Extra Credit Questions

[L Verge]

Thanks for finding that SCV newsletter, Roger. It contained some very interesting history articles besides the story of Old Douglas. I had not heard of the horrible train wreck that occurred while so many prisoners were being transported from Point Lookout in Maryland to Elmira, New York. I also learned some new details about the Irish housekeeper and confidante of Mrs. Davis and enjoyed the story on Town Line, New York, which seceded from the Union during the Civil War and never rejoined for 85 years -- after Harry Truman suggested that they do so.

I also appreciated this quote from a soldier who survived:

We didn't lose our limbs fightin so
a few rich folks could keep their
slaves. We fought because we
were invaded...by the enemy

This is displayed beside a group picture of about 7-8 old veterans - three of whom are missing a leg. It reminds us that slavery may have been at the root of the war, but there were other poisonous branches of our government and society at the time that contributed to the war. There are many times that I look around now and question what might come next.