Days Gone By - stories from the past

General Buckner’s (Confederate General) Farewell Address to his soldiers

(Excerpt transcribed from The Livingston Journal, July 15, 1865)

GENERAL BUCKNER’S FAREWELL ADDRESS

Headquarters, Buckner’s Corps

Shreveport, La. June 8, 1865

SOLDIERS – The struggle for independence has ceased. As soldiers of the Confederate States – an army defending the rights of your country — you won the respect of your enemies and the admiration of the civilized world. The power which you could not resist has crushed the hopes which you once had cherished, and compelled, by force of arms, obedience to the authority of the United States. You have obligated yourselves to abstain from further acts of hostility, and are permitted to return to your homes to follow your peaceful avocations without molestation of your persons. The same fidelity which you displayed upon the battle fields should be shown in the new engagements into which you have voluntarily entered. Go peaceable to your homes, cultivate friendly relations with an, abstain from all hostile acts, and discountenance every attempt at disorder. You have much to forgive and much to endure, but as courage has been your characteristic on the field, let the spirit of magnanimity and fortitude guide your actions in private life.

Justice must have been the basis of the cause which inspired so many acts of heroism and gave rise to the spirit of self-sacrifice and devotion which you have so often displayed.”

When the passions the (ink splot) shall have subsided, a returning sense of justice will compel even the people whom we have so long resisted to concede that justice must have been the basis of the cause which inspired so many acts of heroism and gave rise to the spirit of self-sacrifice and devotion which you have so often displayed. –

To the Missouri troops of my corps my commendations are especially due for the orderly deportment and firm discipline which they have shown in the most trying emergencies. Soldiers, our official relations are now severed. You will carry with you, in your homes or into exile, my warmest wishes for your prosperity and happiness.

S. B. BUCKNER

Lieut. Gen.

(Photograph Q60 of Simon Buckner has been retouched to show insignia on uniform, probably early war years) Graduated from West Point 1844; Mexican War Veteran. Appointed a brigadier general into the Confederate Army in September 1861. Following his capture at Fort Donaldson, Buckner was exchanged in August 1862 and promoted to major general in September 1862. Promoted to lieutenant general in September 1864. Major campaigns and battles include Fort Donaldson (captured), Perryville, and Chickamauga. After the war, Buckner lived in Louisiana before returning to Louisville, Kentucky, where he was elected governor in 1887. Buckner died in January 1914; he is buried in Frankfort, Kentucky. When he died, Buckner was the last survivor of the three highest grades in the Confederate Army. Sources: Boatner, Mark M. The Civil War Dictionary, New York: Vintage Books, 1988, Davis, William C., ed. The Confederate General. Vol. 1. National Historical Society, 1991 (Alabama Deportment of Archives and History)

Vinegar of the Four Thieves: Recipes & Curious Tips from the Past 

Have you heard excessive brain labor causes baldness or the cure for wrinkles is a tepid bath in bran? 

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Our ancestors had to be resilient when they faced obstacles in daily life, from dealing with pests, medical emergencies, caring for clothing and cleaning shortcuts. Almost everything they used in daily life was homemade. Some ideas were great but some were very strange. 

This book is a collection of household tips, medical cures, clothing care and old recipes from the 1800’s and 1900’s. Many of the tips, such as the household cleaners, cooking tips and ways to control pests, still work and are helpful in today’s ‘green’ environment while others such as ‘how to cure a dog of eating eggs’ will make you laugh. Either way, this book will help you appreciate the difficult life your grandparents endured. 

With Bonus: First two chapters of novel RIBBON OF LOVE: (2nd edition) – A Novel of Colonial America (Book one in Tapestry of Love Series

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