Civil War warriors had soft hearts

In the midst of the chaos of today's society, it is sometimes hard to imagine the type of devotion that plays out in the novel Shades of Gray. One would not expect, after all, to hear sweet murmurings of love from those great soldiers we have come to know as hardened warriors.

Yet written letters reveal that fact to be true.

General George Pickett, known for his courageous, if not foolish, charge at Gettysburg, was a perfect lamb when writing to his future wife LaSalle Corbett.

In a letter in April 1863, he pleads with Sally to come marry him in camp, despite the social improprieties of a woman doing so.

"You know that I love you with a devotion that absorbs all else -- a devotion so divine that when in dreams I see you it is as something too pure and sacred for mortal touch."

Can you imagine a man writing such thoughts today? (Or speaking them for that matter).

He continues in the same letter: "If I am spared, my dear, all my life shall be devoted to making you happy, to keeping all that would hurt you far from you, to making all that is good come near you."

Unfortunately, poor Pickett was destined for disappointment. Sally writes in a postscript to this letter in the book "The Heart of a Soldier" that she turned "her soldier" down.

"So, though my heart responded to the call, what could I do but adhere to the social laws, more formidable than were ever the majestic canons of the Ecclesiastes? My Soldier admitted that I was right, and we agreed to await a more favorable time."

There are so many beautiful stories of everlasting love revealed through the letters of Civil War husbands and wives -- and even those who were not yet husbands and wives. General John Reynolds, who was killed on the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg, left behind a fiance. Though very young, she never married. She had pledged her life to him.

It's refreshing to look back and know with certainty that such a thing as everlasting love and steadfast devotion did once exist.

The book inside me after Shades of Gray

Many people ask me when my "next" book is coming out, and frankly, I don't have an answer. I know it is called "Above and Beyond" and that it is practically finished, but I've not really had the time to think about all the work involved in actually getting it out there to readers yet.

Anyone in the publishing business knows it's a very long process. A year from finished manuscript to published book would be considered "moving right along," and 18 months or more is not unheard of.

I can inform "Shades of Gray" fans, though, that the characters are completely different from Hunter and Andrea.

The main character in "Above and Beyond" is Colonel Douglas Benton, who is a flamboyant womanizer and somewhat of a braggart. The heroine is a quiet, very mature, Christian woman (definitely not Andrea Evans!), who teaches Benton that there is more to being a good soldier than leading heroic cavalry charges.

The character of Sarah Irene Duvall (the heroine's name) is not based on any real person in history, but I have read of accounts such as hers - especially during the Revolutionary War. Basically, she pretends to be a strong Unionist in Virginia, to the extent that all her neighbors, and even her brother, believe the ruse. She becomes an outcast and a scourge in her own community as her home is almost constantly filled with Union soldiers. Of course, secretly, she is passing on very valuable information to the Confederacy - but her identity is known only to General Lee and President Davis.

One can only imagine the courage and strong will it would take to be despised and maligned by family and friends while you are nobly serving a cause. It could be argued that it would take more fortitude than fighting an outright battle with hundreds of your comrades surrounding you.

The book will feature strong Christian themes, and like "Shades of Gray," I believe it will take readers on a roller coaster ride of emotions.

I'll be sure to keep you posted!

Jessica

Shades of Gray release date is no accident

I can't help but smile every time someone notices the Jan. 19 release date of my novel "Shades of Gray," and mentions it to me.

For those who are not aware, Jan. 19 is the birthday of one of the South's most honored and respected generals, as well as one of its most revered and cherished gentleman. His birthday is followed by that of another great Southern hero, General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, on Jan. 21.

Of course, anyone who lives below the Mason-Dixon line cannot be unaware of these two historic events. Lee-Jackson Day celebrations took place all over the South, as well they should.

Both were brilliant military leaders, as their records clearly testify. But what makes them even more deserving of the honor of tribute today is their character off the battlefield. They were each fine examples of Southern gentlemen who continued to impact lives well after the War. Prime Minister Winston Churchill wrote of Lee: "His noble presence and gentle, kindly manner were sustained by religious faith and an exalted character."

By conducting themselves as Christian men in their duties as husbands, fathers, citizens and soldiers, they led by example and were greatly admired by both friend and foe. I think it reasonable that they should be remembered and honored throughout the country, not just the South.

One can't help but believe that we would be a more principled and morally stronger nation, if our youth were taught to emulate people like Jackson and Lee.

"All I am and all I have is at the service of my country." -- Stonewall Jackson

Contact me

I try to answer all emails, but it may take a few days, so be patient.

You can reach me at:

writefromthepast(at)yahooDOTcom

Good day to read a Civil War novel

I had a busy schedule planned for today... I really did. But with my chair facing the view outside, I can't seem to get motivated. I find my eyes drifting up, and then my mind drifting away, as I watch a steady shower of snow cascading onto the tree limbs and bushes.

It is mesmerizing - as are the bird feeders strategically placed within my view. The male cardinals stand out in vibrant contrast to the whiteness of the snow, while the smaller chickadees and tufted tit birds blend in and are blurred by the blinding whiteness.

The scene brings to mind a quote by Mosby ranger James Williamson who wrote of the peaceful vista he witnessed before a fight: "Fields, roads, trees and shrubs were alike clothed in the white robes of winter, and it seemed almost a sacrilege against the beauty and holy stillness of the scene to stain those pure garments with the life blood of man, be he friend or foe."

Such was the way of the war, however. Many a pure snowflake was stained with the lifeblood of both friends and enemies. But today, I can sit back and enjoy the peaceful serenity that has settled here in Gettysburg beneath the silencing qualities of the ever-deepening snow.

I hope wherever you are - in sunshine state or, like me, in the deep clutches of Old Man Winter - you take the time to enjoy the scenery!

'Damn the Yankees' - not the correct oath

I am always interested in reading first-person accounts of the Civil War, and so was pleased to find an article in my inbox this morning concerning the unpleasant task imposed upon Southerners of taking the oath of allegiance.

After the War Between the States, loyal Confederates were forced to take the oath in exchange for the right to vote, the right to undertake business transactions, and in many cases, even to acquire rations.

For many Confederate prisoners, freedom itself was the exchange for the oath. One young man, who remained in prison through May of 1865 was implored by his sister to take the oath. "You will ever command the respect of your friends. Your character is too well established to be assailed after four years of strict adherence to duty, should you deem it advisable to bury all hopes and become a good 'citizen' of the United States of America... Don't imagine that those who love you so dearly will ever blush for your conforming to unavoidable circumstances. Come home, then, my darling, for home needs you as well as you need it."

It's hard for us to imagine in this day and age facing the hardships those Southerners faced because of the "dishonor" implied in taking the oath. I do hope Shades of Gray helps readers understand the vital role that honor and principles played during that period of our nation's history.

Anyway, my favorite story concerning taking the oath was the response of one young woman, who retorted rather emphatically "I never swore in my life" to the question by the provost "have you sworn the oath?"

When informed by the agent that, in order to obtain food, she must swear the oath, she reluctantly complied. "Well, sir, if you will make me do such a horrid, wicked thing, DAMN the Yankees!"

Patriot Press signs fellow Civil War author

It's been a busy week in Gettysburg, Pa., with my publisher, Patriot Press, signing author Michael Aubrecht to print his latest title "The Southern Cross: A Civil War Devotional."
I'm very excited to see this work published and believe that both the Christian community and the Civil War community will be too.

The book features 50 inspirational, true-stories from the War Between the States, including 40 vignettes, 10 encouraging essays, 5 period-sermons, and 50 photos. Each chapter covers a specific virtue of the Christian soldier: Courage, Duty, Faith, Honor, and Mercy, and each segment contains a period photo, topical verse of scripture, an associated quote, and an inspirational story of faith under fire.

The author will be doing speaking engagements and signings in the Spring, so check back to this blog, or go to Michael's site at http://www.pinstripepress.net/.

I always like to close with a quote, and this one seems appropriate this week:
"There is no such thing as chance; and what seems to us merest accident springs from the deepest source of destiny." Friedrich von Schiller

Early reviews in for Shades of Gray

Perhaps the hardest part of being a writer is sharing your work with the public for the first time... and then holding your breath as you wait for their reaction. So far, I have been relieved and pleased with the results!

Heather Froeschl of the Book Review Journal says the novel is "well written and expertly executed... You cannot leave this book unchanged in your understanding of the souls of the Civil War."

The reviewer for Foreword Magazine concludes that "readers will find the attention to historical detail impeccable."

Amazingly, even other Civil War authors have given Shades of Gray high marks. Virginia Morton, author of Marching Through Culpeper says it's an "incredible achievement and a treasure. I haven't enjoyed a book so much in years!"

Even better than the official reviews are the comments I receive from ordinary readers, especially those who start by saying... "I don't usually read Civil War fiction ..." And end with, "I loved it!"

Thanks so much to all of you who have taken the time to write to me and tell me what you think. It makes the blood, sweat, and tears all the more worthwhile and the end result all the more satisfying.

I'd like to close with a quote from Helen Keller, whose words sum up my thoughts for the day: "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart."

All about "Shades of Gray"

Welcome to my site! For those who have read Shades of Gray and stopped by to take a peek, I'm so glad you did!

This is a place where I intend to share with readers the blood, sweat and tears that went into writing the novel (yes ,there were many tears), and to provide information about the publishing industry to those of you who have aspirations to write.

For anyone who does not know, I am a resident of Gettysburg, Pa., a stone's throw from the Mason-Dixon line, and a short drive to the part of the Confederacy of which I write. I have spent many, many hours driving the dirt roads of Fauquier and Loudoun counties... enough so to keep my Jeep constantly coated with the "sacred soil of Virginia."

In this space I hope to keep you up to date on where I'll be doing signings or attending Civil War events. If you are in the area, I do hope you'll stop by and chat with me. For those who live in, or have traveled to, the northern part of Virginia, you know it is one of the most beautiful and historic areas of the country. For those who are not familiar, check back here for pictures of the places that give me inspiration.

I would like to thank the many readers who are helping me spread the word about "Shades" and to invite any new readers to share your thoughts with me at: writefromthepast (at) yahoo (dot) com.

Until next time remember... "We can't all be Washingtons, but we can all be Patriots." (Charles F. Browne)

Jessica James