A Southern Missive

I’ve been researching some songs for my Civil War program, and I was rather shocked to find that in Lincoln’s administration, Septimus Winner, the man who wrote “Listen to the Mockingbird” (see earlier post) was arrested for treason during the Civil War because he wrote a song calling for the reinstatement of McClellan as commander of the Federal Army. I was shocked, not because Lincoln arrested someone who wrote and said things he didn’t like, but because the offense seems so harmless.  One site I found says this of Mr. Winner: “During the Civil War, Winner was greatly affected by the political atmosphere. His composition “Give Us Back Our Old Commander: Little Mac, the People’s Pride,” was written in plea to President Lincoln for the return of Union General McClellan who had been removed from command. The song was considered anti-Union and Winner spent a brief time in jail on a charge of treason. Winner was released from jail only after agreeing to destroy all remaining copies of the song.” You can read Winner’s full biography and achievements here:

Unfortunately, the sanitized, revised, mythologized version of Abraham Lincoln is the only Lincoln that many people know. Lew Rockwell has an extensive list of free articles you can read about Abraham Lincoln. These articles make good reading for high school and college students. You can find that list here:

Here is a poster of Lincoln from a Confederate point of view:

I’ve just returned from Oklahoma (a place without Internet and cell phone service) and am tired and overwhelmed; thus, the entry today will be short. My mother’s surgery was successful and she is doing well. Thank you readers for your kind prayers and well-wishes.

As a Civil War writer, I understand that my task is not only to reveal to you new information in my blog, but to direct you to sites where you can find interesting information about the Civil War in North Texas and Indian Territory. Here is a great site that is devoted to a family history during the Civil War. I found it absolutely fascinating, a site full of information. It is entitled, A Short History of the 22nd, 31st and 34th Texas Cavalries, with emphasis upon the Fannin County Texas McFarlands (and their neighbors and relations) in the Civil War. You can find it here:

I’m still waiting on some photos of last Saturday’s author event, but when I receive them, I’ll post them. I did get some reading accomplished during my trip, finishing A Model Summer by Paulina Porizkova (review coming soon) and Little Altars Everywhere by Rebecca Wells.

I was delighted to learn yesterday that my children’s book, Jim Limber Davis: A Black Orphan in the Confederate White House made the LOUISIANA YOUNG READERS’ CHOICE AWARD. I’ll post more information on that award later. If you don’t know, The Louisiana Young Readers’ Choice Award is a reading enrichment program of the Louisiana Center for the Book in the State Library of Louisiana. The purpose of the program is to foster a love of reading in the children of Louisiana by motivating them to participate in the selection and recognition of outstanding books.

Return from Author Event

Yesterday, I was at Author! Author! event in Shreveport. It was held at the Municipal auditorium, a haunted place, that was once the site of the famous Louisiana Hayride. I had a grand time, performing with my guitar and signing books. I met so many cool people. Here is a photo of Rosemary Thompson and Sandra Hadwin is on the right.  I need to mention that that were volunteer workers representing the Altrusa Club of Shreveport, which is a literacy focused service organization. These beautiful ladies are the kind of people who truly make the world a better place.

Here is Aubri McHugh. In addition to the over 50 writers, their friends and fans, and the staff workers, there were present many wonderful librarians, teachers, and writers. Aubri is one of the many writers I met. I was able to read several of her poems, and I’m convinced the young lady has writing talent.

Of course, I also want to thank the Pulpwood Queens who work with the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium, Lynn Laird and Teresa Micheels. These ladies are so talented and so committed to promoting literacy. I met several other authors and event workers that I hope to comment on later, and perhaps feature on my blog with a review or an interview.

For example, Here is Rebecca. Her smile and hard work certainly helped make the day a success.

And here I am, performing in the alcove they assigned to the children’s authors. The acoustics in this building are amazing! And to think–I performed in the same building as Elvis and other star performers. You can read more of the Louisiana Hayride and its fascinating history here: