Eric from Miss Rose
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Post by Eric from Miss Rose on Sept 11, 2008 15:20:26 GMT -4
Ladies of the 20th Maine Co.B-
I trust this finds you all well as we prepare for the coming winter. I would like to invite you all to join me at Fort Knox on Saturday the twentieth of September for a sewing bee. It will be held at the fort at 2:30 in the afternoon. I will be offering instruction on Abolition Pot Holders as well as pinners for those interested. Participants may certainly also bring their own projects to work on as we socialize. Tea will be informally served as well. If anyone has any questions, please email me at snowrose999@aol.com.
Warmest regards, Joshua's 'Snow Angel', Miss Rose
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Eric from Miss Rose
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Post by Eric from Miss Rose on Sept 16, 2008 21:24:00 GMT -4
Ladies of the 20th ME, Good afternoon to you all. Just a reminder of the sewing bee at 2:30 in the afternoon on Saturday. I look forward to seeing you again. I have spoken with Leon and we have permission to use the visitor center if tables and chairs are preferred. I am extending an invitation to the 15th Alabama ladies as well. While the pot holder would be most offensive to them, the aprons and socializing are always nice. While I have some supplies to share, if any of you would have the following to bring/share it will be most appreciated. Abolition Pot Holder Supplies: I have made up patterns to use for cutting the appliques. Each pot holder requires: - 2 9" squares of cotton fabric
- scraps of fabric for figure appliques (you know, all those itty-bitty pieces that are too small for anything)
- 8" squares of wool or cotton batting
- Embroidery floss for appliques
- Scissors
- Sewing needle
Pinners or Half Aprons: 1.5 yards of cotton fabric of your choice. (WalMart has some great $1.oo yd stuff) contrary to popular belief, pinners/aprons were not always white. Most often, unless you were of middle-upper class, your aprons were made of old skirts If you have an old skirt, you are most welcome to bring it and use it. Often you will get two aprons per skirt. Either project is good for the seasoned seamstress or someone's first project. And some of you may have your own project to work on. If you prefer not to sew, but only to visit and socialize, you are certainly welcome to do that as well. Would anyone like to bring snacks? Also, if anyone has a tea pot, I would appreciate it. Hope to see you there! Miss Rose
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Eric from Miss Rose
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Post by Eric from Miss Rose on Sept 24, 2008 1:10:18 GMT -4
19 September 1863 My Dear Sister~ I take the most and favorable opportunity to inform you that I am well and in great health at the present and I hope this will find you the same. It was a warmer day today, although you could feel the threat of a chill. I arrived at the Fort shortly before dark had fallen upon us. The men had gone ahead as I took a much needed rest on the way there. Camp was well underway when I happened upon them. I settled into my area and one Pvt. McKeering was gracious to lend me a hand with my tent. Such a cumbersome job to set alone. Yes, the boys of the 20th are a caring bunch of men. Even with the worries of what may lie ahead for them. Perhaps I give them a semblance of home if only for brief moments. Only you will understand how much I miss my dear Samuel. There are times when I still see him walking toward me from the mist that morning brings. Some days I must seem mad in my visions. I shall write more tomorrow and get this off with the mail soon. Love, Your Sister, Christabell
20 September 1863 Dearest Sister, I woke to Pvt. Lenny and Pvt Wardwell getting the morning fire started. It was nice to take the chill off a little. Pvt Wardwell's son was joining us today as well. Such a brave young man. More of our troops arrived early this morning. I enjoyed my breakfast in the delightful company of Pvt. Smith and Pvt Coltart. They had escorted me to town to pick up a few items and upon our return, we found that Provost D'Errico had arrived and was standing his post. It is good to see him out of sick call and able to join in again. He gave me a note from his dear wife, Fran and we awaited her arrival a little later in the day. There is rumor of some confederate troops near by. I fear there may be a skirmish before the day is through. Cpl. Batty and his lovely wife, Susie came today for a visit. They were accompanied by Pvt. Wall's wife, Lee. It was a nice visit with them. We sat in the sun and discussed the coming fashions. We were joined by Pvt Estabrook and his lovely wife, Laura. Their baby girl has gotten so big these past months. What a delightful child. Pvt will be joining with the troops soon. Do you remember me telling of the young couple recently engaged? Pvt. Audette and his bride to be, Kristy? Well, they joined us as well. Such a sweet couple. Poor girl was in rags when they arrived. I happened to have some extra clothes and a bonnet for her so she was not the gossip of the day. What a sweet young thing. She cut out her first pinner this afternoon. We were a bit rushed for time, but she did an excellent job of following along. Poor thing was never taught properly, you know. But she will catch up soon. I am happy her fiancee can see what a sweet gal she is, even if not well versed in her handiwork. Pvt. Moore and his dear Caroline stopped in for a visit. His wounds are healing well and contrary to the doctor's advice, he may join the line again soon. Our worst fears became true this afternoon, the rebels caught us while we were drilling on the lower level. The casualties could have been worse for us, but Doctor Celli did an excellent job fixing the boys up. The rebs weren't as fortunate. Their casualties far out numbered ours. Was a victory for the 20th ME! Pvt Cassidy was in from Machias and joined in a friendly game of cards after dinner. He left on furlough shortly thereafter. Between you and I, sister... I have the ill feeling we may have a spy here with us. I overheard her telling someone that she was gathering information to give to the rebs. Perhaps it was one of them she was speaking with. She was very hushed about it as she claims to have given information that was used in the battle that took my dear Samuel. I am heartsick over it and not sure what to do. I will watch her closely and if she seems the sort, I shall go to Lt. Morris. She is traveling with us these days, being displaced herself along with her daughter, Sara. Good night, sister.
20 September 1863 Dear Sister, Thank you ever so much for the package today. The carrier is staying the day so I may get this off to you with him when he leaves. It is difficult obtaining even the simplest of items here. The Sutlers are so overpriced that I can not afford even a simple cake of soap. It is a new group of scalawags, Don, Sara and their children, Alida and Dax. They sit there dressed in their nice things taking the hard earned money from the soldiers. Shameful. Simply shameful. Last evening, after Gracie and her cousin went to bed, Cpl Brochu and I spent some time with the Rebs in their camp. Cpl Brochu has kin there. So I went to spread good tidings to the ladies and he to visit. Rumors are now around of my being cavorting with the Rebel Captain until all hours. Pvt. Richards heard this and immediately went to the rebel camp and challenged them to battle over my honor. I fear the worse. I spoke with Major Celli and Pvt Tatlock and they were prepared once again to tend our wounded. Sister, it is simply horrible. The men fought earlier. Some to their deaths. Our casualties were many and at the final, Pvt. Richards and the Captain were in a saber fight at which, our dear Pvt was killed. Such a sad day. When they arrived back at camp, Lt. Morris expressed his regrets that they had not been favored in battle. But the rebs were leaving as we spoke. I must go now, sister, as the carrier will be leaving shortly. My love to Mother, Your sister, Christabell
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