Hello all!
I'm from Provo, Utah, where I'm an economics/american studies major at BYU.
I have a beautiful wife and a 2 year old son named Grant.
I have been what my wife calls "a total and rabid civil war freak" since I was a kid, and still love to study it in my free time. Other interests include sports (football & lacrosse), drumming & music, and military history in general.
I've enjoyed reading all your comments, and eagerly look forward to wading in to the fray.
I suppose, before officially signing up, I ought to ask about the bounty...?
Joining this group is like drinking your third beer; not so easy to stop after that. There is a wealth of knowledge and assistance in this group. Welcome aboard!
__________________ Ancestors in US Army: 13th TN Cav; 10th TN Cav; 3rd NC Inf
Ancestors in CSA Army: 48th VA; 63rd VA, 5th NC Cav; 37th NC
Wife and Grandson's CSA: 15th AL, 51st GA, 41st TN; 36th TN; GA Mil 1197 Dist
Welcome, Thom! I'm one of those old guys who just recently went back to finish my degree (History), and I also have a 2 year old, except mine is a little girl. You'll love it here. Sometimes you'll hate it here and swear never to return. If this place is anything, it's highly addictive, so Civil War nuts always find their way back. Jump on in, the water is fine.
Regards,
John W.
__________________ Ancestors in CSA Army: 51st VA, 54th VA, 45th VA, 50th VA, 24th VA
Fellow father of a 2 year old, eh? We ought to start a support group. They don't call them the "terrible twos" for nothing!
As for sometimes hating it here, I think I'll be just fine. I love a little difference of opinion, as controversy always breeds dialogue, and dialogue forces us to think critically and to see things differently.
Bounty? Why, we've incorporated some of the finest practices from the world's armies. For instance, you bounty money is well spent in providing your new comrades with drinks at the local tavern (British Army of the Napoleonic era), your new uniform items are exchanged for worn duds that we gladly provide at great sacrifice (adapted from the Soviet Russian Army who wants to look like a fish anyway?), your brand new shiny musket is exchanged for an old rusty one (Sherman's Army before the Grand Review). What do you get? Friendship & lice!
Only one 2 year old? Try that times three......good thing though Ms Rad and I had practice with the first two. The third was a piece of cake.You have found a veritable gold mine here. Many are just about board certified scholars of this era .Others take the research they have accumulated and experience it by reenacting it. Each group has a wealth of knowledge to tap into. We would also like to hear from you..... so don't be shy.
Sorry for taking so long to welcome you to the board.
I am very eager to have you pick a topic and wade in, as I hope you will help us all to learn and grow in our quest to learn about the Civil War. Sounds like you are going to bring some interesting views and sources to the table and I look forward to it.
As JohnW in E.TN has said, you'll love us or hate us at times, but you'll never be able to ignore us for long!
(John in E.TN, you have a two-year old? And here I thought you were a single old man, living in a shack on top of a mountain, a hermit trying to hide from the world!)
You both should enjoy those two year olds, as they grow up way too fast and become like the rest of us, boring adults!
Welcome again thom.
Sincerely,
Unionblue
__________________ "The American people and the Government at Washington may refuse to recognize it for a time but the inexorable logic of events will force it upon them in the end; that the war now being waged in this land is a war for and against slavery." Frederick Douglass
"Loyalty to our ancestors does not include loyalty to their mistakes." George Santayana
(John in E.TN, you have a two-year old? And here I thought you were a single old man, living in a shack on top of a mountain, a hermit trying to hide from the world!)
Sincerely,
Unionblue
Neil, you missed that one by a mile. There are days when I wouldn't mind being alone in a shack on a mountain! I'm a late dad. Our angel was born a week before my 39th birthday. She's our first.
Regards,
John W.
__________________ Ancestors in CSA Army: 51st VA, 54th VA, 45th VA, 50th VA, 24th VA
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