Full Moon gets partial blame for Gen. Jackson's death

[Jim Page]

The Surratt House visited the site of Jackson's death at Guinea Station, Virginia, a number of years ago . . .

Laurie, your post reminded me of a discussion Patty and I had Sunday, and maybe you can add some insight.

My grandmother always kept a few Guinea fowl on the family farm, and they were about the most obnoxious things I ever saw. One night, my great-uncle Percy had enough of their noisiness, and took a 12-gauge to them about 4-o'clock one morning. My grandmother was livid over that incident.

Patty asked, "Why would anyone keep Guineas? You don't eat them or their eggs, do you?" The only answer I could come up with is that they are sort of like ultra-watchdogs, as anything in the world will set them off and let you know something in the yard is moving.

Is that why folks kept them?

--Jim