Joined: Dec 05, 2007 Posts: 400 Location: Western NC
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 4:06 pm Post subject: Random Thoughts and Musings
Wasn't quite sure this fit in any one category so I thought I'd put it here since I don't have a blog and have no intention of starting one. Since I've been gone on a business trip since last Thurs. to St. Louis I had a lot of time driving to think about mainly a lot of nothing, so here goes.
Finished listening to 1st volume of Battle Cry of Freedom and 1st volume of Foote's Civil War during the trip. Jim McPherson is a great guy, a wonderful historian and a real hoot to have a beer (or twelve, the guy likes his beer) with. But if you were to drop a copy of Battle Cry in a remote corner of the world with no dust jacket or anything else to identify who the author was, anyone reading it would immediately know the author was a professor. Don't get me wrong, a lot of people are interested (and rightfully so) in the socio-economic-political aspects of the war, but it reminded me why it took me forever to read the book.
On the other hand, i was reminded that everyone should read Shelby Foote every so often just to remind themselves of what good writing is all about. And that's not a jab at McPherson, it's just a statement of fact; Shelby was a helluva writer. It also brought to mind a recent lengthy thread on GDG about Foote not having a bibliography or footnotes makes the trilogy useless as a historical work. Remember, this is just a personal opinion, but our cousins on the other side have a perfect word for those who self righteously turn up their nose at Shelby--wanker.
Speaking of good writing, I just finished Scythe of Fire the night before I left. I like Woodsworth, but even if I hadn't been privileged to read Warren Wilkinson's rough draft before he passed, there would be no mistaking Warren's words from Steve's. Warren, you could flat out write and I still miss you terribly.
Those who knock George Meade should read the correspondence in the OR's BEFORE his official report, especially from the last week of July 1863. He was ready to attack Lee again until told not to by Halleck. Old news for most of us, but the guy did a much better job than history has given him credit for.
Speaking of the OR's, I've always found them excellent bathroom reading material. As often as not you'll run across something that will surprise you to the point of making your your intended business go faster and smoother (think about it, the meaning will become very clear).
With all the talk about Andie Custer's article and with my recent tome about it, I thought I would go back and re-read it during the trip. All I can say is oh, my. Oh, my my.
Took a quick and unfortunately much too short side trip to Stones River on the way back. Admittedly I pay very little attention to the Western Theatre but anyone who hasn't been there should go. It reminded me of an irony that first struck me long ago; Rosecrans does a very good job, fights his army literally damn near to death, and then during the necessarily lengthy rest and re-fitting time after gets constantly slammed by Halleck, the same guy who when HE has a field command entrenches his entire command every time they come across two squirrels and a mule, or anything else dressed in gray.
When did the History channel stop being the History Channel and turn into A&E?
I really, really need to get a laptop. I missed hanging out around here.
Some of you expressed an interest in a tour of Oak Ridge. I looked at the calendar and came up with a tentative date of the second weekend in April. Anyone interested get in touch with me and I'll try to firm up a date ASAP.
Okay, I'm going home and going to try to catch up tonight and all the posts I missed. See you guys later.
Regards,
Keith
Joined: Mar 04, 2004 Posts: 4926 Location: Suburb of Philadelphia
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 4:18 pm Post subject:
Keith - 2nd weekend in April - that Saturday I am planning to do some work on my Adopted Site (Longstreet's HQs marker of course )
Usually I start at about 0800 and am done by 1000-1030.
if we can perhaps start this little tour at about 1100 or so (provided it works out with the rest of folks who are interested) - by all means - count me IN! _________________ I Remain
Your Ob't Servant
Allan
Time sets all things right. Error lives but a day. Truth is eternal.
A Great Civilization is not Conquered from Without until It has Destroyed Itself from Within
Joined: Dec 05, 2007 Posts: 400 Location: Western NC
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 5:27 pm Post subject:
Forget what I said about catching up tonight--got a call as I was leaving the office. turns out I'm on my way back to Tn. tonight, I'm going to be a grand-dad tomorrow. Ain't life grand!
Regards,
Keith
Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 12:24 pm Post subject: Re: Random Thoughts and Musings
historypiper wrote:
Finished listening to 1st volume of Battle Cry of Freedom and 1st volume of Foote's Civil War during the trip. Jim McPherson is a great guy, a wonderful historian and a real hoot to have a beer (or twelve, the guy likes his beer) with. But if you were to drop a copy of Battle Cry in a remote corner of the world with no dust jacket or anything else to identify who the author was, anyone reading it would immediately know the author was a professor. Don't get me wrong, a lot of people are interested (and rightfully so) in the socio-economic-political aspects of the war, but it reminded me why it took me forever to read the book.
With all the talk about Andie Custer's article and with my recent tome about it, I thought I would go back and re-read it during the trip. All I can say is oh, my. Oh, my my.
Keith,
In my CW library, which now numbers somewhere between 1100 & 1200, there is nary a book by McPherson. His topics are too political for me.
Now .. I wouldn't mind having a cold beverage with the professor & discussing the recent unpleasantness with him.
Very few fiction & very few naval titles as well. Maybe 2% combined.
Re: Ms Custer's "interpretation," I'm led to utter one of my grandpa's standards, "Son, that dog just don't hunt." The vets say it didn't happen that way & the terrain doesn't back the claims.
Nice post!
Respectively,
Zouave _________________ "Some kid 100 years from now is going to get interested in the Civil War and want to see these places. He's going to go down there and be standing in a parking lot. I'm fighting for that kid" -- Brian Pohanka
Joined: Dec 05, 2007 Posts: 400 Location: Western NC
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 4:16 pm Post subject:
Just back in fron TN and Emma Marie is a doll, of course. She has long beautiful fingers that will wrap around a club in a lovely grip and already has a very engaging mind. In fact we spent last night discussing a very interesting theory she has about why Lee gave orders direct to McLaws rather than Longstreet on July 2. Can't wait til she's old enough to take to G'burg! I'll catch up on what I've missed and talk to everyone later.
In case anyone's wondering my wife says the s#$! eating grin hasn't left my face in over 24 hrs.
Regards,
Keith
Zouave _________________ "Some kid 100 years from now is going to get interested in the Civil War and want to see these places. He's going to go down there and be standing in a parking lot. I'm fighting for that kid" -- Brian Pohanka
Joined: Feb 10, 2004 Posts: 2654 Location: I am here aint I?
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 11:44 pm Post subject:
All of these emotions are just there for you!!!
I would sing happy brand new birthday to your grandaughter..
But well I spent my money for singing lessons on CW books!!! LOL!
Again CONGRATUALTIONS!! Now have a beer on all of us!!!
JIM _________________ "The Flag, THE FLAG, Oh THE FLAG! G.K. Warrens last words on his death bed, August 8,1882
There is many a boy here today who looks on war as all glory, but, boys, it is all hell. W.T. Sherman
Joined: Mar 20, 2004 Posts: 2519 Location: By the winding Allegheny
Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 9:48 am Post subject:
You sound like one happy pappy Keith ! Congrats on your little Emma Marie and hold on to that little tiny finger ! And thank you for all your thoughtful posts on here, I read them and get a lot from them.
You mention Stones River, that's where our 78th Pa Co B boys were under Rosencrans. My daughter and I are part of the 78th Pa Co B with our Civil War reenacting camp. In fact, I just found we have a direct link to the 78th Pa Co B boys through my mom's mom. He was Levi Himes and from Jefferson County. There are now 3 members of our camp who are direct descendants. We have some artifacts in our camp from the Stones River campaign. Some day we'll get there.
Thanks Keith and congrats again.
Mindy _________________ There is nothing so kingly as kindness; there is nothing so royal as truth.
Joined: Mar 14, 2004 Posts: 767 Location: Sitting in a chair
Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 1:22 pm Post subject:
awwww..... a baby! Infinite potential wrapped in a tiny package.
Congratulations!
_________________ "There are nights here with the moonlight, cold and ghastly & the whippoorwills & the screech owls alone disturbing the silence when I could tear my hair & cry aloud for all that is past & gone."- Mary Chesnut
Joined: Dec 05, 2007 Posts: 400 Location: Western NC
Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 11:29 am Post subject:
Thanks, everyone, for all the good and kind wishes. Mom and Emma are doing great--I tell Emma 3-4 times daily over the phone to eat hearty and grow fast, we've got a bunch of battlefields and golf courses to visit!
Phil, I don't know man. Maybe we have. If not it's probably because I left G'burg in 2000. When I was there though I used to play a lot at Carroll Valley and Penn National.
Regards,
Keith
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