This fun fundraiser is for two very important causes. Proceeds will be equally divided between the historic Graffiti House and the land purchase of the crest of Fleetwood Hill. Yes, it may sound too good to be true, but ownership and preservation of the core of the battlefield is now within grasp! The Civil War Trust is waging a campaign to raise the necessary 3.1 million to purchase the site of J. E. B. Stuart’s headquarters prior to the June 9, 1863 cavalry battle. This long sought hallowed ground was a critical observation point throughout the war and coveted by both armies. Its preservation rests squarely on our shoulders, so all donations to BSF for Fleetwood Hill will be enormously appreciated.

Those of you coming from out of town will have plenty of outstanding activities to keep you busy:

A Driving Tour of Kelly’s Ford, Saturday, March 16, 2013, 10 am – 4 pm
Join the Brandy Station Foundation in conjunction with the Liberty Heritage Society for a caravan driving tour of John Pelham sites. The tour begins at the Inn at Kelly’s Ford. Bring a bag lunch. Snacks will be provided – cost is $25 with proceeds to benefit the Brandy Station Foundation. Contact BSF president Joe McKinney joenrose@earthlink.net, 540-727-7718.

Sunday, March 17, 2013: A Symposium of the Battle of Kelly’s Ford from 11. a.m. to 4 p.m., Ripley Hall, the Inn at Kelly’s Ford
On the anniversary of the battle, you will have the opportunity to hear outstanding speakers discuss the battle, the region, and to honor and remember the “Gallant” John Pelham. Major John Pelham, CSA, commander of Jeb Stuart’s horse artillery, was mortally wounded in the battle. One of the most admired soldiers of the war, Pelham still inspires us 150 years later. I continue to hear from readers who have discovered him, and who through the pages of Marching Through Culpeper mourn his death at age 24. I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to give a short presentation on “The Faith of John Pelham.”

In addition, you’ll enjoy dramatic first person presentations from Laura Radcliffe- a Confederate spy- by Amy Belcher and living history by the Mosby Players including words from Mrs. Granville Kelly. Add to that period music, power point presentations, camaraderie and a delicious lunch-all for $45. I look forward to seeing you there.

For more information see http://www.brandystationfoundation.com/
or contact ball cochair Cecilia Schneider 540-727-7718, mceciliaschneider@gmail.com.

DVDs of the Christian movie Treasure in Heaven are now on sale at www.tihthemovie.com for $12.99! I was humbled to be in the cast of this inspiring story of rekindled faith. I encourage you to share this touching movie with your family, friends, and church.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the opportunity to come together for an event that will be not only fun, but that will raise funds to preserve priceless hallowed ground. You have opened the door of opportunity so help us boldly walk through it and claim the land for future generations.

John Pelham’s legacy lives on and is a light of inspiration for us. His courage and faith in His Savior are shining examples. May many people gather to honor his memory.

In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen

The twenty-year-old lieutenant who participated in one of history’s pivotal moments was Henry Saxon Farley, younger brother of William Downs Farley. Sorely disappointed that he had not been in Charleston for the opening salvo, older brother Will made his way northward to Virginia and claimed to be the first South Carolinian to come to the defense of the Old Dominion. He spent three months in Gregg’s regiment until it disbanded.

He then became and independent fighter and commenced a career of personal adventure and romantic exploits that would make him a legend in the Army of Northern Virginia. Farley proceeded to the distant outposts of the enemy, penetrated their lines, harassed detached parties, and gained information for Generals Bonham and Beauregard. He fought at the first battle at Manassas although he was so sick with a raging fever and measles that he could barely stand.

Following the battle, he continued his forays as a scout. With three men he took and held Upton’s Hill, directly in the face of a superior enemy force. On numerous occasions he surprised the enemy’s pickets. Perhaps his successes and his love for the most desperate adventure led him into his next encounter.

Again with three other comrades he ventured ten or fifteen miles in front of Confederate lines where he discovered a column of several hundred cavalry led by Colonel Baynard moving towards the fields where Confederates foraged for their winter food. Farley ambushed the enemy while concealing himself and his men in a pine thicket. But although he could have remained safely hidden, Farley determined to attack. The four scouts charge forward and fired first on Baynard, nearly stampeding the whole regiment. Baynard was slightly wounded and his horse was killed.

After a desperate fight, Farley and his companions were all captured or killed. Thus the bold scout seethed at the certainty of prison and inaction. He remained in captivity at the Old Capitol Prison in Washington for several months. General Bayard would later mention this affair in a interview with Jeb Stuart, and spoke warmly of the courage which led Farley to undertake such an audacious and dangerous adventure.

Upon his exchange and return to the army, Farley was offered a command. But he did not want a commission and felt he could do far more injury to the Federals as an independent partisan. He considered himself a true volunteer and never accepted a penny of pay or arms from the Confederate Army. Rather he took pride in capturing everything he needed to make war on the enemy from the enemy. The handsome scout became one of the best attired soldiers in the army.

In May of 1862 General Jeb Stuart, who had heard of the South Carolinian’s reputation, snatched Farley from the generals who also coveted his services. Farley had already seen Stuart at work, observed his love of adventure and contempt of danger, and his ability to exhibit coolness and mastery of the situation no matter how perilous it appeared. These similarities of the two cavalrymen fostered a bond of union and mutual respect between them. Stuart encouraged Farley to use his talents to the fullest. Knowing that the scout could be counted on in any circumstance, Stuart gave his newest staff officer carte blanche as an operative.*

Stay tuned for The Peninsula Campaign: Farley is awarded a sword by the governor.

*Sources
They Followed the Plume by Robert Trout
Wearing of the Gray by John Esten Cooke

William Downs Farley had Virginia roots. His grandparents Archer Farley and Ann Robertson hailed from the old Dominion. The Robertson family lived in the Orange, Culpeper area. So it is quite possible that the scout had relatives in Culpeper. We’ll come back to this much later in the saga. 

Archer Farley was a direct descendent of the “Douglas” of Scotland, and thus there was fighting blood in the veins of the Farleys. Ann Robertson Farley gave birth to William Robertson Farley in 1801 in Charlotte County, Virginia. He emigrated to South Carolina at age twenty-one, married Phoebe M. Downs and commenced the practice of law in the village of Laurens. They named their firstborn son William Downs Farley, after his father-in-law, Colonel William F. Downs, a distinguished lawyer, member of the Legislature, and an officer of the War of 1812. The father of this Colonel Downs, was a patriot of 1776. Thus we see why William Downs followed the traditions of his race and plunged into the conflict of 1861. 

From and early age, William Downs Farley exhibited an intellectual hunger for literature. Passionately fond of Shakespeare and the elder poets, he loved to wander into to the woods, stretch out under a tree and read for hours. But at the sound of the hounds, he’d throw his athletic body into action and join the chase. 

At age 17 he and a friend made a tour of the Northern States. Afterwards he attended the University of Virginia and during the summers he took the opportunity to hike through the Virginia countryside. His familiarity with the terrain would reap benefits for the Confederacy. 

Farley gained a reputation for athletic prowess during his years at the University of Virginia. Following graduation he and several friends embarked on a traditional visit to the Natural Bridge. Each year a contest was held to see which graduate could scale the rock wall to the highest point. Farley not only won the challenge but when he reached the location of the “G. W.” George Washington had previously carved he halted his climb in order not to surpass the father of our country. 

He returned to South Carolina to render service to his father who had become an invalid and to join him in the practice of law. His father’s business required frequent visits to the interior of the state so Farley’s was able to feed his wander lust and craving for adventure. 

A great follower of political affairs, Farley was a “warm” advocate of States Rights and entered into the spirit of secession with enthusiasm. He was instrumental in bringing a unanimous opinion in his own district. 

His father passed away just before the opening of the war. Farley made frequent visits to Charleston, with the hope of being on the scene of action should an attack be made on the city. But his younger brother Hugh Saxon Farley, who had attended the Citadel and then West Point for two years, was one of the first cadets to resign as political tensions mounted. He volunteered his services to the defense forces forming in Charleston. 

Stay tuned to find out which Farley brother would fire the first shot on Fort Sumter.

“Rod has given us beautifully haunting love songs with universal appeal that not only fit the Civil War era, but speak to modern audiences,” says Virginia Morton, author of the historical novel Marching Through Culpeper and the stage script by the same name. “It’s fantastic that two of our songs will be recorded before we even bring the show to the stage.”

 What amazing sequence of events connected Morton to Washington state songwriter Rod Stone, to California promoter Dave Yancey, to Nashville music arranger Dave Huntsinger? 

“Prayer,” Morton says. She started weekly prayer conference calls in 2007 with a core group of her readers across the country. The group began praying for her Civil War novel Marching Through Culpeper to be made into a movie. Minnesota native Rick Heeren of Harvest Evangelism, who visited Culpeper on several occasions to teach community transformation through prayer, joined the calls. In 2008 his book Marketplace Miracles highlighted the faith journeys of people who were taking their faith into the marketplace. Morton’s story caught the eye of Carrie Stone, wife of song writer Rod Stone. Carrie contacted Heeren and suggested that her husband write the music for the Marching Through Culpeper movie.

Rod Stone spent twenty years in Nashville where he had several songs recorded in the Country genre from artists like George Hamilton IV, Ricky Lee Watson, Crystal Gayle, and Jeff and Sheri Easter to Lee Greenwood who recorded and released his song, USA Today for the twenty-fifth anniversary of his famous song, God Bless the USA.” 

After reading Marching Through Culpeper, Stone began turning out songs that Virginia Morton called, “Perfect! They brought tears to my eyes!” Eventually the movie concept was transformed into a stage musical with the hope that someday this production will lead to a movie. 

Dave Yancey, song promoter said he admired Stone’s song, USA Today, and contacted him about it, thus beginning their friendship. When Yancey heard these two Marching Through Culpeper songs for the first time, the sound of war was long gone, and in his heart he heard the gentle yet powerful words of two people dedicating their lives to each other with the commitment that, Their Union Shall Be Strong. Dave believed the song was both pre- and post-wedding music in a message that never grows old or out of vogue.” 

Yancey was caught off guard when he heard the words to the twin song, My Love Will Never Die. He said, “The same beautiful emotion swelled up in his heart again.  And from a marketing perspective this song speaks of a love relationship that is seasoned and when tried and tested, embraces the assurance that My Love Will Never Die. These twin songs have a natural fit for funeral settings, as well as love relationships.” 

Yancey intends to market the sheet music and CDs of the songs through his Sacramento based company, Creative Marketing Plus. Dave believes the dual application will be immediately embraced and give a fresh face on Love and Loss that can only be experienced through these newly inspired songs written by Rod Stone. 

David Huntsinger, pianist, composer, songwriter, and arranger, moved from his native California to Nashville, TN, in 1976 and played for the Rambos. He co-wrote the song, Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome, with Dottie Rambo, as well as the children’s musical, Down By The Creek Bank.  In 1979 he left the Rambos to pursue a career as a studio pianist. He wrote and arranged music for the 1989 Grammy-winning album A Child’s Gift of Lullabyes, and arranged for and co-produced Andy Griffith’s 1996 Grammy-winning album, I Love To Tell The Story: 25 Timeless Hymns. He has worked with many artists, such as Sandi Patti, Steve Green, Kathy Troccoli, Michael Crawford, Glen Campbell, Carman, Larnelle Harris, Johnny Cash, and Dolly Parton. He toured with Vince Gill for a Christmas tour in 1999, and in 2001 for the Amy Grant/Vince Gill Christmas tour. He has also written a number of children’s musicals, as well as produced many albums of his own original works and arrangements. He played the piano for An Unfinished Life, and contributed to two songs heard in The Great Debaters.

 Huntsinger says, “When Rod Stone called me to help him arrange and record two songs that he wrote for a theatrical production of Morton’s Marching Through Culpeper I was excited. I love history and music from the American Civil War era. Then

Virginia sent me her novel, which enthralled me from the first page. Very soon I felt as though I was in Culpeper County, Virginia 150 years ago. I knew if the play captured the heart-tugging story that I’d read in Morton’s novel, it would be compelling on stage.”

Huntsinger stated, “I have known Rod Stone and his songs for almost twenty years, and when I heard the first two written for this production, I was struck by their timelessness and universality. They reflect his sophisticated song craftsmanship, a skill honed in Rod’s years as a commercial songwriter in Nashville, but they also sound as though they could have been written in the 19th century.” 

“The timeless classic quality of these songs must in a theatrical work not only define setting and time, but also transcend it,” said Huntsinger. “The upcoming Nashville recordings will feature compelling, American voices to portray the lead characters Constance and Aaron. We will also work with musicians whose credits include contributions to films like Cold Mountain and O, Brother, Where Art Thou? I look forward to these recording sessions and to capturing the heart of Rod Stone’s songs in the service of what I believe will be a stellar production.” 

When asked why someone from the West Coast would want to invest so much time in a Civil War story, Stone responded, “Truth! This story is dripping with real events and real history in a high-paced, dramatic form. Also, the characters were very captivating to me—Constance Armstrong, Aaron Ames and Frank Stringfellow in particular. Their personalities were so well defined that it was a joy to write their songs.” 

The search is on for talented performers/singers to bring these three beloved characters of Constance, Aaron and Stringfellow to life. The fourth key role to be cast is that of Sadie Jordan, Constance’s over 40 mammy. 

To give college students and working adults ample opportunity to audition for the four leading roles, auditions will be held on Sundays, March 4 and 11 at Culpeper United Methodist Church, 1233 Oaklawn Drive, Culpeper, Virginia 22701 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; and Tuesday, March 6 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

For more information see http://www.marchingthroughculpeperonstage.com/auditions/ or contact Patricia Hill-Davidson of Kapak Talent Direct kapakdt.patricia@hotmail.com,  (571) 275-1069.

###

I watched Susan and Steve Pappas suffer the departure of their leading actor while filming “Treasure in Heaven,” which brought filming to a halt. Yet through prayer and perseverance, they began filming anew with many talented new performers who took this inspiring film to a much higher level of achievement. Thanks Susan and Steve for giving me the honor of being in the cast.

Likewise when plans to stage “Marching Through Culpeper” came to a halt due to the departure of a key leader, I was buoyed by the prayers of many of you to persevere. And now amazing and talented new people have joined the team which will undoubtedly result in a better show Aug. 3-5, 10-12, 2012. I’m delighted to announce that theater veterans Johncie and Tim Carlson will be our directors. Stay tuned for more details.

Thanks to “The Journey through Hallowed Ground” folks for listing our Cedar Mountain 150th Weekend schedules on their website. Through JTHG we connected with MARS, the leading packager of bus tours in the Mid-Atlantic. They are marketing our August 4, 2012, luncheon with Dr. James Robertson at the Inn at Kelly’s Ford with attending a performance of “Marching Through Culpeper.” They’ve already booked a tour, so I encourage you to make your overnight reservations early.

I invite you to explore our new website www.marchingthroughculpeperonstage.com. Tell your friends to sign up to receive updates, photos, and videos as we move into casting and rehearsals. Click here to ready the Dec. 24 Culpeper Star-Exponent article about the MTC stage production.

And follow our show on Facebook www.facebook.com/marchingthroughculpeper

UPCOMING JAN. 19, 2012

We will hold an organizational meeting of all those interested in helping with “Marching Through Culpeper,” both on and off stage, at 7 p.m. in the forum of Eastern View High School. We have many jobs other than performing including promo, ticket sales, helping with the “World Premiere Reception,” ushering, programs, etc. In short, WE NEED YOU!

He saw this as an opportunity and he penned a letter on impressively embossed official railroad stationery listing him as VP to Ellen. Not only did he praise her father’s heroism but he soothed the daughter’s fears. He let her know in a brotherly fashion that things were going very well for him, but added, “I hate to think of the future now—it seems so blank—no goal to reach, no object to strive for…So life passes —we wish and dream—build castles in the air, grasping at shadows all of our lives.”

Miracle of miracles, she answered his letter and they began corresponding. After four long heart-lonely years McClellan was corresponding directly with the beautiful Ellen. He was getting in subtle hints and all she had to do was read between the lines to know he was her most faithful and persistent admirer.

Another window of opportunity opened in the fall of 1859. Major Marcy was promoted and assigned to Minnesota. Ellen and Mrs. Marcy had decided to spend the winter with him. McClellan immediately fired off an invitation for them to stop over in Chicago as his guests as he had plenty of room in the large house on the lake he shared with Ambrose Burnside. 

Major Marcy hadn’t seen McClellan in years but they had maintained a correspondence and he was happy when McClellan left the army, and let his daughter know so. 

As Ellen stepped down from the train in Chicago on Oct. 20, she saw a new McClellan, but with the same desire for her burning in his eyes after 5 hopeless years. She had always liked him, but had never loved him. He was more mature, impressively prominent, and he obviously loved her with a doglike fidelity. There was no indication that he had ever loved anyone else. 

She was wavering. We have to wonder what was going on in her mind. At 24, she had received 8 marriage proposals and her beloved A.P. Hill was now a happily married man. Did her maturity tell her that her parent’s choice was indeed the right one? Could she be in love with McClellan after all? 

Four days later McClellan provided a private rail car and accompanied the family to St. Paul. En route he charged the ramparts again, risked it all, and proposed. This time Miss Nelly said yes. 

However, she requested that their engagement be kept a secret until Christmas because she had a bit of tidying up to do. There were two suitors eagerly awaiting her response to their marriage proposals and she had to clear the field before announcing her engagement to McClellan. 

After waiting 6 years he was anxious to tie the knot. He began his lifelong practice of writing to her every day they were separated. His wartime letters have given historians a clear and candid picture of his thoughts while commanding the Union Army. He kept nothing from Nelly. 

But at this point he’s trying to urge her down the aisle. “Don’t talk to me about going east to prepare for the wedding. I don’t want any preparation, I want you and you alone. I want you just as you are…we don’t need a trousseau. I want Nelly Marcy just as she is.” 

However, as you might guess Nelly held out for an impressive wedding in New York City and finally walked down the aisle May 22, 1860. Many dignitaries attended and among the groomsmen was A.P. Hill whose wife would soon deliver their first child. 

But oh how different would be the fates of the Hills and the McClellans as the winds of war began to stir across the country. Dolly Hill was widowed at age 30. But Ellen McClellan lived a life of luxury and spent most of her later years in Europe. 

George and Ellen McClellan

*From “The Class of 1846: From West Point to Appomattox” by John Waugh (Highly recommended)

I have more exciting news about plans for the Battle of Cedar Mountain 150th Weekends August 3-5, 9-12, 2012. Dr. James Robertson, author and retired Virginia Tech history professor, will be here! Dr. Robertson is a legend and one of the most distinguished names in Civil War history. A nationally acclaimed teacher and lecturer, he has written or edited two dozen books on the Civil War era. His award-winning biography of “Stonewall” Jackson was hailed as “a book every student of the war should read and every chronicler should emulate.” 

In addition, he penned the definitive biography General A. P. Hill, The Story of a Confederate Warrior. There is no scholar more imminently qualified to discuss the personality conflict between Hill and Jackson that began during the Cedar Mountain campaign than Dr. Robertson. So make plans now so you can have a front row seat to hear him elaborate on the hearts and souls of these two talented generals whose every encounter caused sparks to fly. Yet they cooperated on the battlefield to bring Confederate victories.

Dr. Robertson will be one of our honored guests at the “World Premiere” reception prior to the “World Première” performance of Marching Through Culpeper at Eastern View High School on Friday, August 3, 2012. Then on Saturday, August 4th, he will speak at a luncheon and decipher the Hill-Jackson conflict. He will also sign copies of his latest book published by National Geographic, The Untold Civil War: Exploring the Human Side of War. You will surely want to add a signed copy of this collector’s item to your library.

And I am happy to tell you that plans for the Marching Through Culpeper stage production are moving forward. I invite you to visit our new website www.marchingthroughculpeperonstage.com. We will soon be posting on our blog and making exciting announcements, so stay tuned!

Lovely young Kitty married her first cousin Calvin McClung and moved with him to Louisville. But he died early in their marriage and then their infant son died. Overcome with grief, she returned to Hopemont. Her sister insisted that Kitty accompany on her on a visit to Washington hoping the exciting new social circuit would lift her out of her grief. And there she met A. P. Hill, a dashing army officer nine years her senior. It was love at first sight. 

The couple married in the parlor of Hopemont July 18, 1859. George McClellan did not travel from Illinois to attend the wedding. Thus the oldest of Dolly’s six brothers, John Hunt Morgan, was best man. As she stood between her brother and husband who would both gain fame as Confederate warriors, little could the new bride imagine that both would give their last full measure of devotion to the Confederacy. 

When the war erupted, John Hunt Morgan and her older brothers stole the rifles from the Lexington armory and headed south to fight for the Confederacy. Morgan became the first partisan ranger and began striking Union supply lines in Kentucky. He was called the “Rebel Raider” and the “Marion of the West.” His exploits are legendary but he was ultimately betrayed and shot in the back in Greenville, Tennessee in 1864. Today Hopemont, now called the Hunt-Morgan House, is open to the public. 

 The marriage of Dolly and A. P. Hill was exceedingly happy from first to last.  Dolly’s income eased financial pressures and the Washington social whirl was exciting for the couple who made friends so easily because they loved each other so obviously. A daughter later said, “Their union was ideal as Father was a man of unusually fine traits, gentle and courteous, a wonderful sense of humor, and a charming man.” 

The two became inseparable—not even war could keep them apart. Theirs would become one of the truly great love stories of the Civil War. 

Where, you may be wondering, was George McClellan all this time? He had left the army to take a job as chief of engineers of the Illinois Central Railroad. But in March 1858 he was still pining away over Ellen Marcy.  

Stay tuned for “McClellan Perseveres.”

Six performances are scheduled: Aug. 3, 4, 10, 11, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 5, 12, 2012 at 2:30 p.m. in the beautiful Eastern View High School auditorium. 

Two full weekends of Civil War related activities are being planned as we commemorate the Battle of Cedar Mountain 150th Anniversary. You’ll want to be here to listen to legendary scholars, take tours, see living history along 
downtown streets, and watch demonstrations on the battlefield. All proceeds will benefit battlefield preservation in Culpeper County. 

So make your overnight reservations now! Just as in August of 1862, all roads will lead to Culpeper in August of 2012. We’ll need the involvement of the whole community, so let me know if you’d like to help. 

UPCOMING, NEXT FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2011, 7:30 P.M. CULPEPER DEPOT: 

The Friends of Cedar Mountain Battlefield invite you to help commemorate the 149th anniversary of the battle at the Culpeper Depot as we welcome Gibson Worsham of Richmond to Culpeper. 

He will present the vivid wartime memoirs of his ancestor, John H. Worsham, as detailed in his book, “One of Jackson’s Foot Cavalry.” John H. Worsham kept a diary with one of the most complete first hand accounts of the Battle of Cedar Mountain. This is a historical snapshot through the eyes of a soldier in the midst of a fierce and bloody battle. I generally quote from this diary on my battlefield tours. 

Light refreshments will be provided at the conclusion of the presentation.

Everyone was through but Hill. He had been clearly rejected, but there was still the matter of his honor to be settled. He was a proud man who valued his honor, so much so that he would later challenge fellow Confederate General James Longstreet to a duel. He wrote a letter to Captain Marcy demanding justice and accusing Mrs. Marcy of starting the rumors. He demanded “That Mrs. Marcy correct this false impression with anyone who may have heard it and she should make known the name of the informant to be used by me as I may see fit.”

Captain Marcy, a man of honor, wrote his wife demanding to know if Hill’s charges were true. If so, he would insist upon Ellen marrying Hill as reparation. However, Mrs. Marcy was able to explain it away to her husband’s satisfaction.

Hill returned to the Washington social circuit and within a year spied across a crowded room the woman who would hold his heart until death.

He wrote his favorite sister Lucy, “You know that I am so constituted, that to be in love with someone is as necessary to me as my dinner, and there is now a little siren who has thrown her net around me, and I know not how soon I may yield up my right to flirt with whom I please. She is a sensible little beauty, and if the spasm will stay in me long enough, and she will say yes, why I don’t believe I could do better.” Hill courted her throughout 1858. To him, she was always “Dolly” the nickname given her by her Mammy. That is the name she became known by in Virginia.

Late spring 1859 Hill wrote McClellan, “I’m afraid there is no mistake about it this time, old fellow, and please God, and Kentucky bluegrass, my bachelor life is about to end, and I shall swell the number of blessed martyrs who have yielded up freedom to crinoline and blue eyes. She is young—24 yrs. 7 mos. gentle and amiable, yet holy, and sufficiently good looking for me—and what’s more—I know that you will like her and when you come to know her, say that I have done well. I believe her income is close to mine—and if this be so I am glad for her sake, and if not I will not be disappointed. I expect to be married in Lexington, Kentucky on July 18, and if you could ride down from Chicago, you know there is no one whose presence would delight me more.”*

Stay tuned for “McClellan Perseveres”

*From “The Class of 1846: From West Point to Appomattox” by John Waugh (Highly recommended)