As someone
who is new to Civil War lore and legend, I have only been reading and exploring
this momentous time in US history in depth since April when I began to read books, troll websites, take a course at
the Civil War Institute at Manor College, attend reenactments, and plan dates
to visit battle sites. By October, this had already generated eye opening
conversations with re-enactors, Civil War historians and enthusiasts and
inspired me to write a song about the story of Antietam. In addition, old and new friends surfaced as
knowledgeable and engaged resources for my self study.
In my life
have been inspired by this quote of W.H. Murray from the Scottish Himalayan
Expedition
[With committment] All sorts of things occur that help
one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues
from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents
and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamt would come
his way.
And so it was that on a visit to Ft. Delaware one Union soldier who
learned I was from Philadelphia exclaimed “You must check out the General Meade
Society”. The breadcrumbs of curiosity
led directly to the Meade Society’s October trip to explore the Overland
Campaign, which was exactly the next step in my understanding of the struggles
in the war.
From the first email from Jerry, I felt welcomed and encouraged. No, I
didn’t have to be a member; yes, there was a space. Frankly, I didn’t know if I
was about to enter an experience way over my head with arcane discussions about
the nuances of battles and personalities. Yes, there were
discussions about personalities, but they were so like family it was as if General Meade
and Humphreys and the whole corps was on the bus with us kibitzing, laughing,
planning. We managed to strategize the
battle plan for ordering lunch, though, like some of the Generals, we took a few
wrong turns in the process. But this too seemed like part of the fun and enjoyment
that this group made possible.
