the same event from my rough draft. (You will notice differences in the amount of money quoted, and the implied tone in my use of verbiage. I quote a myriad of materials verbatim throughout this section. Many of the accounts do not match and ironically, neither church's archives contained the other's transcripts or materials.)

In my Introduction, I openly address this dilemma and my approach to it:

"…I would like to add that it is not my intent to paint a negative impression of any of these fine churches and I have tried to include a balance. This includes multiple perspectives of the events surrounding the political, social, and spiritual issues that plagued the antebellum South in the 19th-century. The sensitive nature of secession, state’s rights, and the institution of slavery, as well as other racial tensions and injustices have been acknowledged here when applicable. Some of the verbiage that is used in this book, specifically when quoting slaves and/or overseer narratives may contain slurs. These have been kept in their entirety for historical accuracy and to illustrate period-speak. In some cases conflicting recollections are presented while giving equal weight to both sides of the story. It is my hope that by sharing these accounts, however uncomfortable at times they may be, I can pay tribute to the congregations of today whose ancestors survived the 'Great Divide' to form a much stronger community…"

FREDERICKSBURG BAPTIST: …In 1854, some tensions began to develop between the two races, and a separation appeared to be a foregone conclusion. This rift was apparently contributed to by both sides and threatened to tear the very fabric of the church in two. A pledge drive was established to assist in financing the construction of a newer and larger building. Despite a lack of or limited resources the black members were able to raise an impressive sum of money given their social situation. In the congregational minutes book that was dated for September 28, 1855, the congregations “colored brethren and sisters’ pledged $1,100. It was then determined that the African-American members would retain the current building by the riverside, and the white congregation would take both side’s pledges and construct a new building in the center of town. A committee was appointed to oversee the matter and after it was discovered that the “Colored Brethren” expressed a strong opposition to the fulfillment of pledges for another church, a compromise of $400 was agreed upon. A new constitution was drafted dismissing the “colored congregation,” and designating the existing church as a separate body to be styled the African Baptist Church of Fredericksburg. Under Virginia law, a white minister had to preside over a black congregation. A special provision was included as well, stating that in case of any difficulty in the transaction of our business, the church may appeal to the Fredericksburg Baptist Church for counsel. It also went on to state that “The church pledges herself to listen to and regard the counsels of the committee of the White Brethren that may be appointed by the Fredericksburg Baptist Church to superintend our worship according to the requirements of the law…”

…In January of 1857, the Fredericksburg Recorder reported that the African church had added another hundred members and that: "Their assemblages are conducted in a remarkable quiet and orderly manner, and we are gratified to see them so fully appreciate their religious privileges..."

SHILOH BAPTIST (OLD SITE): …Despite worshipping together for years, tensions between the two races heightened in 1854, nearly ten years before the War Between the States would erupt over states right’s and the institution of slavery. It was at this time that the groups began to worship separately with the black members meeting on Sunday afternoons as opposed to the mornings. Eventually the idea of building a newer church ‘in town’ for the white congregational members and leaving the riverside building in the hands of the black members was approved. In September of 1855, the church secretary recorded that “it has always been our intention to give up our old house of worship to the colored portion of our church.” Unfortunately, this decision came on the heels of the pledge drive in which the African-American’s had vowed to provide a large gift. This ignited a feud over what financial obligations were to be fulfilled. The white committee members insisted that no property would be officially transferred until the beneficiaries fulfilled their ‘moral obligation’ to make good on all pledges up to the proposed sum of $1100. After much discussion, a compromise of $500 was reached between the two parties. This however did not include the deed…Upon paying the additional sum of $500, the deed to the church was transferred. The original Membership Rolls on file at Shiloh Baptist (Old Site) outline the legacy of the African-American congregation. The fifth column is the most striking as it lists the date of ‘May 4, 1856” over and over as the day in which all of the church’s black members were dismissed. Despite reaching an agreement over the split, another debate surrounded the legal requirement of a white pastor shepherding the church developed. This role was filled by a longtime member named George Rowe. He was an Elder in the Baptist church and owned seven slaves himself. Rowe had established a positive parental-relationship with the “coloured congregation” and was well-versed in the study and preaching of Biblical scripture…

…Minutes taken by the white congregation on February of 1856 stated that: "Whereas we desire the coloured portion of our church to enjoy the privilege of regular public worship in the house we formerly occupied, therefore, resolved, that the esteemed Brother Elder George Rowe, who has for several months been laboring among them with much acceptance, be requested to continue these labors, and to administer the ordinances of the gospel among them, and also, in conjunction with our pastor, to attend to the order and discipline of the church so long as it may be mutually agreeable to the parties concerned, the coloured brethren being expected to make him such compensation for his services as he and they may agree upon."

I may not have shared enough unpublished material here to make my point clearly (I want to be careful as this is a book in progress with a very clear delivery date), but in a nutshell: To one group, it was a gracious work of charity on their part to allow the slave/free black congregational members to remain in posession of the old church building, while to the other, the act was tarnished by demands for additional money and the forced appointment of a white overseeing pastor. Both IMO were right.

Excerpts Copyright 2007. M. Aubrecht/Pinstripe Press

Nope not to that ‘deluxe apartment in the sky’… today [Saturday] the family and I took a spectacular day trip to Monticello, the home of my second favorite Virginian Thomas Jefferson. I remembered my first visit to this magnificent house as youth, and today I was just as awestruck as ever. Monticello is just a little over an hour drive from our home and it was enhanced by the turning of the leaves, which has just begun here in the 'Old Dominion.' After touring the plantation community grounds, we took a spectacular, small group tour through the mansion. Unfortunately (as is becoming the case everywhere) no photography is allowed inside the property. However, I was able to take roughly 90 or so pictures of the exterior and the family. Some of these will be posted on my Photo Album page in the next week or so.

We also spent some time at the nearby Visitors Center which showcases nearly 400 of Jefferson’s personal possessions. Although 'TJ' and I may have disagreed on some religious matters, I remain fascinated with his intelligence, talents, and a political resume that rivals all other Founding Fathers. Jefferson was also an avid chess player, so at least we would have agreed on games. These thumbnails are some of my favorite shots from the trip.

They are (left to right): 1. A butterfly on the patio trees: These guys were flying everywhere on the garden grounds and I have never been closer to them. Jefferson was an avid gardener and experimented with many different types of seeds. These trees lined the deckways that led up to the sun porches. 2. The front entranceway to the house: The domed room atop the mansion is one of the most recognizable architectural elements in the country. A self-taught architect, Jefferson used a neoclassical-approach when designing the house which took 40 years to complete. 3. “TJ” shield on the gates to the family cemetery: Jefferson’s grave is a large obelisk marker to the right. There are only three mentions on his tombstone (all chosen by him). They credit him for The Declaration of Independence, writing the statute for religious freedom, and founding the University of Virginia. 4. What I came home with: A copy of his autobiography and personal letters, a $2.00 bill featuring Jefferson’s likeness (they use these as change in the ticket office), multiple study aids used in their educational programs, and a lemon picked up from beneath his personal orchard trees, which line the property’s garden trail adjacent to the house.

It was certainly a wonderful way to spend a Saturday as a family and it gave me an opportunity to introduce my younger children (all Virginia natives) to one of our state’s greatest sons. We are hoping to take another jaunt 30-miles or so down the road and visit Jefferson’s favorite neighbor, James Madison’s estate at Montpelier. For those who are interested in touring either of these places, visit their websites: Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and James Madison’s Montpelier.

I wanted my 400th post to be something meaningful...

Last night, as I was thumbing through one of my books, I came upon these heart-wrenching letters. The first one was written by a dying member of Co. B, of the 79th Ohio Volunteer infantry to his father back home. His penmanship deteriorates as the letter continues, and the parchment in which it was written on was stained repeatedly in the author’s blood. It is a sad story indeed, but also bittersweet as at least the young man named William G. Sears had an opportunity to say goodbye to his family.

Field Hospital
Resacca, Ga., May 29, 1864.

My Dear Father: This is perhaps my last letter to you in this world. I was shot through the right lung at the battle of Resacca, Ga., on Saturday, May 14, and was conveyed to the hospital where I have been ever since. I now believe myself to be dying. I can't see that it is possible for me to live. I love you, father, dearly. Remember me to all my friends. I am doing the best I can. I want you to come after me soon, and take me home, and bury me by the side of my mother, and then place a tomb-stone at the head of our graves.

I have honestly done the best I could for my country, and if she is only saved I shall not regret that I have fallen a sacrifice upon her alter. May God love and prosper the American Republic.

I bid you a final farewell. From your affectionate son,
Wm. G. Sears.

That letter was followed by another one written by a mortally wounded Confederate soldier named J.R. Montgomery to his father. It was also covered in blood and clearly testifies to the severity of its author’s wound. As the letter continues the words become difficult to read, and the writer struggles to fit everything on the page. You can also see the faith of the boy come through in his last words. (I pray that I have half of this gentleman’s grace and composure when my time comes.)

Spottsylvania County, Va., - 1864

Dear father – This is my last letter to you. I went into battle this evening as courier for Gen. Heth. I have been struck by a piece of shell and my right shoulder is horribly mangled, and I know death is inevitable. I am very weak, but I write to you because I know you will be delighted to read a word from your dying son. I know death is near, that I will die far from home and friends of my early youth, but I have friends here too who are kind to me. My friend Fairfax will write you at my request and give you the particulars of my death. My grave will be marked so that you may visit it if you desire to do so, but [it] is optional with you whether you let my remains rest here or in Mississippi. I would like to rest in the graveyard with my dear mother and brothers, but it is a matter of minor importance. Let us all try to reunite in Heaven. I pray my God to forgive my sins, and I feel that His promises are true and that He will forgive me and save me. Give my love to all my friends. *** My strength fails me. My horse and my equipments will be left for you. Again a long farewell to you. May we meet in Heaven. Your dying son.

J.R. Montgomery

OK, apparently now you can't even display the Confederate flag when teaching Civil War history in High School. Seriously folks...

This is one of the most ridiculous things that I have ever read (article quoted below). Shame on you Superintendent Boreilli. You have completely missed the point of the Battle Flag being represented here. It was being displayed within the context of TEACHING the Civil War. (You will also note that the plaintiff in the article is 19 years old and still in High School. Perhaps that says more about this school district than it’s reaction to this incident.)

Quoted from the Gloucester County Times: FRANKLIN TWP. A history class display on the Civil War that included a Confederate flag drew the attention Tuesday of district officials following a complaint by a student. The flag was removed, said Superintendent Frank Borelli. "One person felt uncomfortable," Borelli said. "He raised the question. It was taken down." "I was shocked to see it," said Aaron Reyes, 19. "There are other ways to display stuff." The flag was part of an overall display that also included the American flag of the period, information about the Union and Confederate armies and replica bullets of the period. "If it was just a (Confederate) flag hanging there, I would be terribly upset," Borelli said. The superintendent said the district will review the matter as it relates to future displays of symbols that some find upsetting. "I'm sure we will act accordingly," Borelli said. Nicole Reyes, Andre's mother, said she "appreciated Mr. Borelli's prompt action" to remove the flag.

Tip of the hat to reporter Emily Battle here at The Free Lance-Star for pointing this out on her blog, and congrats to our neighbors down the road in Richmond for making the APA’s (American Planning Association’s) list of the TOP 10 GREAT PLACES IN AMERICA: STREETS category. Of course this honor was bestowed upon Richmond’s historic Monument Avenue, perhaps the best looking place that I’ve ever seen within a city.

This accolade came as no surprise to me. After all, who would not be impressed by the beautiful landscape and towering statues of Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee, Jackson, and Stuart? I was also pleased to see that four of the ten streets reside in the South. So come visit us people, we need your tourism dollars to keep our taxes down. :)

Sorry in advance for the lack of Civil War-related posts this week, but it’s been a BIG one for me in regards to the baseball-history side of my career. The posts below denote that. Don't worry, I'll be back in the trenches next week.

I did have 2 wonderfully productive meetings with the remaining two churches in my regional book and I finished another chapter as well. I have some upcoming news on my friend Mort Kunstler’s latest release here in Fredericksburg (details to come), a feature on John Adams Elder (the Confederate/Painter) in the Free Lance-Star, and some excerpts taken from several private letters sent by Sgt. Richard Rowland Kirkland. Stay tuned.

Baseball fans, you’ll want to read on…
(And Jen G., good luck. May the best team win.)