Get in the game
With Christmas just around the bend, I'd like to take a quick moment to spotlight one of our fellow bloggers, whose expertise in Civil War gaming may provide the answer for that last remaining gift you've been searching for. Brett Schulte's Civil War Gaming & Reading Blog is a treasure trove of information for those who are interested in both traditional-board and computer-based gaming on the War Between the States. It is currently rated as the #6 website on The Civil War Top 100.

I must admit that I do own a few of these computer games (Gettysburg and The American Civil War), but I have never had enough free-time in my schedule to learn how to actually play them. I already went through a rehab-phase to “kick” an addiction to the Medal of Honor: WWII series a couple years ago as it almost cost me my marriage. That said, Brett is clearly an expert on the subject and has actually provided consultation for developers in the industry. He is also a “book-nut” like myself, and I am hoping to someday get a Schulte library card, so I can browse through his rapidly expanding collection.

If you are into the Civil War and games, or know someone who is, visit Brett’s blog’s for all things related. Who knows, maybe Santa will visit too, and leave a copy of the “Civil War Brigade Series” under your tree?

Fredericksburg's Historical Houses of Worship
With the holiday season upon us, I thought it might be nice to spotlight some of the historically significant churches in our area. These include Aquia Episcopal Church, Fredericksburg Baptist Church, Old Salem Church, Massaponax Church, Fredericksburg Presbyterian Church, St. Georges Episcopal Church, Fredericksburg United Methodist Church, Zion United Methodist Church, Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site) and Union Church.

Most of these churches witnessed the events of the Civil War firsthand, and many were founded back in the days when George Washington lived here. My own personal favorite (w/ the exception of my own church, Spotsylvania Presbyterian – which BTW, grew out of this one) is Fredericksburg Presbyterian.

Fredericksburg Presbyterian was also a personal favorite of General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson as one of his own personal clergy in the field, the Reverend Beverly Tucker Lacy, preached there. The present Greek Revival style structure was erected in 1833 and is one of the two oldest churches in the downtown area of Fredericksburg. During the Civil War, the church was severely damaged; the church bell was given to the Confederacy to be melted down for cannons. During this time (1862) the church was used as a Federal hospital and Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, attended the wounded here from the Battle of Wilderness and Spotsylvania Courthouse. More then 26,000 sick and wounded moved through the hospital. After the war the church bell was replaced (1870), the interior was restored and the congregation had reformed.

In 1962, a bronze tablet was placed in the front yard in memory of Clara Barton. Today, the church still bears the scars of battle where two cannon balls were embedded in one of its pilasters. (Source: Simply Fredericksburg, Photo: By Francis Benjamin Johnston, circa. 1927, Library of Congress) For more information on this and other historic churches, please visit Simply Fredericksburg's HISTORIC CHURCHES

Holiday Greetings To All
As I imagine it is with most people, I have a very full-plate this week and over the next few days I will be busy finalizing my preparations for the upcoming holiday weekend. Between work, church, and family activities, I will not have much time for blogging, so I wanted to make sure that I posted my own personal wishes for you and yours to have a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. I do have a couple articles coming out, and I?ll try to post the links here if time permits. If not, I will certainly make sure to do so after the New Year. Regardless, I wanted to make sure that I posted this today:

Each Christmas, I put together a CW-themed ?eCard? to email out to all of my associates in cyber-land. This year, I have decided to share it here instead, as I appreciate all of your wonderful support and interest in my work. The bloggers, historians, authors, publishers, agents, editors, re-enactors, and readers that I have been privileged enough to work with this year have blessed me in a way that I could not express in mere words, and I look forward to continuing our work together in 2007. For my 2006 card, I have selected one of my all-time favorite paintings, "Divine Guidance" by Mort Kunstler:



This touching portrait is one of the reasons that I have dedicated so much of my energy to the praise and recognition of General Thomas ?Stonewall? Jackson. The story behind this piece is that of ?Old Jack and Little Janie? and it is a testament to the belief that all things happen according to God?s will. This doctrine was a major brick in Jackson?s ?stonewall? so to speak, and enabled him to find comfort during the most desperate of times. This specific event (at least to me) says more about the heart, faith, and conviction of the man than any other aspect of his life. It is a remarkable tale that was dramatized in the movie Gods and Generals, and has been captured on canvas in several of Mr. Kunstler's paintings. It takes up an entire chapter in my Christian-biography on the general entitled ?Onward Christian Soldier: The Spiritual Journey of Stonewall.? As the CD version of this book has just been completed, I have decided to post the audio version of this story here, and you can listen to an unedited MP3 of the chapter (2 Parts), as read by me:

LISTEN Chapter 8, Part 1 (MP3. 1.8 Meg)
LISTEN Chapter 8, Part 2 (MP3. 2.7 Meg)

For those not able to listen to MP3?s, here is an excerpt from the description behind the painting from Mort Kunstler?s Online Gallery: ?While spending the winter of 1863 in quarters at Moss Neck Plantation General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson forged a close relationship with his host's five year-old daughter Jane Wellford Corbin. Unfortunately, on the very day of his departure, "Little Janie" contracted scarlet fever. Reports from the Corbin home seemed hopeful, and the general expressed his wishes for a speedy recovery. A day after establishing his new headquarters, however, Jackson received the awful news: his little friend Janie had suddenly died. Jackson - the great and mighty warrior whose hammer-like blows had driven the enemy from so many fields of fire - wept aloud. Then he unashamedly knelt and took his burdens to the Lord in prayer.?

Risky Business
Over the last two days I have found myself “jumping head-first” into several online discussions (some heated at times) with fellow bloggers regarding the subject of publishing religious-based material on the Civil War. Although I do not agree with much of what that these individuals profess to believe, I do respect their right to do so, and I usually try to stay out of these debates. This is a most difficult task however, when I visit these blogs only to find that I (or friends of mine) have been used as the target for their criticism. There are even times that my material has been directly quoted (in an “anonymous” manner) as an example of what they refer to as historical “mythology.” This factor, above all others, bothers me greatly.

Unfortunately, I have allowed myself to become personally offended, (even irritated) and my emotions have negated any grace or humility in my responses. This is a weakness on my part, and one that I am most certainly going to work on. In the future, I will be using prayerful consideration before allowing myself to become a vocal participant in these online-feuds. It is an exercise in futility and serves no one in a positive manner. In retrospect, I don't think it is easy for any of us to discuss and debate sensitive topics (such as religion) via cyberspace where our words are not always "read" in their proper tone or context. As amazing as Internet technology is, we cannot assume that people will always understand the intended meaning of our thoughts. After all, we are unable to read each other's faces, hear the tone in our voices, or witness the postures and expressions in which we "speak." Blogging, like any other form of self-expression, can be a very risky business.

Regardless, I do not want to get in the habit of using this forum for the criticism of these more liberal, and secular/progressive historians. They will probably continue to criticize my peers, and me but I am trying very hard to take the high road. I also don’t want to become a regular adversary of those that choose to criticize Christians on their blogs, so this post will be all that I say on the subject…

The bottom line is that I am not trying to re-write history or indoctrinate anyone. Christians find joy in these books, and I find joy in writing them. I get a lot of support and praise from people (a lot smarter than I am) who understand what a Christian writer's purpose is in writing religious-historical material: To celebrate and educate in an uplifting and inspirational manner. I will be the first to admit that none of these men were perfect. They (like us) have faults. But I think that there is a reason that we still remember them today and (IMO) faith has a lot to do with that.

The teaser on my book “Onward Christian Soldier” simply states: "This is a story about faith. A story filled with the kinds of heartache and hardships that would leave many of us questioning our own beliefs. It is a love story that is filled with sorrow, testimony, hope and despair. It is a story that reaffirms the power of prayer and that all things in Him are possible. 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."

I think that explains my belief on this entire subject.

2007 Liberty University Civil War Seminar
I know it's a tad early, but I wanted to post some information on the upcoming 2007 Liberty University Civil War Seminar, "Robert E. Lee in Life and Legend". Several of my good friends including author Richard Williams, Robert E. Lee portrayer Al Stone, and Chaplain Alan Farley of the "Reenactor's Missions For Jesus Christ" will be there.

The event will be held in DeMoss Hall on the campus of Liberty University. Everyone is encouraged to secure reservations for this seminar by Wednesday, March 21. Admission to the seminar is $55 (which includes all of the seminar sessions, the Friday night banquet, and Saturday?s luncheon). After March 21, 2006, the price for both days is $65. Admission for Friday only is $25; admission for Saturday only is $30. Special lodging rates at the Days Inn of Lynchburg are available for those who will be attending the seminar.

For pricing and location of lodging, call 434-847-8655. For special group pricing for the seminar or more information, call 434-592-4031 or email cehall@liberty.edu or kgrowlet@liberty.edu. You can also visit them on the web at Liberty University Civil War for more up-to-date information.

?Jib Stirt Dad! Jib Stirt!?
Lately, I have been having a tremendous time watching my 2-year old "discover" Christmas for the first time. Her enthusiasm this season has been exhausting (to say the least) and she often appears to be "hypnotized" by the multitude of lights and decorations that have taken over our house. My other two children are much older (15 and 9) and I had forgotten how much fun it is to watch them race around the tree like Richard Petty at Daytona. One of the funnier moments came when she watched "Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer" for the first time. Now, I must admit that I LOVE all of the Rankin & Bass animated holiday specials, and we own the complete set of the stuffed characters. I also have a rather large photo of J.E.B. Stuart in my office. Well, my daughter, (who has apparently been recruited into the ?Cause) believes that Yukon Cornelius and our beloved General Stuart are one-in-the-same (their beards are strikingly similar). Needless to say, I didn't correct her, and now every time that she sees him on TV or in the store she points and yells out ?Jib Stirt Dad! Jib Stirt!? I couldn?t be prouder.

Fredericksburg, 1862
?If you make the attack as comtemplated it will be the greatest slaughter of the war; there isn't infantry enough in our whole army to carry those Heights if they are well defended.?
- Col. P.C. Hawkins, 9th N.Y. USA

?General, we cover that ground now so well that we comb it as with a fine-tooth comb. A chicken could not live on that field when we open on it.?
- Col. E.P. Alexander, 1st Corp Artillery Chief, CSA

Online Chat #2
I am honored to have been asked to present another online-chat for the wonderful people over at the American Civil War Home Chatroom. Unlike my first presentation: The Role of Religion in the Civil War, which covered five-separate topics, this event will focus on a single topic in an effort to present an unfamiliar look at a very familiar face: J.E.B. Stuart, The Christian Cavalier will introduce people to a more spiritual-side of the Southern Knight that they may not be aware of. Here’s a teaser:

J.E.B. Stuart, The Christian Cavalier: For non-believers, death is often considered the end of all things, but, to Christians, it represents a new beginning. Our time here on Earth is short compared to eternity in Heaven, and what we do with this time determines our reward in the afterlife. Unfortunately, many people today waste their precious time focusing on self-fulfillment. Sadly, few leave behind a meaningful legacy. A legacy is the memory of who we were and the ways in which we touched the lives of others. History has recorded countless men who served their time on Earth in such an inspirational way. Their legacy continues to live on, years and years after their death. Such is the story of J.E.B. Stuart: soldier, servant, and Southern hero. In the end, it was far more than the service record, personal items, horses, and other accoutrements that Stuart left behind. It was the deep spiritual roots and patriotism that he had instilled in his children and his men. These are the memories that have truly made his story unforgettable.

Captain R. E. Frayser, from Stuart's staff recalled the impact that his beloved commander had on all who knew him when he wrote, "In this short period of thirty-one years, four months and twelve days, he won a glorious and imperishable name, and one that posterity will delight to cherish and honor."

Stay tuned for details.

144th anniversary of the Battle of Fredericksburg
As a resident of Fredericksburg, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the significance of this week, and mention some of our local battlefield’s highlights:

The Battle of Fredericksburg fought in and around Fredericksburg, VA, on December 13, 1862, between General Robert E. Lee's Confederate Army of Northern Virginia and the Union Army of the Potomac, commanded by Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside, is remembered as one of the most one-sided battles of the American Civil War. The Union Army suffered terrible casualties in futile frontal assaults against entrenched Confederate defenders on the heights behind the city, bringing to an early end their campaign against the Confederate capital of Richmond. The Richmond Examiner described it as a "stunning defeat to the invader, a splendid victory to the defender of the sacred soil." General Lee, normally reserved, was described by the Charleston Mercury as "jubilant, almost off-balance, and seemingly desirous of embracing everyone who calls on him." The newspaper also exclaimed that, "General Lee knows his business and the army has yet known no such word as fail." Below are some of the key spots that are located on the battlefield. For more information, visit NPS Fredericksburg.

Sunken Road & Stone Wall: Also known as the Telegraph Road, generations of wagons gradually wore the highway surface into the ground. The good citizens who built the stone retaining walls to keep the ground from collapsing into the roadway never imagined that their work would provide ready-made shelter for a large army.

Innis Family House: This modest country home known as the Innis House sits along the base of Marye's Heights. It is said that several Confederate sharpshooters used this building as shelter. Both the outside slats and interior walls are severely pockmarked with bullet holes from the fierce fighting that swirled around it.

Marye House / Brompton: The commander of the Fredericksburg Artillery, Edward A. Marye, lived in his family's house, visible atop the hill, before the war. Ironically, his battery was posted four miles south of here during the Battle of Fredericksburg. Now called Brompton, the house currently serves as the home of the president of Mary Washington College.

Angel of Marye's Heights: Known the "Angel of Marye's Heights," nineteen-year-old Sergeant Richard Kirkland of the 2nd South Carolina left the safety of his own lines to bring relief to suffering enemies at peril to his own life. Union riflemen ceased firing as Kirkland moved from soldier to soldier on his errand of mercy. He later died at the Battle of Chickamauga.

Willis Hill: The Washington Artillery, posted two 3-inch rifled cannon in gunpits in front of the Willis Cemetery and beside one of the several brick structures on the crest. Their position dominated the entire city so well that artilleryman, E. Porter Alexander wrote that he "felt the elation of a certain and easy victory." The Willis family plots remain today.

U.S. National Cemetery: Fredericksburg National Cemetery is the final resting place of over 15,000 United States Americans. Most of these are soldiers who died during the Civil War, but there are nearly one hundred 20th-century veterans and a few of their spouses who are also buried here. Several monuments to northern units can also be found on the grounds.

Fifth Corps Monument: This pillar was dedicated in 1901 to commemorate the service of the Fifth Corps and was erected largely through the efforts of its commander in the Battle of Fredericksburg, Daniel Butterfield. Behind the monument are the graves of several officers, including Lt.Col. Ed Hill of the 16th Michigan, who won the Medal of Honor.

Humphrey Monument: Commanding the center of the National Cemetery, this towering sculpture commemorates the charge of Union General Andrew A. Humphreys' Division of Pennsylvania Infantry. In 1908 the State of Pennsylvania erected this monument to honor the more than one thousand soldiers who were casualties in that attack.

Meade Pyramid: In the early 20th century a pyramid shaped monument was erected along the railroad on the Fredericksburg Battlefield to mark the area of General Meade's breakthrough (the ONLY one of the battle). The purpose was to alert railroad passengers that they were passing through the hallowed grounds of the Fredericksburg Battlefield.

Jackson's Line: This modest landmark stands at the right anchor of Gen. "Stonewall" Jackson's line, which stretched along Prospect Hill. The nearby trail, known as Harrison's Crossing, led to the supply base for the Southern army during the Fredericksburg Campaign after the depot in town came within range of Union artillery.

New Year = New Book
A new year brings a new book and one that I have anxiously been waiting to continue for months. My third project is entitled ?The Southern Cross? and will be a 100-page historical Devotional. I have received interest from two, potential Christian publishers and will make a formal announcement when the manuscript is completed.

As with most works in this genre, each chapter will cover a specific topic, and each page will contain: a topical verse of Scripture, an associated quote, and a short history on a related topic. As I am hoping to appeal to a wider audience with this one, the history parts are being written to be both interesting and inspiring (but not overly detailed.) Over the last few months, I have been doing a lot of prep work on this (including the cover design). Now that the CD-version of ?Onward Christian Soldier? is done, I will be dedicating the majority of my free time to this endeavor. I also have some great CW features coming up in the Free Lance-Star in 2007, but ?TSC? will be my sole book project until it is completed.

Here is an example:

MERCY: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23:6)

THE ANGEL OF MARYE'S HEIGHTS: After crossing the Rappahannock River and taking possession of the town of Fredericksburg in December of 1862, the Federal Army of the Potomac set its sights on taking the surrounding high ground where the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia had withdrawn. The most impenetrable of these positions was a long stonewall at the base of a sloping hill known as Marye's Heights. After several unsuccessful charges, the fighting ceased for the day, leaving the field littered with thousands of bloody Union bodies. Throughout the night, screams and cries of the wounded penetrated the peaceful silence of the cease-fire. One soldier, Richard Rowland Kirkland, an infantry sergeant with the 2nd South Carolina Volunteers, struggled to rest amidst the horrid sounds of suffering that echoed across the battlefield. By the next morning, he could take it no longer and requested permission to aid the enemy. With total disregard for his safety, Kirkland grabbed several canteens and leaped over the fortification. Instantly several shots rang out as the Union soldiers thought their wounded were under attack. Realizing the sincerity of Kirkland's effort, the Federal marksmen lowered the barrels of their rifles. Thus, the fatal shot never came and both sides looked on in amazement as the sergeant moved from one wounded man in blue to another. Going back and forth over the wall for an hour and a half, Kirkland only returned to the safety of his own lines after he had done all he could do. In 1965, a monument was sculpted by the famous artist Felix DeWeldon and unveiled in front of the stonewall on the Fredericksburg Battlefield where Kirkland performed his humanitarian act. The inscription on the statue reads: "At the risk of his life, this American soldier of sublime compassion brought water to his wounded foes at Fredericksburg. The fighting men on both sides of the line called him the Angel of Marye's Heights."

QUOTEABLE: ?Weird, unearthly, terrible to hear and bear, the cries of the dying soldiers filling the air ?lying crippled on a hillside so many miles from home?breaking the hearts of soldiers on both sides of the battlefield.? - Confederate soldier stationed at the stonewall, Fredericksburg, VA

Copyright 2006, Pinstripe Press