Happy July 4th OT

[Don Coatney]

From my G Grandfather who was in the the land of Dixie when he wrote this in 1863. Twenty two days after he wrote this he was captured by the Rebels and sent to Andersonville.

[Plymouthy Adams]

Thank you Don..today will not be a celebration of independence as long as the lawn does not mow itself..

My great grandfather was a rebel captured by the yanks..released on his own words not to bear arms against the union if released..slight bit of difference for sure..Andersonville was far from liveable..for those who have not seen the facility..it will amaze you anyone survived..

[1940plymouth]

Thanks for the great letter Don.

My homeroom teacher in High School Grandfather was a Union Prisoner in Andersonville.

[Big_John]

While not as bad as Andersonville, the Union prison camp in Elmira, NY had horrible conditions too. Not many know of this, but in the 12 months they were in use, they lost 25% of their prisioners to disease, malnutrion and exposure.

The first one of my family to come to the US (1760) from Germany fought in the revolution, volunteering at the age of 38. He served in the Orange County Militia, 4th regiment.

[Don Coatney]

My great grandfather was a rebel captured by the yanks..released on his own words not to bear arms against the union if released..slight bit of difference for sure..Andersonville was far from liveable..for those who have not seen the facility..it will amaze you anyone survived..

I had a GG Uncle Jesse Coatney who Lived in Missouri at the start of the Civil War. He married into the Price Family (think of the Rebel General Sterling Price family). He was forced by the Union Army to sign an oath of alligance as pictured below. His wife Sarah soon died and Jesse moved to Texas where it is rumored he fought for the Rebels.

[55 Fargo]

Happy Independance day to my American friends, enjoy the day.

It feels like the deep south today at my place about 95-100 f, and very muggy, looks a t/storm is coming....