I've been getting emails and comments from readers and fellow bloggers asking for my inside take on the story that broke a couple of days ago regarding the remains of a young Union soldier found on the battlefield. I'm sorry to disappoint but...
all I know is what I read in the papers.About this electrifying event, I know little more than anyone else.
I must tell you though, I'm often asked by visitors if there's any chance that there are still soldiers buried out there, my response is usually "It is mathematically probable".
The battlefield continues to gradually reveal its story to us, day by day, generation by generation. And through these revelations the events of that day in 1862 remain immediate, authentic, and of transcendent importance.
What an amazing place to spend my days, just north of Sharpsburg.
Mannie
3 comments:
I may be wrong, but I figure the sun has risen and set over 53,000 times since this man last saw it.
How many persons have walked within yards of this fellow since then?
His parents, siblings and wife(?) are long gone, as well as his nieces, nephews, children, great-nieces, -nephews and grandchildren. Perhaps some of the 4th generation remain.
Anyway I remember a ranger talk at Gettysburg (way back) in the 60s. The ranger basically concluded that of all the things being fought for those 3 days, the most common one was to make a better future for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Then, seeming to look right at me in the crowd, he said 'that's us'...
HankC
Hank,
Thanks for that.
Mannie
Mannie,
In the event that you hadn't heard, this young man has finally returned to New York, and will be laid to rest in the Saratoga National Cemetery this Thursday on the anniversary of the battle.
http://readme.readmedia.com/news/show/Civil-War-Remains-Return-Home-to-New-York/950406
Best regards from the North Country,
Jim
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