Death of NBF

Today is the anniversary of the death of Nathan Bedford Forrest (October 29, 1877). In tribute to ‘The Wizard’, I’d like to share an excerpt from my book ‘The Southern Cross,’ as well as a quote from a wonderful sermon on Forrest's path to salvation written by our friend Ken Studdard.

Like many great men, behind Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest was an even greater Christian woman whose name was Mary Ann Montgomery. Spiritually, Mary was a great influence on her husband and he was ever remembered in her prayers. After the Civil War, Forrest recounted her influence to a friend saying, “Major, I am not the same man you were with so long and knew so well. I hope I am a better man now than then. I have been and am trying to lead another kind of life. Mary has been praying for me night and day for all these years and I feel now that through her prayers my life has been spared and I have passed safely through so many dangers.” After his wife had convinced him to attend a sermon on a Sunday morning in 1875, Forrest sat and listened as the pastor read from Matthew 7:24-27, which presents Christ’s lesson on the difference between a “passive or non-believer” who builds his house upon the sand – and a “devout believer” who builds his house upon the rock. When the preacher had finished, Forrest went forward, shook his hand and said in reference to the man who built his house on the sand: “I am that man.” The prayers of Mary Ann were answered. Nathan Bedford Forrest had come to Christ! He realized that all of his accomplishments, all of his morality and all of the religion in the world could not make him right with the Lord. Only Christ, the one foundation, could. From that day until his death in 1877, “The Wizard of the Saddle” lived each and every day for his Lord and Savior. “That is an impressive testimony when you consider that during the war he was wounded 4 times, had 29 horses shot out from under him and killed 30 men in hand-to-hand combat. Yes’ the Lord had answered Mary’s prayers and preserved him.” - Kenneth Studdard, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church (Summerville, Georgia)

Picture Perfect

I want to post a special thank you to Ms. Kay Quinn, a new friend whom I have had the pleasure of sharing some wonderful conversations with lately on history, faith, and publishing.

Last week Kay graciously sent me a copy of her friend Ray Carson’s photographic CW book titled “The Civil War Soldier - A Photographic Journey.” This collection is an extraordinary piece of work and I highly recommend it for both Civil War and photography enthusiasts of all ages. The hand-tinted pictorials are exceptional and the corresponding narrative compliments them nicely. It is easily one of the ‘best looking’ books that I have seen in years.

According to his website, Carson was able to capture the intimacy of each scene by immersing himself in it. He writes: “All images from the book are black & white images that have been handcolored to maintain the "feel" of 19th century photographs. All images were taken by me in the field at various re-enactments over the past 10 years. To maintain the documentary feel, I am a re-enactor shooting from among the scenes rather than the sidelines.” Clearly this proximity literally brings the viewer into the shots, which cover multiple perspectives of the battlefield experience. The coloring that is then applied to the pieces creates a period-look and feel.

To see more of this talented photographer’s wonderful historical and commercial work, visit Ray Carson's website. And for those looking for a special gift for the upcoming holidays, check out his book “The Civil War Soldier - A Photographic Journey” over on Amazon.com. It’s a highly original title that can be enjoyed again and again.

Crime and Punishment

This weekend I completed the war year’s section for Fredericksburg Presbyterian Church’s chapter in the “Houses of the Holy” manuscript. This congregation, more than most, served both sides during the conflict as Union troops often attended services there while in occupation of the town. I have included some wonderful diary entries from local ladies who were not pleased at all with sharing their Sunday services with the ‘Yankee invaders.’ I don’t blame them either, as another focus in this part of the book deals with the Viking-like pillaging that took place following the initial arrival of the Union army. Before order was restored, a wave of heinous assault and vandalism rolled over the city leaving both physical and emotional scars in their wake.

 

In a letter first published in a December 1962 issue of Civil War Times, Major Francis E. Pierce, a Federal officer, recalled the anarchy and vandalism that occurred shortly after the city came under the control of Union forces. He wrote: “…Troops crossing all day long. Fredericksburg given up to pillage and destruction. Boys came into our place loaded with silver pitchers, silver lamps and casters, etc. Great three-story houses furnished magnificently were broken into their contents scattered over the floors and trampled on by the muddy feet of the soldiers. Splendid alabaster vases and pieces of statuary were thrown at 6 & 700-dollar mirrors…I can’t even begin to describe the scenes of destruction. It was so throughout the city, and from its appearance very many wealthy families must have inhabited it.”

 

One aspect that is rarely discussed is the physical abuse and even in some cases, sexual assaults that took place on innocent civilians during the Civil War. It’s an unpleasant topic to say the least, but it is also an important one. An associate of mine recently interviewed historian Robert Krick for a local radio spot and he mentioned how no one ever discussed the rapes that were reported following the occupation of Fredericksburg. I myself have chosen not to include the topic in my church book, as it doesn’t really fit within the framework of the study. I do however; touch on the vandalism and damages inflicted on the town and the churches themselves.

 

This month’s issue of Civil War Historian (Nov/Dec 2007) has a very thought-provoking article on this subject of sexual assaults titled “The Hidden War” by Kim Murphy. I highly recommend it.

 

And while we’re discussing memory, Russell P. Smith, manager of the Fredericksburg-area battlefields wrote an excellent review of a book on the Civil War Centennial in this past weekend’s Free Lance-Star Town & County. "Troubled Commemoration" is really two books in one. The great majority of the text analyzes the official observance of the Civil War centennial as seen through the U. S. Civil War Centennial Commission created by Congress in 1957. It traces the formation of the commission, its mission and its troubled relationship with state commissions and the federal government.

Mark your calendars

On Saturday I spoke with the coordinator for the Spotsylvania Presbyterian Church Community Lecture Series. As a result, I have formally accepted an invitation to speak on April 24th. This opportunity is quite a privilege as I believe I am the only historian/author to be selected for the series. I understand that a great panel of speakers has been assembled covering a wide range of topics. Below is the promo they will be using for media promotions. I am hoping that my talk will be videotaped so I can have a digital version of it posted online for those who cannot attend.

SPC Community Lecture Series:
"Historical Churches of Fredericksburg" by local historian and author Michael Aubrecht
April 24th. 7:00-8:00pm. Spotsylvania Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall

Based on his book Michael’s lecture will present the multiple histories and perspectives from local Christians of all ethnicities and denominations who collectively witnessed their country's great divide. Michael will share both inspirational and lesser-known stories of these houses of worship during the Civil War and Reconstruction Era. This talk will be approximately 45 minutes, with a 15 minute Q&A session to follow.

Bio: Michael Aubrecht is a historian and author from Fredericksburg, Virginia. He is also an active member of Spotsylvania Presbyterian Church. Michael specializes in Southern Civil War history, and the positive role that Christianity played during the War Between the States. His non-fiction book titles include: "Onward Christian Soldier: The Spiritual Journey of Stonewall," "Christian Cavalier: The Spiritual Legacy of JEB Stuart," and "The Southern Cross: A Civil War Devotional." Michael was commissioned by the regional-history publisher 'The History Press' to produce his first secular (and fourth) title: "Houses of the Holy: Historic Churches of Fredericksburg." He is also a regular contributing writer for The Free Lance-Star newspaper and Civil War Historian magazine. For more, visit his website at www.pinstripepress.net.

Humbled and honored

Friday I received a wonderful certificate from The Stonewall Brigade Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans. Let me say that I am humbled by the honor and appreciate their recognition and validation more that I can possibly say here. Groups like Camp #1296 are the reason I do this and I am so very privileged to now be counted among them. Thank you gentlemen. It reads:

 

Be it known to all that
Michael Aubrecht

Has distinguished himself in the area of preserving Confederate History and Heritage through his writings including those on Generals Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson and J.E.B. Stuart. In doing so, he has brought Honor and Dignity to himself and our forefathers. The Stonewall Brigade Camp #1296, Sons of Confederate Veterans, is pleased to accept and confer upon the recipient the status of associate member of the Stonewall Brigade Camp in recognition of his service and achievements.

In Witness Whereof, this certificate is attested to by the Adjunct of the Stonewall Brigade Camp This 14th Day of June, 2007

Brandon Dorsey
Camp Adjunct

Jammin' with J.E.B.

I’ve mentioned before my lifelong affection for Country Music, but I have also grown into quite a Bluegrass fan over the last few years. I really like the message, the music, and the '19th-century feel' that the genre has. I recently discovered some great bluegrass songs from the Civil War and will be adding many of these classics on my iPod.

My favorite is (of course) "Jine the Cavalry!" According to Wikipedia: The verses detail various feats performed by Jeb Stuart's troopers, the cavalry arm of the Army of Northern Virginia, while the chorus urges the listener to join the cavalry. The song was most commonly sung in Virginia and was among Stuart’s favorite songs. It recounts many of his early exploits, including the daring "Ride around the Army of the Potomac" in the early summer of 1862, and the invasion of Pennsylvania in June and July 1863.

One of Stuart’s men, Sam Sweeney, was an accomplished banjo player and often serenaded the cavalier and his officers during the Gettysburg Campaign. BTW: There is a great version of the tune w/ a nice slide show made up of various Stuart images posted over on YouTube.

CHORUS:
If you want to have a good time, jine the cavalry!
Jine the cavalry! Jine the cavalry!
If you want to catch the Devil, if you want to have fun,
If you want to smell Hell, jine the cavalry!

We're the boys who went around McClellian,
Went around McClellian, went around around McClellian!
We're the boys who went around McClellian,
Bully boys, hey! Bully boys, ho! (CHORUS)

We're the boys who crossed the Potomicum,
Crossed the Potomicum, crossed the Potomicum!
We're the boys who crossed the Potomicum,
Bully boys, hey! Bully boys, ho! (CHORUS)

Then we went into Pennsylvania,
Into Pennsylvania, into Pennsylvania!
Then we went into Pennsylvania,
Bully boys, hey! Bully boys, ho! (CHORUS)

The big fat Dutch gals hand around the breadium,
Hand around the breadium, hand around the breadium!
The big fat Dutch gals hand around the breadium,
Bully boys, hey! Bully boys, ho! (CHORUS)

Ol' Joe Hooker, won't you come out of The Wilderness?
Come out of The Wilderness, come out of The Wilderness?
Ol' Joe Hooker, won't you come out of The Wilderness?
Bully boys, hey! Bully boys, ho! (CHORUS)

?Benedict? on the ballot

I wasn’t eager to vote for any of these bozos (on either ticket) – but I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the traitorous act that is currently being perpetrated by one of the candidates.

Bad move Rudy. You’ve lost your fan base… and your mind!

For more, read “Off Base? Giuliani Roots For Red Sox To Win WS” over on WCBSTV’s webpage.

?Truth about the Confederate Battle Flag? CD by Pastor Weaver

This morning I received an email from General George Pickett (aka Niles Clark of Lee’s Lieutenants). In it he directed me to an interesting project that the Chattahoochee Guards (SCV Camp #1639) is conducting.

 

In a nutshell, they are in the process of raising $3,200 to have 10,000 copies of Pastor John Weaver’s talk on the “Truth about the Confederate Battle Flag” produced on CD. Pastor Weaver’s talk about the history of the Battle Flag, why the War was fought and the Christian origins of the Saint Andrews Cross is one of the most compelling and inspiring talks ever made. The Chattahoochee Guards will provide patrons with one copy of the CD for each 32 cents donated with a minimum donation of $35. They will take no profit and their only purpose in this endeavor is to get the CDs out to the public.

 

If you would like to listen to the CD, click either High Speed Connection (DSL, cable or satellite) or Dialup modem on their website.

On the newsstand

I wanted to give you a quick heads up that I have a feature article on the local Civil War painter John Adams Elder’s exhibit running in this weekend's edition of The Free Lance-Star (Town & County insert), as well as another on Mort Kunstler's latest release and upcoming appearance here in Fredericksburg in next week's. I also have a reply letter in the next issue of Civil War Historian magazine, as well as a long-format feature in the issue after that (Jan/Feb 08). Please patron these wonderful publications so I can retire early.

PS. Last night NBC’s Brian Williams was reporting from the scene of the wildfires that are currently spreading across California at an alarming and deadly rate. He stated that this event was the largest single evacuation of people in America since the Civil War. (Tip of the hat to our good friends over at CWi who pointed out that he mistakenly used the words "peacetime." 'Peace-anything' isn't really an accurate term when describing the War Between the States is it?)

Still, as I pray for the safety and comfort of those who are affected by this disaster, I can't help but reflect on how awful the burning of Atlanta, Richmond, Charleston, and other cities must have been. If the shocking photographs and film clips that are being broadcasted from San Diego are any indication of the firestorm that swept across the South, then I have a much greater appreciation and sympathy for the citizens who suffered through it. Black and white photographs of charred chimney stacks and rubble do no justice to the magnitude of destruction, nor the terror that it must have struck in its victims.

So this is what the 21st-Century looks like?
Today I went from the original 56k modem dial-up at the homestead - to a wireless, fiber-optic internet network... HOLY COW!