Ever since Katrina hit the Mississippi Gulf coast, I have been wondering what happened to Jefferson Davis' home, Beauvoir. Now, thanks to the New York Times, I know. It was severely damaged. According to the NYT, it wasn't a total loss, but judging from the pictures in the article, it was pretty close to one. A number of other historical houses on the Mississippi coast were completely destroyed.
I was wondering, because it seems to me that Beauvoir survived hurricane Camille, which until Katrina was the worst hurricane to hit the region in modern times. I think I was in the Army in Vietnam, or on my way there, when Camille hit. So, I don't remember first hand what happened, but I do remember that after I came back, Beauvoir was still there. It reminded me of my grandfather's complaints about modern building practices. He argued that because houses were so much more poorly constructed today, older houses would survive storms that newer houses would not. To me, Beauvoir was an example supporting his argument. But it doesn't look like Katrina discriminated between older and new homes. It was too powerful for any of them.
Unfortunately, it means that more of the Old South is literally gone with the wind. More of the big, old, graceful houses that were remnants of the Old South are gone. Even if they are rebuilt, it won't be the same, and certainly some, or all, of them won't be rebuilt. So, the Mississippi Gulf coast will be filled with more cookie cutter houses, no matter how expensive or fancy they may be. But after Camille and Katrina, people will no doubt be more reluctant to build expensive houses too close to the Gulf.
One branch of my family lived in Pass Christian, Mississippi. I don't think there are any family members still living there now, fortunately, but it would be interesting to know what happened to the big, old house that my "Aunt Lil" lived in. I remember spending time there growing up, but I couldn't find it today, on a map or in person.
Friday, September 9, 2005
Tuesday, August 9, 2005
Woodrow Wilson Loved the South
In Woodrow Wilson, American Prophet, biographer Arthur Walworth says that Wilson loved the South. During the Civil War, Wilson's family lived in Augusta, Georgia. Although he was raised in the North, Wilson's father, a Presbyterian minister, was a Confederate Army chaplin. According to the book, Wilson said "that the only place in the country, the only place in the world where nothing had to be explained to him was the South." As a child, Wilson "learned neither to crave nor to scorn money, but to ignore the pursuit of it." As a young boy, Wilson remembered standing beside General Robert E. Lee and looking up into his face, an experience he treasured all his life.
Friday, July 29, 2005
Mobile, August 27, 1865
Dear Lizzy,
This is a beautiful Sunday morning. After the long and refreshing rain the air is like the early, glorious days of spring. It carries me back to the happy days in Augusta where we used to go for a walk on lower "Broad Street" and up the aristocratic "Green."
After that came the long and tedious war, and my promenades were made to the sound of drum and fife. They had their charm for me too, though they involved absence from you and poverty for us both. Now the bright days are coming again. We can be together, and George's prattle will add a new interest to the future walks upon the shady side of Government Street, or the plain broad prairie road.
I have a letter from father which I enclose. When he wrote it he did not know that I had not received my money, only from the fact that I made no allusion to it. I only knew that it was sent to me by a letter from Bella on the 15th of July which casually mentions it. Her letter was received about the first of this month and I immediately wrote that it had not come, and requested Pa to send the duplicate. I have continued to write to the same purpose ever since, two or three times a week. Should have telegraphed, but there is no line there.
In my letter of the 24th I sent you $10 for pin money. It was all I could spare after paying my debts. You know I borrowed money when I first came down to buy a few things for you and some shirts for myself. If I don't hear from my money by the last of this week, I will borrow all that I can and send it to you (on Saturday say) by express to Montgomery: addressed
Mrs. James Williams
Care of Mr. James S. Wainright (of Prattville)
Montgomery, Ala.
It then should be in the office of the "Pioneer Express Co" Montgomery on Monday the 3d of September.
The only town news that I have heard is that Col. Forsyth (of the 3d Ala) had an affair with young "Sa Vega", which resulted in Sa Vega being stabbed seriously in several places. He will however recover "it" is thought. The trouble was about Forsyth's wife, and it has been brewing for about a year, more or less.
My friend, Rev. Mr. Dorman is seriously ill. It is reported this morning that he is dead, but I am satisfied that it is a mistake. Outside of the cotton business there is great stagnation and I am informed that many in the city are in want. It is astonishing that with such a state of affairs everything should remain at high figures. The gov't authorities have now stopped all cotton from coming to the city, and if this is kept up for any length of time we will feel the loss of our single prop.
Williams
This is a beautiful Sunday morning. After the long and refreshing rain the air is like the early, glorious days of spring. It carries me back to the happy days in Augusta where we used to go for a walk on lower "Broad Street" and up the aristocratic "Green."
After that came the long and tedious war, and my promenades were made to the sound of drum and fife. They had their charm for me too, though they involved absence from you and poverty for us both. Now the bright days are coming again. We can be together, and George's prattle will add a new interest to the future walks upon the shady side of Government Street, or the plain broad prairie road.
I have a letter from father which I enclose. When he wrote it he did not know that I had not received my money, only from the fact that I made no allusion to it. I only knew that it was sent to me by a letter from Bella on the 15th of July which casually mentions it. Her letter was received about the first of this month and I immediately wrote that it had not come, and requested Pa to send the duplicate. I have continued to write to the same purpose ever since, two or three times a week. Should have telegraphed, but there is no line there.
In my letter of the 24th I sent you $10 for pin money. It was all I could spare after paying my debts. You know I borrowed money when I first came down to buy a few things for you and some shirts for myself. If I don't hear from my money by the last of this week, I will borrow all that I can and send it to you (on Saturday say) by express to Montgomery: addressed
Mrs. James Williams
Care of Mr. James S. Wainright (of Prattville)
Montgomery, Ala.
It then should be in the office of the "Pioneer Express Co" Montgomery on Monday the 3d of September.
The only town news that I have heard is that Col. Forsyth (of the 3d Ala) had an affair with young "Sa Vega", which resulted in Sa Vega being stabbed seriously in several places. He will however recover "it" is thought. The trouble was about Forsyth's wife, and it has been brewing for about a year, more or less.
My friend, Rev. Mr. Dorman is seriously ill. It is reported this morning that he is dead, but I am satisfied that it is a mistake. Outside of the cotton business there is great stagnation and I am informed that many in the city are in want. It is astonishing that with such a state of affairs everything should remain at high figures. The gov't authorities have now stopped all cotton from coming to the city, and if this is kept up for any length of time we will feel the loss of our single prop.
Williams
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Mobile, August 28, 1865
Dear Lizzy,
The safe is not yet open, my books and papers can't be got at and work commenced until the cashier arrives, which is momentarily expected. So while the "freed man" is sweeping out and raising a dust so thick that it may be felt and sliced up with a knife if necessary, I'll write -- nothing -- all that I have to communicate this morning. I have long promised Mr. R. Williams and Mrs. Camott that I would take them down to view the ruins of the explosion, and yesterday being a cool day we went all except Mrs. W who couldn't. I myself had not been over the ground since the fire was burned out, and was astonished at the mass of shot and shell, entire and in fragments, that covers the ground. Thousands of loaded shells are there yet among the rubbish. As I took my route by the house of your "friend," I have not doubt that I was looked upon as a terrible fellow. Evil be to him that evil thinks. I will do as I please in spite of all the scandal-mongers in Christendom -- now and in the future. I will do what is right, and answer for my actions to no one but my God. I hope that I'll hear from you again to-day. Am well only pricked all over intolerably by "Heat."
Williams
The safe is not yet open, my books and papers can't be got at and work commenced until the cashier arrives, which is momentarily expected. So while the "freed man" is sweeping out and raising a dust so thick that it may be felt and sliced up with a knife if necessary, I'll write -- nothing -- all that I have to communicate this morning. I have long promised Mr. R. Williams and Mrs. Camott that I would take them down to view the ruins of the explosion, and yesterday being a cool day we went all except Mrs. W who couldn't. I myself had not been over the ground since the fire was burned out, and was astonished at the mass of shot and shell, entire and in fragments, that covers the ground. Thousands of loaded shells are there yet among the rubbish. As I took my route by the house of your "friend," I have not doubt that I was looked upon as a terrible fellow. Evil be to him that evil thinks. I will do as I please in spite of all the scandal-mongers in Christendom -- now and in the future. I will do what is right, and answer for my actions to no one but my God. I hope that I'll hear from you again to-day. Am well only pricked all over intolerably by "Heat."
Williams
Friday, April 15, 2005
Homer, Iowa, August 9, 1858
Dear James,
We were so very glad to hear from you as you moved along. Have received three letters after you left. We felt so lonesome we thought we could not have you so far away though our better judgment told us it was for the best. It cheers us to hear from you. You must remember we were lonesome before, but are doubly so now.
I have no doubt you will succeed if you can stand the climate and the confinement. All that we have heard in regard to the former has been favorable, which makes us feel easier.
Little Rebecca keeps very feeble some days, a little better and some worse. We thought she gained a little, but this two days she is hardly out of bed. I think she cannot gain strength while it is so warm. We have never had such weather since we came to Iowa. Have not had any heavy rains for one whole week. Previous to that it rained almost constantly. Pa feels a little more encouraged himself, has been a little better. Nearly all the flour has gone out, and if it continues dry we may have some grain in the country yet. Between work, sales and flour he has taken about three hundred dollars. He has declined trading with Day. We have concluded it is better to remain for a time and perhaps there will be a better opening. If we made that trade our money obligation would be increased. He have not received any money from Ohio and it is very possible we will not.
Pa received a letter today from Mr. Osborne requesting you to be there on the tenth. From the tenor of his letter I think you will be pleased with the situation. I hope you will, but my dear son we must not depend on our own strength to keep us from evil, but constantly look to the Lord to help us and keep us.
Your Mother.
Rebecca says whenever she is strong enough she will write to James. We are all well.
I forgot to tell you Bella has played every sabbath and succeeded better, much better, than we expected. She has learned five pieces well enough to play in public. The children send their love to you. We opened Grand Pa's letter and enclose it in this.
We were so very glad to hear from you as you moved along. Have received three letters after you left. We felt so lonesome we thought we could not have you so far away though our better judgment told us it was for the best. It cheers us to hear from you. You must remember we were lonesome before, but are doubly so now.
I have no doubt you will succeed if you can stand the climate and the confinement. All that we have heard in regard to the former has been favorable, which makes us feel easier.
Little Rebecca keeps very feeble some days, a little better and some worse. We thought she gained a little, but this two days she is hardly out of bed. I think she cannot gain strength while it is so warm. We have never had such weather since we came to Iowa. Have not had any heavy rains for one whole week. Previous to that it rained almost constantly. Pa feels a little more encouraged himself, has been a little better. Nearly all the flour has gone out, and if it continues dry we may have some grain in the country yet. Between work, sales and flour he has taken about three hundred dollars. He has declined trading with Day. We have concluded it is better to remain for a time and perhaps there will be a better opening. If we made that trade our money obligation would be increased. He have not received any money from Ohio and it is very possible we will not.
Pa received a letter today from Mr. Osborne requesting you to be there on the tenth. From the tenor of his letter I think you will be pleased with the situation. I hope you will, but my dear son we must not depend on our own strength to keep us from evil, but constantly look to the Lord to help us and keep us.
Your Mother.
Rebecca says whenever she is strong enough she will write to James. We are all well.
I forgot to tell you Bella has played every sabbath and succeeded better, much better, than we expected. She has learned five pieces well enough to play in public. The children send their love to you. We opened Grand Pa's letter and enclose it in this.
Sunday, March 13, 2005
How Wars Get Started
Here's how Rhett Butler thought wars got started, according to Gone with the Wind (p. 231):
"All wars are sacred," he said. "To those who have to fight them. If the people who started wars didn't make them sacred, who would be foolish enough to fight? But, no matter what rallying cries the orators give to the idiots who fight, no matter what noble purposes they assign to wars, there is never but one reason for a war. And that is money. All wars are in reality money squabbles. But so few people ever realize it. Their ears are too full of bugles and drums and fine words from stay-at-home orators. Sometimes the rallying cry is 'Save the Tomb of Christ from the Heathen!' Sometimes it's 'Down with Popery!" and sometimes 'Liberty!' and sometimes 'Cotton, Slavery and States' Rights!'"President Bush and company jumped on the "Liberty" justification for the war in Iraq, when weapons of mass destruction failed to materialize. However, Bush has taken a few lumps for implying that "Save the Tomb of Christ from the Heathen", i.e., a Christian crusade, was also a justification. At least they didn't claim that we were fighting in Iraq for "Cotton, Slavery and States' Rights." Draft dodgers Bush and Cheney are certainly a government of "stay-at-home orators." And money was certainly a motive for them and their friends at Halliburton, the post 9/11 security industry, and the rest of the military-industrial complex.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Homer, Iowa, January 15, 1861
Dear James,
I received your letter yesterday. If you sent or intended to send Harpers Monthly regularly, I do not think we have received it all. It is surely a welcome visitor among us, but we are tempted to read it at all times until it is exhausted, instead of keeping it to beguile long winter evenings, neglecting our work meanwhile or only slighting performing it. I pity you, slogging through the streets in the rain, but more especially because of your business at such times, for it is as unpleasant to give as to receive such calls. I have some experience and can sympathize with you.
I am sure I do not know whether we will stay here after next spring or not. I think we will, for it seems as though Homer is our destiny, so I try to on a smiling face and be contented, but it is hard work at some times. I do not think you need to be fearful of being in contact with "John Brownism" (by which I suppose you mean "abolitionism" and "opposition to southern interests") for the ... which which -- I did not mean to write "which" twice -- are our companions are remarkably silent on the subject, and I will try not to say a word on the subject, if you will only come ... and by the way, if you keep my mouth well stuffed ... I believe I might consent to become dumb while .... Oh ho, but the prairie chickens might croak ... might they? Well, I shouldn't wonder.
I am not surprised that you cannot bear to hear opinions expressed, opposite to your own; for it is the inevitable result of slavery to produce a domineering spirit which is exercised against all who differ with its supporters, but ah me! ah me! You won't come home if I talk in this strain.
Although we differ so widely, you letters never jar our feelings very seriously, and at most provoke a smile and a musing, "I wonder how he could have changed so."
By the way how came you to see any thing pretty in Lizzy coming from the north as she did?
"'Twas strange 'twas passing strange
and wondrous pitiful."
But I don't mean the last line and wish I had not written it.
There is no sign of the snow going off yet, and it has lain a month.
I had a fine sleigh ride today to Bell... about seven miles distant.
Give my love to Lizzy and Good bye for 'tis late.
Bella
I "shot off" a gun for the first time day before yesterday and am quite proud of my exploit.
I received your letter yesterday. If you sent or intended to send Harpers Monthly regularly, I do not think we have received it all. It is surely a welcome visitor among us, but we are tempted to read it at all times until it is exhausted, instead of keeping it to beguile long winter evenings, neglecting our work meanwhile or only slighting performing it. I pity you, slogging through the streets in the rain, but more especially because of your business at such times, for it is as unpleasant to give as to receive such calls. I have some experience and can sympathize with you.
I am sure I do not know whether we will stay here after next spring or not. I think we will, for it seems as though Homer is our destiny, so I try to on a smiling face and be contented, but it is hard work at some times. I do not think you need to be fearful of being in contact with "John Brownism" (by which I suppose you mean "abolitionism" and "opposition to southern interests") for the ... which which -- I did not mean to write "which" twice -- are our companions are remarkably silent on the subject, and I will try not to say a word on the subject, if you will only come ... and by the way, if you keep my mouth well stuffed ... I believe I might consent to become dumb while .... Oh ho, but the prairie chickens might croak ... might they? Well, I shouldn't wonder.
I am not surprised that you cannot bear to hear opinions expressed, opposite to your own; for it is the inevitable result of slavery to produce a domineering spirit which is exercised against all who differ with its supporters, but ah me! ah me! You won't come home if I talk in this strain.
Although we differ so widely, you letters never jar our feelings very seriously, and at most provoke a smile and a musing, "I wonder how he could have changed so."
By the way how came you to see any thing pretty in Lizzy coming from the north as she did?
"'Twas strange 'twas passing strange
and wondrous pitiful."
But I don't mean the last line and wish I had not written it.
There is no sign of the snow going off yet, and it has lain a month.
I had a fine sleigh ride today to Bell... about seven miles distant.
Give my love to Lizzy and Good bye for 'tis late.
Bella
I "shot off" a gun for the first time day before yesterday and am quite proud of my exploit.
Friday, February 4, 2005
University of Colorado Professor on 9/11
There has been great excitement here in Colorado about an article written by University of Colorado (CU) Professor Ward Churchill, which describes the victims of 9/11 as "little Eichmanns" who "formed a technocratic corps at the very heart of America's global financial empire."
I have been trying to find the original article, since the press only quotes a few words from it, usually just "little Eichmanns." It appears several places on the web, including this one and this one. It originally appeared in something called "POCKETS of RESISTANCE no. 11, A supplement of Dark Night field notes." I can't tell if this is published in hard copy or just on the web. Churchill apparently expanded this essay into book form. The book On the Justice of Roosting Chickens : Reflections on the Consequences of U.S. Imperial Arrogance and Criminality is available on Amazon. I haven't read it.
I would like to know whether the current public outrage is due to the fact that Churchill rants against the US government for bombing Iraq prior to 9/11, or that he criticized the people who died on 9/11, or that he used the word "Eichmann" to describe them. We had better be able to criticize our government, if the First Amendment and tenure mean anything. To me the most significant thing is that he criticized the victims of 9/11, but I think this is something that Americans at least need to think about. These people may not have been any worse than their neighbors on Wall Street, but they worked in prominent buildings that symbolized American financial might. It's not surprising that people could resent this might. Terrorists tried to destroy the World Trade Center earlier, in 1993, by planting a bomb in a van in the parking lot. Obviously there was something about the symbol of the World Trade Center that got Osama bin Laden's attention and that he didn't like.
I worry that the main thing that set off the current furor was Churchill's use of the word "Eichmann," which was unjustified in describing the WTC victims, but obviously effective in getting attention. I think that's unfortunate, because it indicates that it's impossible to discuss the Holocaust in a rational way. The WTC victims were not genocidal, but in more general terms, what about Rwanda, the killing fields of Cambodia, Darfur? Do we weep for those victims as bitterly as we do for the victims of the German Holocaust? Do we weep for Gypsies and other minorities who died in the Holocaust as bitterly as we weep for Jews? Did Indians undergo a Holocaust at the hands of white pioneers in America? Or, apropos of this web site, was there anything good about slavery? Is it possible to discuss these questions rationally?
Although Churchill appears to be a crackpot who did not write in dispassionate, academic style, the attacks on him are attacks on academic freedom. CU has been under heavy criticism for its football program, and now this. It no doubt feels under siege, but it needs to defend itself as a university, an institution of higher learning. Why it hired Churchill and gave him tenure as an Indian affairs specialist when he apparently lied about being part Indian is now water over the dam. It can dump him later, but it should not give in while he is under attack by a lynch mob.
I have been trying to find the original article, since the press only quotes a few words from it, usually just "little Eichmanns." It appears several places on the web, including this one and this one. It originally appeared in something called "POCKETS of RESISTANCE no. 11, A supplement of Dark Night field notes." I can't tell if this is published in hard copy or just on the web. Churchill apparently expanded this essay into book form. The book On the Justice of Roosting Chickens : Reflections on the Consequences of U.S. Imperial Arrogance and Criminality is available on Amazon. I haven't read it.
I would like to know whether the current public outrage is due to the fact that Churchill rants against the US government for bombing Iraq prior to 9/11, or that he criticized the people who died on 9/11, or that he used the word "Eichmann" to describe them. We had better be able to criticize our government, if the First Amendment and tenure mean anything. To me the most significant thing is that he criticized the victims of 9/11, but I think this is something that Americans at least need to think about. These people may not have been any worse than their neighbors on Wall Street, but they worked in prominent buildings that symbolized American financial might. It's not surprising that people could resent this might. Terrorists tried to destroy the World Trade Center earlier, in 1993, by planting a bomb in a van in the parking lot. Obviously there was something about the symbol of the World Trade Center that got Osama bin Laden's attention and that he didn't like.
I worry that the main thing that set off the current furor was Churchill's use of the word "Eichmann," which was unjustified in describing the WTC victims, but obviously effective in getting attention. I think that's unfortunate, because it indicates that it's impossible to discuss the Holocaust in a rational way. The WTC victims were not genocidal, but in more general terms, what about Rwanda, the killing fields of Cambodia, Darfur? Do we weep for those victims as bitterly as we do for the victims of the German Holocaust? Do we weep for Gypsies and other minorities who died in the Holocaust as bitterly as we weep for Jews? Did Indians undergo a Holocaust at the hands of white pioneers in America? Or, apropos of this web site, was there anything good about slavery? Is it possible to discuss these questions rationally?
Although Churchill appears to be a crackpot who did not write in dispassionate, academic style, the attacks on him are attacks on academic freedom. CU has been under heavy criticism for its football program, and now this. It no doubt feels under siege, but it needs to defend itself as a university, an institution of higher learning. Why it hired Churchill and gave him tenure as an Indian affairs specialist when he apparently lied about being part Indian is now water over the dam. It can dump him later, but it should not give in while he is under attack by a lynch mob.
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Christmas 1860, Augusta, Georgia
My Dear Williams,
I have been writing to my correspondents this eve but before your turn came I ran out of paper and could not get replenished so you'll excuse this half sheet, won't you?
Nothing of any account has transpired here since you left. Business continues well and the prospect of better times to the South look dubious.
I have concluded to try the northern clime again and have notified Mr. O of my intentions and expect to leave as soon as it is convenient for him to let me.
My reasons for going are because I can do as well there as I am doing here at present and will enjoy better health than I do here. Mr. O is somewhat singular but ... enough. Your unexpected visit and abrupt departure occasioned such surprise with Mrs. Hicks. I spent part of an evening with her just last.... She is a fine woman. I have given up my S. School class as I was unable to attend, living as far downtown as I do. I regret so much that I did not have the pleasure of seeing your wife. I wished to congratulate her for her good fortune in getting a good husband. Well! Williams from all accounts I should judge you have an excellent wife so I can congratulate you. Mr. Osborne's son Henry is at home now he is getting along first rate with his wound.
The rest of his family are well. Secession feelings are spreading and Georgia bids for following S.C. There was a Union meeting held here yesterday to nominate candidates for the convention but the ... men outnumbered the Unionists and voted directly opposite to them at first but finally withdrew from the city. H... assumed that they would beat them at the ballot box easy.
Friend Brady
I have been writing to my correspondents this eve but before your turn came I ran out of paper and could not get replenished so you'll excuse this half sheet, won't you?
Nothing of any account has transpired here since you left. Business continues well and the prospect of better times to the South look dubious.
I have concluded to try the northern clime again and have notified Mr. O of my intentions and expect to leave as soon as it is convenient for him to let me.
My reasons for going are because I can do as well there as I am doing here at present and will enjoy better health than I do here. Mr. O is somewhat singular but ... enough. Your unexpected visit and abrupt departure occasioned such surprise with Mrs. Hicks. I spent part of an evening with her just last.... She is a fine woman. I have given up my S. School class as I was unable to attend, living as far downtown as I do. I regret so much that I did not have the pleasure of seeing your wife. I wished to congratulate her for her good fortune in getting a good husband. Well! Williams from all accounts I should judge you have an excellent wife so I can congratulate you. Mr. Osborne's son Henry is at home now he is getting along first rate with his wound.
The rest of his family are well. Secession feelings are spreading and Georgia bids for following S.C. There was a Union meeting held here yesterday to nominate candidates for the convention but the ... men outnumbered the Unionists and voted directly opposite to them at first but finally withdrew from the city. H... assumed that they would beat them at the ballot box easy.
Friend Brady
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