Meeting General Lee

"July 8th, 1864
   We were all at our work early this morning, and would have finished the shirts but had orders to move. Mr. Pugh, came for us with two Ambulances and a baggage Wagon.We packed and were off in ten minutes time. Arrived in Tulep at 1 pm and went to Gen Forrest's hd. Wts. Ever thing was in butle, and hopeful in the coming campaign. Met with Gen Lee  who had just arrived on the cars. I am perfectly delighted with him. If I had a heart to lose. I think it would b in danger. God bless both of them, spare time to our Country, and crown them with Victory, in the battle which awaits them. We ate supper with Maj. Rambeaut, Mason, Beaumont and other frieds. The Yanks are at Ripley, moving down in force. We have no ida where the battle will be fought."  (Isabella Buchanan Edmundson. Civil War Quilt Diary, by Rosemary Youngs.)

Draft Threat 1861

Fabric Reproduction as carefully as possible,  in blue print and red. Letter by Rachel Young King Anderson who kept  diary from 1861 till the death of Lincoln. She penned a total of 48 entries while she and her husband and children worked on the family farm in Springfield, Missouri ( Civil War Diary Quilt by Rosemary Youngs)

"Dec. 4, 1861  About this time there were many rumours afloat that the young men of Kentucky would be drafted and forced to take up arms agains the Government of the United States. With these reports, many young men of our neighbourhood, who were determined to remain steadfast to their loyal principles , in support of the government, of of Fore Fathers, were induced to leave their homes and seek refuge in other states.

        "They most generally went by the way of Morgantown, crossed Green River and on to Hartford. From thence to Owensboroug, from thence into the Ohio State. Among these were some of our young Brethren, who  became very uneasy, and fearful almost to nervousness. On the fourth of December  Brother Reuben Wise setted it in his mind to leave for some place of freedom, where he could find releasement to his disturbed feelings.

          "The Brethren gave him fifty dollars to bear his expenses a loaned him a horse to ride, as far as Green River. He went to Wm McGowans and stayed the first night. Samuel McGowan accompanied him as far as Green River. Reuben sent the horse back by Samuel."

Preparations for Smuggling

I finally got started on making some of these Civil War Quilt Squares. Kind of daunting trying to match up fabric colours ,but I think I did okay with the colour schemes. I've noticed that colour choices are limited to small flowers, checks, browns, reds, paisleys, palish blues and pinks, stripes.....no batiks or wild, bold colours.......and grey, of course, and blue....standard ones.  This is Preparations for Smuggling, ( Civil War Quilt Diary by Rosemary Youngs) Letter written by Isabella Buchanan Edmundson, who kept a travel diary throughout the civil war as she was a Confederate spy. Nothing shy and retiring about her.......

"March 16,1864
     Went up Street directly after Breakfast to finish a little job I forgot on yesterday. At one o'clock Mrs. Fackler, Mrs. Kirk and I began to fix my articles for smuggling. We made a balmoral of the Grey coth for unifor, pinned the Hats to the inside of my hoops, tied the boots with a strong list, letting them fall directly in front, the cloth having monopolized the back and the Hats the side. All my letters, brass buttons,money, and etc. inside my  blouse.
       "I left at 2 o'clock, to meet Anna at Mr. Barbiere's and started to walk, impossible that...hailed a hack, rather suspicious of it, afraid of small pox, weight of contrabands ruled....jumped in, with orders for a hurried drive to Cor Main and Vance. Arrived, found Anna not ready, ha to wait for her until 5 0'clock, very impatient, started at last, arrived at Pickets, no trouble at all, although I suffered horribly in anticipation of trouble.
      " Arrived home at dusk, found Mr. Wilson and Harbut, gave them late papers and all news. Mrs. Harbut here to meet her brother , brought Mr. Wilson a letter from Home in Ky. Worn out. 8 yards long cloth, 2 Hats, 1 pair of boots, 1 dozen buttons, letters, and etc., 2 Cords, 8 tassels. Laura, Beulah and Tippie Dora, all in."

New bag for Rebecca

Front view

 New  bag for Rebecca. Her first one kind of found its way to her daughter, and Rebecca was left bagless. This should do the trick.

Reverse view

Her birthday was in November, so I'm kinda late, and she doesn't know it's coming all the way to her in New Brunswick. That's probably the best kind of surprise........just because.  Way too Fun.

Remembrances, 1861

     Another civil war Quilt square. In Purple. The colour of Remembrance, and a patterned Star. Nice and simple. The  letter  attached was written by Hannah Walton Sanders.  Seems like Hannah dwelled a lot on death, and who had died, when and where. Not surprising, since the War was full of it.
     She and her husband, William, eloped when she was 19. The night she climbed down the ladder , she then climbed back up as she had forgotten her gloves ( a lady was never without them), and then she climbed back down the ladder and off they went to get married. They had five children, one of which died in infancy. Hannah started her diary when the Civil War began, when she was 55. Her diaries contined simple sentences with references to her family, visitors, and historical events.Their home was always open to anyone who passed by, or to relatives. She died in 1876, and the Jackson Ferry Farm is still owned by family descendents.

"Jan. 1st, 1861 A very severe frost this morning. Everything covered with frost and a snow on the ground that measurd two feet. The deepest I ever remembered. To see the river backed up has not been any crossing since Saturday. Our canoe is up at the falls, Richard crossed to see a patient. E. Crawford, Mathilda Sanders and Lynch with us. Posey and Nannie at the Judge's. O what a change shince this day twelve months ago. Uncle Adams and Aunt Senah Sanders in their graves. She only survived him four months short ones to us, but long ones to her. No one knows my feelings, but my self, to lose two such good friends in so short a time. Friends we enjoyed for thirty odd years.

"Jan. 10th, 1861 A cold windy day,some snow. Mary Pankin adn Mathilda Sanders here. Mr. McCamant here for dinner Mr. Sanders sent him to the Depot this day 27 years ago. My little George breathed his last this day 12 years ago. Aunt Senah was here, who then thoughtthat she would not be here but once more. Now, cold in the grave.

"Feb. 14th, 1861  Father Newell's birthday. Had not thougtht of it until night. Poor Senah if she had been alive, she would have thought of it all day. So many days to pass up without being thought of now that she is gone.

March 11th, 1861 A very nice day. This is my Mattie Ann's birthday. So many changes in all things. Poor Aunt Senah. She was at our house this day twenty three years ago. Now in her grave."
 ( From Civil War Diary Quilt by Rosemary Youngs.)

Alarming Conditions, 1862

The square pattern looks a lot like "Odd Fellow's Chain" ( a pointy scquare within a pointy square.)

This letter written was  by Rachel Young King Anderson ( born in 1818). She made no oath of allegiance  to the federal government, like her husband did, so was made a prisoner in her home, in MGreene County, Missouri. Her husband ( whom she refers to as "Mr. Anderson"), though too old for service, was made to haul supplies whenever they required. After the war they moved to Morrisville, then after her husband died in 1887, Rachel moved to Springfield to live with one of her children, till she died in 1898.

"May 28, 1862"
"Mr. Anderson left home for Fayetteville, Arkansas. Got off by 7 o'clock..had to go alone, risking guerilla bands and squads of robbers. God grant him a safe and successful trip. Tis the frst time in his life he has got home. This terrible war that has been raging since the 12th of April, 1861 seems to be just begun. During last year the South was successful in mostof the battles. That is, at Fort Sumpter, Manassas, Leesburg, and many others. This year the tide has turned. The Norhhas been victorious in most of the important engagements; they hnow have possission of all the Border States, and of many important points on the coast and rivers. This state is in an alarming condition. Towns, farms, houses, are being burned, men hung or shot, women accidentally killed and wounded, children crippled or killd by careless soldiers. Oh for help."
      ( from Civil War Diary Quilt, by Rosemary Youngs)
    

Panic Square,

Notice this square has bold red  colouring.....this is another square I'm putting into Judy's quilt.
       Letter is dated Feb 14, 1864, written by Emma Florence Le Conte Furman.Her father was a chemist and manufactured large amounts of gunpowder, alcohol and medicines, all supplied to the Confederat army.  In March, 1869, Emma married Farish Furman, and lived on the Furman plantation . She died at the age ot 85, after living a long and full life, with her children, grandchildren at her side.
  (Letter from The Civil War Quilt Diary, by Rosemary Youngs)

PANIC, 1864
"What a panic the whole town is in! I have not been out of the house myself, but father says the intense excitement prevails on the streets. The Yankees are reported a few miles off on the other side of th river. How strong no one seems to know. It is decided if this be true that we will remain quietly here, father alone leaving. It is thought Columbia canhardly be taken by a raid as we have the whole of Butler's calvary here. If they do we have to take the consequences. It is true some thrink Sherman will burn the town, but we can hardly believe that. Besides, these buildings, though they are State property, yet the fact that they are used as a hospital, it is thought to protect them.
     "I have been hastily maing large pockets to wear under my hoopskirt, for they will hardly search our persons. Still, everything of any value is to be packed up to go with father. I do not feel half so frightened as I thought I would. Perhaps because I cannot realize they are coming. I hope still this is a false report.
     "Maggie Adams and her husband have promised to stay here during father's absence. She is a Yankee, and may be some protection, and help. Our sufferings will probably be of short duration, as they will hardly send more than a raid. They would not have time to occupy the town. But I cannot believe they are coming."

Mud Hole 1864

Pineapple  pattern square......from "The Civil War Diary Quilt" by Rosemary Youngs. This letter comes from Isabella Buchanan Edmondson born Nov 17,1840-July 1873) She had a difficult life during and after the war....engaged three times, the third time to marry a Yankee officer, it was said  she was unlucky. She became  a Confederate spy, and avoided being arrested, which was rare.

"July 3 1864"
"This day will be long remembere. Bro Geo and Breodie went to Tupeo early. Hal, Tate and myself, with Bettie and the Children, started to church at Tupilo in the Ambulance with Alfred to drive us. We got along very well until within a mile of Tupelo, had just passed through the Webfoot Cavalry Camp, saw them on parade and enjoyed the different scenes in Camp, reached the Creek, were undecided for some time whether to go over the bridge or ford, the latter seemed best, so off we drove, and just entering the mud hole when the Ambulance upset, with a terrible crash. In a few minutes fifty soldiers ran to our rescue, and a Mr. Harris ( did not learn his title), who was exceedingly kind. I was first out, Alfred jumped out with Rovert as the Ambulance fell, Bettie kept Mary close to her. Tate went on top of Hal, they were all very muddy, with no limbs broken. We went on to Hd. Quarters saw a great many friends, too late for churchy, returned to dinner. Eddie and John Cummins spent day with us. Captain Sheperd, Captain Barber and Major Crump called this evening. We all went to Negro prayer meeting after tea,."

Sadness and Silence ( Flying Geese Block) 1864

   "Sadness and Silence" Block  (Variation on the Flying Geese pattern, which denotes flight and strife)

I'm starting to work on my next civil war qilt, for my friend, Judy. Always meant to make her something quilted, and now have found the perfect idea. Her Confederate ancestors have a lot of history I can use. I am going to try and tie up some of the quilt squares with the regiments  of Louisiana.Such history to work with. This is the first one square, because the square is sewn in various paths, supposedly symbolizing all the chaos in the war.
     So, for the next little while, I'm going to present the blocks I've chosen for her quilt, and some of the letters that I found in "Civil War Quilt Diary by Rosemary Youngs."  Amazing stuff.....so much thread to sew through....

SADNESS and SILENCE Feb 21, 1864 ( written by Emma Florence Le Conte Furman)
    "The night with its fear of stragglers is past, and we may breathe more freely, but not less sadly.The destruction and desolation around us, which we could not feel while under such excitement and fear now exerts its full sway. Sad?
     "The very air is fraught with sadness and silence. The few noises that break the stillness seem melancholy and the sun does not seem to shine as brightly, seeming to be dimmed by the sight of so much misery. I was at Aunt Josie's this morning, and there learned for the first time the extent of suffering. O God! When we think of what we have escaped and how almost miraculously we have been saved we should never rise from our knees. There is not a house I be in Columbia that has not been pillaged. That that the flames spared were entered by brutal soldiery and everything wantonly destroyed. The streets were filled with terrified women and children, who were offered every insult and indignity , short of personal outrage. They wer allowed to save nothing byt what clothes they wore, and there is now great suffering for food. It would be impossible to describe or even to conceive the pandemonium and horror. There is no shadow of a doubt that the town was burned by Sherman's order.All through Georgia, it is said, he promised his men full license in South Carolina."

Log Cabin Reproduction , circa 1864

Finally, have the quilt top done. I am so happy with it. A true Log Cabin, about the time 1864, during the civil war. Log Cabins then were done with mostly scraps, whatever was at hand. In a way, the centre square is like a prisoner with the strips encircling it......

Sept. 11, 1864

(A letter written to his sweetheart, Lottie Putnam, by Richard Adams 1842-1986. He was mustered into the Company D, Alabama Infantry Regiment. These letters are from the Compilation "Civil War Love Letter Quilts" by Rosemary Youngs.)

"You will see, my dear cousin, I am again on "Terra Firma", but still a prisoner and under very trying circumstances in sight of Charleston, the smoking and under the range of the "Rebel" guns, and of the steeples of the churches, in which there are so many "rebellious spirits" at this time, oh divine worship.

You see, I have not forgotten my duty and sweetest pleaure to write to you every Sunday, nor did I forget you while in all my fog at sea, for I wrote you a long letter. Then, we expected to be exchanged as soon as we reached this place, but for some reason not known to us, we are still prisondrs. I am still the hopeful and cheerful being you have always known. We may be here for some time, and we may be exchanged very soon. So, you must write just as soon as you receive this, for you kow what a great source of pleasure and comfort your sweet letters are to your prisoner cousin.

Tell my little friend, Birdie, she in all her innocnece and loveliness, was not for one moment forgotten, and as soon as I land in Dixie, it shall be my first duty to write to her and yourself. Her devoted admirer told me today he hopes soon to meet her in the sweet, sunny South. My trip from Fort Delaware, for the first, was much pleasanter than I expected, for I had cabin passage, but all the while we were laying off HiltonHead and Charleston. It was very disagreeable, but still I preferred being on the transport for as long as we were on it. There was a hope of an immediate exchange.

I was sorry I did remain long enough to receive the box you sent me, but willingly, I went and would leave everything and give out everything and you know what for an exchange, and that I pleaded as hard ,for one certain young lady would not believe I was in earnest, and really needed it. That is in my estimation for such a priceless gift, and I was such a happy prisoner in possessing it. I would not lose it for the world and all its riches. Tell Sis I wrote to her in one of my letters to you, while I was being rocked in the "cradle of the deep". She must write to me by fear of truce. Lt. Robinson promised to write and tell you all about me.

Devotedly, Richard Adams, Jr.

Confusion and Turmoil....1864

This is basicaklly an arrangement of flying geese rectangles....see how they go up one way, and down another...Easy piecing....very effective in two tonal fabrics. The letter I found that was attached to this was dated Feb. 15, 1864 written by Emma Florence Le Conte Furman. ( The book I'm finding these in, is remarkable. It is compiled by Rosemary Youngs. It's entitled: "The Civil War Quilt Diary." Worth the read.)

"Oh, how is it possible to write amid this excitement and confusion! We are too far off to hear and see much down here in teh Campus, but they tell me the streets in town are lined with panic-0stricken crowds, trying to escape. All is confusion and turmoil. The Government is rapidly moving off stores...all day the trains have been running, whistles bllwing and wagons rattling through the streets. All day we have been listening to the booming of cannon....receiving conflicting rumors of the fighting. All day wagons and ambulances have been bringing in the wounded over the muddy streets, and through the drizzling rain, with the dark gloomy clouds overhead.
All day in our own household has confusion reigned too. The back parlor strewed with clothing, etc., open trunks standing about, while a general feelingof misery and tension pervbaded the atmosphere. Everything is to go that can be sent....house linens, blankets, clothing, silver, jewelry...even the wine...everything movable, of any value.
Hospital flags have been erected at the different gates of the Campus...we hope the fact of our living within the walls may be some protection to us, but I fear not. I feel sure these buildings will be destroyed. I wish mother could have sent some furniture to different friends in town, but it is too late now."

Bolts of Fabric,1864

This letter was written by Emma Florence Le Conte Furman (18147-1932)

"April 1, 1864
Since my last entry on the 18th many events of inportance have transpired. About ten days ago father returned from Augusta bringing provisions, cloth,leather and tallow to make some candles...thus far we have had nothing but pine firelight after dark. The provisions were flour, corn and bacon.....a few hams, but chiefly the sides.
I am so sick of bacon...it seems impossible for me to eat it. It seems as if I ought to, when father and the rest can eat it and think it good, but indeed my stomach turns against it and I usually make my dinner of hominy, corn bread and butter.
The cloth is six bolts of factory cloth ( unbleached homespun), which father, on account of being a 'Columbia sufferer', got it at the very low price of only $3 a yard. It makes me groan in spirit to think of wearing this heavy stuff as underclothing all the hot summer, but as Aunt Jane eagerly observes: 'it is better than nothing.'
Indeed, Cousin Ada and I agreed we would willingly wear sackcloth, and even ashes if necessary, rather than give up to the Yankees. With all the ports closed we will be obliged to give up every foreign luxury, which are, even now, by their high prices, beyond the reach of all but speculators.
As I sat with Aunt Jane ( sick with measles), we laughingly arranged it all and found we could very well on home products. Our clothing is already mostly of homespun. Our stockings we already knit, and we make our own gloves."

Old Abe Lincoln, letter, Aril 21, 1864

Civil War Quilt Squares are aptly name, I am finding out. One of the first I found was a plain square, with a bue centre, edged with grey strips and dark blue outer strips, and named the "Old Abe Lincoln". Not very pretty, very practical. It was made as a memorial to the assassinated president. In the centre a photograph of Lincoln usually resides on the blue fabric.
I recently purchased quite a few civil war books with letters and quilt squares. The letters are graphic, sad, tumultuous and shocking. All from women who lived during the Civil War and penned their thoughts, displeasures and ideas.
This letter was written by Emma Florence LeConte Furman......opposite the Old Abe Lincoln square........a rather scathing and surprising letter. It may shock you .......read on:

"April 21st, 1864
Hurrah! Old Abe Lincoln has been assassinated! It may be abstractly wrong to be so jubilant, but I can't help it. After all the heaviness and gloom of yesterday this blow to our enemies comes liek a gleam of light. We have suffered till we feel savage. There seems no reason to exult, for this will make no change in our position...will only infuriate them against us. Never mind, our hated enemy has not the just reward of his life. The whole story may be a Yankee lie.
The dispatch purpors to be from Stanton to Sherman. It says Lincoln was murdered in his private box at the theatre on the night of the 14th....(Good Friday, at the theatre). The assassin brandished a dagger and shouting 'Sic semper tyrannis.Virgina is avenged.' He shot the president through the head. HE fell senseless and expired next day a little after ten. The assassin made his escape in the crowd.
No doubt it was regularly planned and he was surrounded by Southern sympathizers. 'Sic semper tyrannis.' Could there have been a fitter death for such a man? At the same hour nearly Seward's house was entered...he was badly wounded as also his son. Why could not the assassin have done his work more thoroughly?
That vile Seward...he it is to whom we owe this war....it is a shame he should escape."

Log Cabin Quilt Square

This is the quintessential Americana block for quilting. The golden centre, which can also be red, symbolizes the flame or hearth of the home. The lighter strip pieced sides represent the sunny side of the house, while the darker strips represent the shady side . Inits heyday, it was most popular in the later part of the 19th century, taking a westward trek during the Civil War. ( You can see where I'm going with this.....civil war quilt, here we come).
The earliest signed and dated Log Cabin quilt is from 1869, but Log Cabin designs can be found in flooring, inlaid designs, etc dating from that era. In Egypt, when tombs were opened, excavators found hundreds of mummified cats with log cabin fabric wrapped around the bodies.
I guess I should make more of these quilt squares..........there is a ton of history behind the pattern, and I have a lot of thread that needs to be threaded.

Civil War Stars

Okay, this was fun.....made a big bath of tea in my kitchen sing ( used about 15 tea bags, some boiling water, and a pair of dish glovves). Then I plunked in my first civil war reproduction quilt top. At least, that's what the pattern called it. It's probably not exactly like the original, but close enough. I let the quilt top sit in the hot bath about an hour. Everything was bathed in a tea-glow......I like how the stars look. Was more difficult to put together than I thought it would be...was sectioned in pieces and the stars randomly sewed to straight sections. Then had to piece the flying geese sections separately and slide them in between the big squares. I hope the other reproduction quilts are a little less complicated ( no such luck, I bet).
Had leftover tea to dye a couple of other quilts. Will post those in good time. Am working on my next one which is all teal and greens. Won't dye that one, I don't think. Just liked the colour combination.
So nice to be able to play with fabric, and put together quilt tops, without being stressed about getting it done for someone else. Don't get me wrong, I love making things for everyone, but there comes a time when it's just amazing to be "One" with the fabric, a pair of scissors and some thread. No time limits.....what an amazing concept. I'll have to explore that one further.....

Yum-Yum Pastry

Margarine Pastry.....good for steak pies, sweet pies...

For the first time, I tried making a pastry without lard or shortening. Found this weird little recipe, tucked away on a recipe site. Was kind of hoping I could find a way to make pastry on the sly. This is incredibly nice, flaky, and easy, and smells nice as it bakes. Sometimes lard in pastry has an oily, nasty smell as it bakes. Definitely a yum-yum worth trying.

2 cups flour
Cut in 1 cup cold margarine
Add bit by bit, 1/3 cup cold cold cold water, plus a little more

Combine all of this till a smooth ball is formed. It is very elastic and does not require much kneading, or even chilling. Makes 2 pie crusts. Easy. I actually like this better than the usual vinegar and egg pastry.