Ahh, it's Sunday! A day of relaxation, fun, family, and friends. For some a day of hope, for others a day to play and enjoy the world of sports. For me, today was at first a day awaking to memories of Sunday dinners of the past. Thinking of Gram's chicken, Aunt Lois' homemade rolls, and Mom's pie. Mmmmm. What a nice way to wake up! Upon rising, I walked into the kitchen, pulled out a pan and began making sausage gravy. My husband came in grinning, pulled out his favorite mixing bowl; filling it with the ingredients for his delicious biscuits. Yes, sausage gravy and biscuits for breakfast on this beautiful Sunday. Mandi appears and sets the table, the house is filled with music from Mannheim Steamrollers, Sunday Morning Coffee II; the aroma of baking biscuits and sausage grave. Mmmmm. A great day.
Breakfast ended, playing with the dogs outside, coming in and grabbing a vitamin water. Cooling off, flipping on the tv, finding the show, Treehouse Masters and dreaming of a treehouse. I always wanted a treehouse, so does, Rick. A fascinating show with so many awesome ideas.... Mandi is busy writing her fan fiction. She has quite a few followers and is a really good writer. So creative.... Made homemade dog treats for Reggie and Bella, which they love! They follow me every time I go to the kitchen.
Sunday, quiet, relaxing, and full of love. A day for fun, family, and friends. We all have different ways to enjoy it. We all have different memories of it. Today was a day of memories. A day of enjoyment and peace. Almost time to fix dinner.....hmmmm, I'm thinking chicken....thanks for the memories and love. Sunday,
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
The Deadly Cost of Indifference
“The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it’s indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it’s indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it’s indifference.”
― Elie Wiesel”
I found this quote the other day and thought about how true it is. Many of us consider the opposites to be the most horrifying; but Elie Wiesel brings forth the truth. It is indifference which is the worse of all for with indifference comes the ability to stop caring about anyone else and even ourselves. We become cold, closed off, and heartless towards others around us. We look the other way at the homeless or poor; they become the invisible; ghost like wraiths who hover in the corners of our eyes. Always there, but rarely seen.
Another author discussed this same thought in one of the most widely known books of all times. "There are some upon this earth of yours,' returned the Spirit, 'who lay claim to know us, and who do their deeds of passion, pride, ill-will, hatred, envy, bigotry, and selfishness in our name; who are as strange to us and all our kith and kin, as if they had never lived. Remember that, and charge their doings on themselves, not us.” I wear the chain I forged in life....I made it link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it on of my own free will, and of my own free will I wore it.”
― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
― Elie Wiesel”
I found this quote the other day and thought about how true it is. Many of us consider the opposites to be the most horrifying; but Elie Wiesel brings forth the truth. It is indifference which is the worse of all for with indifference comes the ability to stop caring about anyone else and even ourselves. We become cold, closed off, and heartless towards others around us. We look the other way at the homeless or poor; they become the invisible; ghost like wraiths who hover in the corners of our eyes. Always there, but rarely seen.
Another author discussed this same thought in one of the most widely known books of all times. "There are some upon this earth of yours,' returned the Spirit, 'who lay claim to know us, and who do their deeds of passion, pride, ill-will, hatred, envy, bigotry, and selfishness in our name; who are as strange to us and all our kith and kin, as if they had never lived. Remember that, and charge their doings on themselves, not us.” I wear the chain I forged in life....I made it link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it on of my own free will, and of my own free will I wore it.”
― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
A definite look at what indifference creates, but we keep the blinders on, never looking at those around us, or if we do see them we look down upon them and claim they are lazy, worthless, and deserve their position in the hierarchy of humanity.
Yes, a horrifying thought, but a true one. So what compelled me to go off like this? Simple, a news article I read this morning. You see a woman's body was discovered in a house in a Largo, Florida neighborhood. It was so badly decomposed that police didn't even know it was a woman's body. How did they find it? The neighborhood association placed a lien on her property and hired a lawn maintenance to mow her lawn. He discovered the sliding glass doors open a crack and upon investigating found the body. The neighbors hadn't seen her in two years and thought she had moved. Can you even imagine it? You hadn't seen this person in two years and you never thought about checking on her. Did you see a moving van? Did you do anything? Or did you just wonder and shrug your shoulders; moving on and going about your own business?
Yeah, indifference, it is horrifying. What has become of us, as a society to not care? I don't know about you, but I admit, I have said "I don't care" many times...the truth is I need to care, I should care, and I will care. No one should ever have to die like this. No one should be the victim of indifference. No one should be invisible. Open the heart, eyes, and mind and make a difference by being the difference.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Change in the Air
Hey! Can you feel it? Do you see it? Can you touch it? Do you smell it? It's there! Yes, it's there. Slowly and subtly it's here. It's all around us; whether, in the rolling hills of the Northeast United States or the swampy tropical humidity of the Southeast. The Northwest and Southwest is a part of it too! So is Europe, Russia, and parts of Asia! Change is in the air! The movement from summer to autumn is upon us! It's subtle approach has been gentle. Not drastic or rash, but quiet and peaceful. The sun seems to move in a lower angle during the day. The breeze has a slight chill to it. Humidity is bit lower, but still hanging on. Watch the animals...the hair on a dog is thickening and it's summer coat is falling out. Squirrels and birds are on the move, hunting for food to store for the long months of winter. Even the water mammals are moving to shore up for the season to come. Leaves are turning to yellow and harvest is beginning in various states.
Yep, change is in the air; but, it's more than just a seasonal transformation though. It's a metamorphosis of the human race. Yes, we the people of Earth are moving through a transition. We are becoming more of a global environment rather than a national or regional one. We are aware of the diversity which enhances all of humankind if we allow it too. This is the change which is moving throughout the entire Earth. Humanity is growing and expanding from the ideals which have been utilized since the eras of reason and renaissance. This is a time of learning and educating. A time of communicating and understanding. A time for human rights, to realize how our differences are our strengths and how discriminating against people due to sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, and social class are just a means of trying to stop this change from occurring. However, those who utilize these measures will find themselves scrabbling to catch up with humanity or be left behind and lost in the misty haze of the past.
Change is definitely in the air. It can be felt, seen, touched, and smelt. We hear it and move toward it with our eye wide open and our hearts filled with hope. Our minds are evolving and our dreams expanding. We are one Earth, united against the bigotry and hatred of the past. We are global, we are also national, and regional. We are humanity and change IS in the air. It's yours and my decision whether to go with it or remain behind. Stagnant or flowing. Life enhancing or discriminating. It's time to decide. For me, change. What about you?
Yep, change is in the air; but, it's more than just a seasonal transformation though. It's a metamorphosis of the human race. Yes, we the people of Earth are moving through a transition. We are becoming more of a global environment rather than a national or regional one. We are aware of the diversity which enhances all of humankind if we allow it too. This is the change which is moving throughout the entire Earth. Humanity is growing and expanding from the ideals which have been utilized since the eras of reason and renaissance. This is a time of learning and educating. A time of communicating and understanding. A time for human rights, to realize how our differences are our strengths and how discriminating against people due to sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, and social class are just a means of trying to stop this change from occurring. However, those who utilize these measures will find themselves scrabbling to catch up with humanity or be left behind and lost in the misty haze of the past.
Change is definitely in the air. It can be felt, seen, touched, and smelt. We hear it and move toward it with our eye wide open and our hearts filled with hope. Our minds are evolving and our dreams expanding. We are one Earth, united against the bigotry and hatred of the past. We are global, we are also national, and regional. We are humanity and change IS in the air. It's yours and my decision whether to go with it or remain behind. Stagnant or flowing. Life enhancing or discriminating. It's time to decide. For me, change. What about you?
Friday, August 9, 2013
A Dream Of Something Natural...
A long time ago I had dream. It was an amazing dream, and no it didn't come to past. But it filled my mind and heart for several years. You see in this dream, I bought back my family's farm. The house, the land, all of it. Bringing it back to my family, but not as a farm. No, this is where the dream became a fantasy. I turned the old farm into a natural resort. No, not nudist, a natural resort. The farm house would become a bed and breakfast. I created plans to rebuild the old horse barn which would be a 1940s style nightclub with live music. The field above the farmhouse would become a primitive campground with a few primitive cabins along with it. The rest of the land? Well, the field closest to the river would be filled with a garden to supply fresh vegetables. A greenhouse would be built to provide vegetables in the winter time as well. An orchard of apples would have risen in the field by the near the house, along with grapes to create juice and wine. Maple trees would line the road and a new sapling would be placed where one had stood directly in the front of the house. Lilac bushes were to be found by the house as well.
In the summer, strawberries would be picked and raspberry and blackberry brambles found. People coming to this home of mine would fine peace and quiet. Hiking, fishing, swimming during the day, and at night a baseball field would pull in more as well as the nightclub. Historical accounts about Pitcher Springs and the surrounding communities....the joy of someone seeing a lightening bug for the first time....In the winter, sledding, ice skating, Christmas joy, and cross country skiing....the aroma of maple sap being boiled....
A dream, a fantasy, something to create if only in one's mind....is a wonderful moment to enjoy...Keep dreaming, for though this one will not come true, it has been fun coming up with all the ideas, thoughts, and plans...and many dreams do come true....
In the summer, strawberries would be picked and raspberry and blackberry brambles found. People coming to this home of mine would fine peace and quiet. Hiking, fishing, swimming during the day, and at night a baseball field would pull in more as well as the nightclub. Historical accounts about Pitcher Springs and the surrounding communities....the joy of someone seeing a lightening bug for the first time....In the winter, sledding, ice skating, Christmas joy, and cross country skiing....the aroma of maple sap being boiled....
A dream, a fantasy, something to create if only in one's mind....is a wonderful moment to enjoy...Keep dreaming, for though this one will not come true, it has been fun coming up with all the ideas, thoughts, and plans...and many dreams do come true....
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Twerkin' and News
With all the different things happening in the news lately, there is one topic which I have been trying to figure out and still haven't been able to understand the logic or intelligence of. What the heck is wrong with Miley Cyrus? Have you seen that girl's video? Every time I see a video of her, she is twerkin' her butt! I'm sorry, but, I don't want to watch someone's butt....I like to see the faces of people! Or maybe she thinks it is her face? Okay, I know, when you're a "star" I guess, you think you're all wonderful; but, I'm sorry, you're not. Shaking your butt all over the place is really not attractive...although, some people may think so. Really, what is going on? Have you got itching powder in your pants? There's a parody of her video which states quite thoroughly that you itch there. Or do you have ants in your pants? A mouse? Plus, what is with the name of what you are doing? Twerkin' ? Who comes up with these names? I mean really twerkin'? How do you get that out of shaking an ass and bouncing it around? And the insane thing about this all-- people are talking about it, watching her video and the parody, and her song is at the top of the charts! I'm sorry, give me Lady Gaga anyday! I love her stuff. But watching Miley Cyrus, trying to be cool and I guess sophisticated ( I'm pushing I know, more like a girl trying to be a stripper and pole dancing with no rhythm), well that's like trying to understand why Shirley Jones had to tell us about her sex life with Jack Cassidy. Do we really want to know it or see it? Nope! Just realize that you do not have the greatest moves and stop gyrating that thing, it's out of control! Okay! I've had some fun and I hope you have too....I think I'm going to do some twerkin' ! Bet you will too!
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Waldo, Chauncey and William Potter....heroes of the Civil War
Sometimes a little research has to be done in order to find one's ancestral pathway. In doing so, I have discovered so many fascinating and interesting facts about family and who I am descended from. My great grandmother was Laura Potter Peak, and she is a relative of Waldo, Chauncey, and William Potter; the three men who served in the 76th Artillery Unit during the Civil War. Of the three only one survived, Chauncey. William died early, from disease when the unit arrived in Washington DC, Waldo, died of a battle wound. I thought it would be interesting to read of Waldo's journey through his words in his letters home. They are found www.bpmlegal.com/75/potter. Godspeed.
Waldo Potter, age 18, born 1844, a farmer, enlisted September 20, 1861, at Union Valley, to serve three years; mustered in as private, Co. A, October 4, 1861; discharged for disability, December 3, 1862, at New York City. Re-enlisted at Norwich, and mustered in as private, Co. G, 2nd New York Heavy Artillery, January 4, 1864; wounded by a ball in left shoulder June 10, 1864, at Cold Harbor; wounded June 15, 1864 contusion to left foot, thigh and left shoulder by shell; wounded July 3, 1864 contusion to left foot by shell; wounded, gun shot wound right thigh, in action April 7th 1865 near City Point, Va.; Died April 7, 1865 from wound.
Fanny H. and Joel Potter, married May 3rd, 1835 at Taylor, NY, were the parents of Waldo, Alburtus, and Almira. They lived in Town of Taylor, Cortland County, NY.
The following letters were found in Waldo's mother pension application file in the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
I now take my pen in hand to inform you that I am a going to my regiment to morrow and when you write you may direct to the regiment I have about $80 that I want to send to you and I dast not send it by mail for it mint get lost so I think that I will take it with me and send it home by uncle chancey when he gits his discharge I am in some what of a hury excuse all mistakes rite soon your truly
Waldo Potter
HO for DIXIE
I thought that I would put in a few dollars and if Chancy come I will send the rest by him.
W. Potter
(Chancy is Chauncey Potter, age 35, enlisted September 20, 1861, at Union Valley, to serve three years; mustered in Co. A, 76th NY Vol Inf, October 4, 1861; discharged for disability, September 23, 1862, at Washington, D.C.)
I have just received a letter from you and was glad to hear from you and to hear that you was all well as could be exected under the circumstances I thought that I would send you ten dollars now and I exect to get two months pay more now in a short time and then I can send more I would send you more this time iff I had not got to buy me a pair of boots and a pair of shirts and a few other things but I would rather go without a sent in my pocket than have you want or get in to any trouble I tell you what it is from pas and mother's boy and mean to be to I wish you would rite and let me know how much I have sent home for I lost my memoirandum and how old I shal be next January and when my birth day is
I am no better as yet but soon hope I shal be I have got the diarrhoea I am so that I sit up all day but am very week and have no appitite Doctor george from Cortland has ben here to see me twice the first time he brout me some fried cakes and he sayed that they came all the way from cortland Oh was they not good I do believe that the poorest med in the world would be good iff it came from Cortland the next time he came he brought me some of the nicest butter in the world for it came from Cortland to
If I should tell you how poorly we lived here you would not know what to say tell Almiry I will answer her part of the letter when I get the answer from the one I rote Frank is not killed I do not think for there is a sargeant here of his company and he sayed that he was prety badly wounded but he thought he would recover and that is all I can hear from him some tell one thing and some another george Culver was seen struck and died at Culpeper or near there and was buried between Culpeper and South Mountain peace go with him good by for this time from you ever loving son Waldo Potter
These two bills have ben with me through all of Virginia
I have just receiving you fine and ever welcome letter but I was some what surprised to hear that almira was sick by some means or other I did not get the answer to the one I rote to her mother brothers and sister I should like to see you once again but the lord only knows whether I ever shall or not iff we meet not on this world I trust that we shal in an other
I can not get my discharge but I think that I shal get my pay soon and it might be I could get a short furlow what do you think of it Let me know next time you rite never be afraid of asking me to send you mony for it gives me pleasure to send it to you when I have it I have got a plenty by me and more to I have got some over 15 dollars with me now and should you want any dont be afraid to send for it excuse my bad riting for my pen is not good
your ever loving son
Waldo Potter
Tell albertus to rite and to plant these seeds in the spring for they are bell pair sene one as big as your two fists the pair Come from Vermont
I send you a book it cost me 20 read it one and all to remember me W. P.
I rite you from my head quarters we got here las monsday we came on the water to alexandria and from there on foot we are on the Virginia Side in arlington heights every thing is bustley here we have baracks to sleep in and good straw ticks and good grube in our mess room we have earthen dishes to eat out of every thing is Clean and neat I am in Co. G and Dock mery arth and gorge thay are in Co E they ar in another Fort about a quarter of a mile from here I am well and tuff as a buck
give Jim the Directions and till him to rite for I rote him first
Waldo Potter Direct to
I sent 50 dolars by express From Alexandria Have you got it or Haint you It is warm and nice here How is it at home General Potter
Directions Fort C.F. Smith Co. G, 2 NY Heavy Artilery Washington, D.C. Care C F Smith Co G 2 N.Y. Heavy Artilery
It is with pleasure that I now have the power to rite you a few more lines you may be some what surprised when you hear of my being in the hospital I will tell you why I am here
I am wounded in three places by a mortar shell but not dangerously I was lying with the rest of the company before the breastworks Charles murray and garett Brown lay one on one side and one on the other the shell burst rite over me and piece struck me on the sholder one in the groins and one on the top of my foot my foot is the worst of any it like to have spoilt that mold on my foot iff it had I should have ben mad
the doctor thinks that some of the boans are cracked them in my foot but I can hable round some yet it is my left foot left shoulder and left groin I am some stiff
I tell you one thing it saved me from and that is a long march for the army moved the same night it was the 11 day of June I got them letters you rote the day before it was the first male our regiment had get since they left the forts
our regiment has ben farely badly cut up for we had 1700 men and now we number only 800 men one thing I have not got vary money and iff you will send me two or three dollars send it dont trust any more for I might not get it
I have been in six diverent fights and one skirmish and that was as bad as a fight and five out of the six we charged rite up to the rebels breast works rite in the mouth of their cannon and we took them every time but twice and then we did not know when to stop for the rebs say that them heavy arty felows dont know when they are whiped the greatest wonder is that I got out alive I have got two ball holes through my coat and one through my pants
I can not stand it to rite eny more now rite all of you and all of the news for I am anxious to hear from you good by for this time
from your son Waldo Potter.
Direct to Waldo Potter Mount Pleasant Hospital Washington D.C
I now take a few moments to rite you in answer to your ever welcome letter witch I got yestarday from well and I am glad that you Mother is so mutch better I hope this will find you still on the recovery I have been payed off and I will send some money in this letter I have got a plenty of stamps now the sutler sent to Washington and got some I will send 75 dollars in this one it will pay for your new haus I am all most a fraid to send it but I may loose it or get it stolen if I keep it by me you can do with it as you see fitt I will have 100 more to send home it will make 175 in all and I hope it will get home all safe it will make over 899 dollars I want to make it as bigh as 1200 iff I can and I guess that I can some of the boys got over 200 and now they have not got a sent they have gambled it a weigh I may send the rest before I get an answer from this iff I do I shal put it in to a letter to mira as berties the weather is getting some warm here now and it is spring with us it is not quite spring with you yet I do not know of any more so good by for now rite and let me know how you like you new home good by for now from
you ever loving son Waldo Potter
These letters were transcribed by B. Conrad Bush, 1940 Reading Road, West Falls, NY, 14170; e-mail Bushresear@aol.com; from original letters found at the National Archive, Washington, DC.
Waldo Potter, age 18, born 1844, a farmer, enlisted September 20, 1861, at Union Valley, to serve three years; mustered in as private, Co. A, October 4, 1861; discharged for disability, December 3, 1862, at New York City. Re-enlisted at Norwich, and mustered in as private, Co. G, 2nd New York Heavy Artillery, January 4, 1864; wounded by a ball in left shoulder June 10, 1864, at Cold Harbor; wounded June 15, 1864 contusion to left foot, thigh and left shoulder by shell; wounded July 3, 1864 contusion to left foot by shell; wounded, gun shot wound right thigh, in action April 7th 1865 near City Point, Va.; Died April 7, 1865 from wound.
Fanny H. and Joel Potter, married May 3rd, 1835 at Taylor, NY, were the parents of Waldo, Alburtus, and Almira. They lived in Town of Taylor, Cortland County, NY.
The following letters were found in Waldo's mother pension application file in the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
Philadelphia
July 11/62
Dear parentsJuly 11/62
I now take my pen in hand to inform you that I am a going to my regiment to morrow and when you write you may direct to the regiment I have about $80 that I want to send to you and I dast not send it by mail for it mint get lost so I think that I will take it with me and send it home by uncle chancey when he gits his discharge I am in some what of a hury excuse all mistakes rite soon your truly
Waldo Potter
HO for DIXIE
I thought that I would put in a few dollars and if Chancy come I will send the rest by him.
W. Potter
(Chancy is Chauncey Potter, age 35, enlisted September 20, 1861, at Union Valley, to serve three years; mustered in Co. A, 76th NY Vol Inf, October 4, 1861; discharged for disability, September 23, 1862, at Washington, D.C.)
Washington
Sept 26 1862
Dear parentsSept 26 1862
I have just received a letter from you and was glad to hear from you and to hear that you was all well as could be exected under the circumstances I thought that I would send you ten dollars now and I exect to get two months pay more now in a short time and then I can send more I would send you more this time iff I had not got to buy me a pair of boots and a pair of shirts and a few other things but I would rather go without a sent in my pocket than have you want or get in to any trouble I tell you what it is from pas and mother's boy and mean to be to I wish you would rite and let me know how much I have sent home for I lost my memoirandum and how old I shal be next January and when my birth day is
I am no better as yet but soon hope I shal be I have got the diarrhoea I am so that I sit up all day but am very week and have no appitite Doctor george from Cortland has ben here to see me twice the first time he brout me some fried cakes and he sayed that they came all the way from cortland Oh was they not good I do believe that the poorest med in the world would be good iff it came from Cortland the next time he came he brought me some of the nicest butter in the world for it came from Cortland to
If I should tell you how poorly we lived here you would not know what to say tell Almiry I will answer her part of the letter when I get the answer from the one I rote Frank is not killed I do not think for there is a sargeant here of his company and he sayed that he was prety badly wounded but he thought he would recover and that is all I can hear from him some tell one thing and some another george Culver was seen struck and died at Culpeper or near there and was buried between Culpeper and South Mountain peace go with him good by for this time from you ever loving son Waldo Potter
These two bills have ben with me through all of Virginia
Washington
October 4th 1862
Dear parentsOctober 4th 1862
I have just receiving you fine and ever welcome letter but I was some what surprised to hear that almira was sick by some means or other I did not get the answer to the one I rote to her mother brothers and sister I should like to see you once again but the lord only knows whether I ever shall or not iff we meet not on this world I trust that we shal in an other
I can not get my discharge but I think that I shal get my pay soon and it might be I could get a short furlow what do you think of it Let me know next time you rite never be afraid of asking me to send you mony for it gives me pleasure to send it to you when I have it I have got a plenty by me and more to I have got some over 15 dollars with me now and should you want any dont be afraid to send for it excuse my bad riting for my pen is not good
your ever loving son
Waldo Potter
Tell albertus to rite and to plant these seeds in the spring for they are bell pair sene one as big as your two fists the pair Come from Vermont
I send you a book it cost me 20 read it one and all to remember me W. P.
Fort C F Smith
March 11, 1864
Folks at homeMarch 11, 1864
I rite you from my head quarters we got here las monsday we came on the water to alexandria and from there on foot we are on the Virginia Side in arlington heights every thing is bustley here we have baracks to sleep in and good straw ticks and good grube in our mess room we have earthen dishes to eat out of every thing is Clean and neat I am in Co. G and Dock mery arth and gorge thay are in Co E they ar in another Fort about a quarter of a mile from here I am well and tuff as a buck
give Jim the Directions and till him to rite for I rote him first
Waldo Potter Direct to
I sent 50 dolars by express From Alexandria Have you got it or Haint you It is warm and nice here How is it at home General Potter
Directions Fort C.F. Smith Co. G, 2 NY Heavy Artilery Washington, D.C. Care C F Smith Co G 2 N.Y. Heavy Artilery
Mount Pleasant hospital
June 15th 1864
Dear beloved parents June 15th 1864
It is with pleasure that I now have the power to rite you a few more lines you may be some what surprised when you hear of my being in the hospital I will tell you why I am here
I am wounded in three places by a mortar shell but not dangerously I was lying with the rest of the company before the breastworks Charles murray and garett Brown lay one on one side and one on the other the shell burst rite over me and piece struck me on the sholder one in the groins and one on the top of my foot my foot is the worst of any it like to have spoilt that mold on my foot iff it had I should have ben mad
the doctor thinks that some of the boans are cracked them in my foot but I can hable round some yet it is my left foot left shoulder and left groin I am some stiff
I tell you one thing it saved me from and that is a long march for the army moved the same night it was the 11 day of June I got them letters you rote the day before it was the first male our regiment had get since they left the forts
our regiment has ben farely badly cut up for we had 1700 men and now we number only 800 men one thing I have not got vary money and iff you will send me two or three dollars send it dont trust any more for I might not get it
I have been in six diverent fights and one skirmish and that was as bad as a fight and five out of the six we charged rite up to the rebels breast works rite in the mouth of their cannon and we took them every time but twice and then we did not know when to stop for the rebs say that them heavy arty felows dont know when they are whiped the greatest wonder is that I got out alive I have got two ball holes through my coat and one through my pants
I can not stand it to rite eny more now rite all of you and all of the news for I am anxious to hear from you good by for this time
from your son Waldo Potter.
Direct to Waldo Potter Mount Pleasant Hospital Washington D.C
Camp near Petersburg Va.
March 12th 1865
Dear parents March 12th 1865
I now take a few moments to rite you in answer to your ever welcome letter witch I got yestarday from well and I am glad that you Mother is so mutch better I hope this will find you still on the recovery I have been payed off and I will send some money in this letter I have got a plenty of stamps now the sutler sent to Washington and got some I will send 75 dollars in this one it will pay for your new haus I am all most a fraid to send it but I may loose it or get it stolen if I keep it by me you can do with it as you see fitt I will have 100 more to send home it will make 175 in all and I hope it will get home all safe it will make over 899 dollars I want to make it as bigh as 1200 iff I can and I guess that I can some of the boys got over 200 and now they have not got a sent they have gambled it a weigh I may send the rest before I get an answer from this iff I do I shal put it in to a letter to mira as berties the weather is getting some warm here now and it is spring with us it is not quite spring with you yet I do not know of any more so good by for now rite and let me know how you like you new home good by for now from
you ever loving son Waldo Potter
These letters were transcribed by B. Conrad Bush, 1940 Reading Road, West Falls, NY, 14170; e-mail Bushresear@aol.com; from original letters found at the National Archive, Washington, DC.
Saturday, July 27, 2013
The Living Dead......
Okay, I've asked the question many times and still haven't gotten a satisfactory answer: What's the dif between the undead and the living dead? I mean really if they are walking around how can they even be dead or undead? See what I mean. Now I'm not talking about just zombies here, but many will think that. No, I mean zombies are described in voodoo as being a corpse which has been reanimated through the use of magic ( a bit of necromancy), but zombies are also individuals who are under hypnotism, that is they move about and respond to orders but have no conscious thought or will. So in the first case we can say a zombie is the undead. However, what about the individual who is under hypnosis? They aren't dead, but are not in control of their body or mind. Kind of creepy, huh? Think about it. You are going along, minding your own business and somewhere, somehow, someone hypnotized you. Some sort of suggestion is imprinted in your unconscious mind, when it is triggered, suddenly you are gone and the hypnotic suggestion or order takes over. There may be even a suggestion which says you will not remember the action you will doing or are doing. You, as an individual no longer exists. You are at the power and will of the one who planted the hypnotic suggestion. Your unconscious mind has taken over and you are at the mercy of the hypnotist. Guess what? At this point, you could be considered the living dead!
Wow! Doing whatever someone else wants you to do! From taking out the garbage ( okay, but, someone might like that) to committing a crime. Imagine, how you would feel when you come out of hypnosis and everyone around you claimed you did something. Personally, I know I would freak out and tell them I didn't do it. I would have to see proof! That's right, I'm a Doubting Thomas right down to the core. But, here comes the really creepy stuff, what happens to you when you see the evidence? Talk about an overload in the mind. A crashing computer of the major sort! No memory of it, your memory was wiped, no idea of how you did something, or even how you got to where ever! Yep, definitely the living dead! You're alive, but you are dead as well....like I said creepy.
Okay, so I think I answered my own question about the difference between the undead and the living dead. Oh and by the way, when the zombie apocalypse arrives, remember I will be out there with a baseball bat, so if you're not a member of the undead, make sure you let me know! And if you are a part of the living dead....well, I'll make sure to have plenty of evidence of what you did, for this isn't Vegas! Have fun and go enjoy a zombie movie or play a zombie game! LOL!!!
Wow! Doing whatever someone else wants you to do! From taking out the garbage ( okay, but, someone might like that) to committing a crime. Imagine, how you would feel when you come out of hypnosis and everyone around you claimed you did something. Personally, I know I would freak out and tell them I didn't do it. I would have to see proof! That's right, I'm a Doubting Thomas right down to the core. But, here comes the really creepy stuff, what happens to you when you see the evidence? Talk about an overload in the mind. A crashing computer of the major sort! No memory of it, your memory was wiped, no idea of how you did something, or even how you got to where ever! Yep, definitely the living dead! You're alive, but you are dead as well....like I said creepy.
Okay, so I think I answered my own question about the difference between the undead and the living dead. Oh and by the way, when the zombie apocalypse arrives, remember I will be out there with a baseball bat, so if you're not a member of the undead, make sure you let me know! And if you are a part of the living dead....well, I'll make sure to have plenty of evidence of what you did, for this isn't Vegas! Have fun and go enjoy a zombie movie or play a zombie game! LOL!!!
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