Captain William Monks was from West Plains, Missouri, where my Great-Great-Grandfather fought a battle in February 1862. A Union man, Monks and his family suffered greatly at the hands of Rebel bushwhackers and irregular troops. Escaping certain death in captivity, he joined the Union Army, spending the rest of the war fighting those who hadContinue reading “Civil War Forgiveness”
Tag Archives: History
Political Violence
ENOUGH! These are contentious times. America has been polarized by hate and division.. We used to have responsible political discourse. We listened to each other and politely disagreed. Sometimes, that disagreement would lead to a great compromise that moved us forward to solve the problems of the day. The US Constitution was such a compromise.Continue reading “Political Violence”
Chapter 20: Helena
Co I, 3d Iowa Vol Cav Camp Curtis, Ark July 15, 1862 Dear Margaret, Sorry I haven’t written. We have been on the march through hostile territory since April. We arrived at Helena, Ark on the 11th. We can now receive and send mail by steamboat, since Helena is on the Mississippi. Tell Ma and Pa that WillisContinue reading “Chapter 20: Helena”
Traitor
“Don’t make a sound,” whispered Reuben as he crooked his arm around the Rebel picket’s throat and clapped his other hand over the man’s mouth. The sleepy man grunted as Reuben tightened his grip on his throat. The Rebel’s beady dark eyes looked at Reuben in terror. Another trooper grabbed the hapless man’s rifle. SoContinue reading “Traitor”
Chapter19: Bloodied
“At ease, men. Close the door!” ordered Captain Taylor. He had assembled the men of I Company in the Howell County courthouse. There was a feeling of anticipation as the troopers waited for their company commander to speak. Taylor looked sternly at the men, making sure he had their full attention. “How many of youContinue reading “Chapter19: Bloodied”
Chapter 17: Benton Barracks
“There she is!” Cried an excited Willis DeLay as they marched down the trail from the bluff to the river quay. “Side-wheeler packet,“ observed Reuben. “Looks like a lot of folks are there to see us off.” “Here we are marching off to war with no guns,” mused their cousin, John. Continue reading “Chapter 17: Benton Barracks”
Chapter 16: Camp Rankin
“DeLay, I’m promoting you to Quartermaster Sergeant.” “That’s fine, Sir. What is a Quartermaster Sergeant?” “You’ll be responsible for all the company supplies and equipment.” Reuben glanced down the barren street assigned to the company. Some of the men had made half-shelters out of the blankets they had been issued the evening before. The restContinue reading “Chapter 16: Camp Rankin”
Chapter 15: Enlistment
Chapter 15: Enlistment “You did what?” fumed Margaret, her eyes flashing angrily. “I enlisted,” was Reuben’s meek reply. “Damn you Reuben DeLay! Did you not think of us?” “I did. This is about protecting you and the kids. If we hit the Secessionists hard from the git-go, they’ll fold like they did in Kansas.”Continue reading “Chapter 15: Enlistment”
Chapter 14: Mounted Riflemen
Chapter 14 Mounted Riflemen “Yer out!” Cheers erupted from the crowd of spectators. The Country Boys had just defeated the Centerville Nine by a score of 3-2. They had finally learned to work together as a team and make the best of each player’s skills. There were Huzzahs all around and the opposingContinue reading “Chapter 14: Mounted Riflemen”
John Brown’s Body
John Brown’s Body A lot can happen in a week. At 4:30 AM on April 12, 1861, the guns of the Confederate States of America opened a bombardment on Fort Sumter. The fort had been designed to defend Charleston Harbor from attacks by sea. It’s defenses were pointed the wrong way, and it was stillContinue reading “John Brown’s Body”
Outlaws, Outrages and Outright Lies 