Story
Diary of a Not-Wimpy Ambassador
On September 9, 2020 by ElyseIf you found a diary left open and unguarded, conveniently transcribed, digitized and text searchable, would you snoop? If you said “no,” you’re a better person than I am. When it comes to gleaning insights about the days of yesteryear—to say nothing of tantalizing gossip—you can’t beat diaries and letters (along with certain newspapers).
Story
Letters from the Front Lines
On April 22, 2020 by ElyseWhen this you see, remember me, though many miles between us be. – George Deal to Sarah Cole Deal; Memphis, Tennessee; February 1863 It is a truth universally acknowledged. . . that most people’s letters are insufferably boring. Mine included: If rambling on about the weather was an Olympic sport, I’d have several gold medals,
Story
Behind Enemy Lines
On November 13, 2019 by ElyseNo matter how Andrew Valentine Farley and his three companions maneuver their boat, they’re fighting the tide, and the Confederates are gaining on them. When they initially spotted the other boat on their way back to the U.S.S. Ottawa, they assumed it was a fellow Union boat coming from Jacksonville, just north on the St.
Story
A Sampler of Courage, Part 1
On August 21, 2019 by ElyseCourage, n. Mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. – The Merriam-Webster Dictionary Courage—and the feats humanity achieves because of it—have been on my mind recently. In the face of fear and oftentimes, commonsense, we slay monsters, we venture into uncharted territory, and we rescue kittens from trees. Don’t
Story
Five Signs Your Relationship is Impawsible
On July 24, 2019 by ElyseHere at Second Glance History, we’ve come across our share of unusual divorces but never one with quite so much furor. (I’d apologize for the cat pun, but I’m just getting started.) Inspired by the release of the nightmare-inducing trailer for “Cats,” let’s look at someone else’s version of feline purrgatory—I promise there’s no singing