Gettysburg, or bust!

Can't wait to see you all in Gettysburg! We are praying for safe travels and a wonderful trip for everyone!
We'll see you there!

An update from Uncle Henry

A few suggestions to inspire the Gettysburg expedition. Please disseminate.

1. Perhaps one of the particularly cerebral members of the expedition who, nevertheless, have yet to make any discernible contribution to the expedition, say Jason or Michael, could prepare and deliver a biblical Thanksgiving prayer, even incorporating certain phrases used by the Pilgrims or other historical figures who observed. I’m sure my mother and dad would be delighted.
2. On Thanksgiving afternoon a multi-hour block of discussions would be onerous. Instead, I suggest we break up the discussions by appropriate other activities, such as visiting my parents before their naps, or after their naps.
3. I believe the most important discussion we will have revolves around the biblical role of government set forth in Romans 13. Perhaps we could do that the first evening of Gettysburg. After issues are defined from the text, I’m sure an exciting free-for-all conversation will follow. Big dividing-line issues will arise.
4. All Gettysburg expedition website polls in which I have attempted to vote have been met with the rebuke, “Poll Closed.” Who is running the polls, and what is their association with ACORN?
5. Previous postings have inadvertently omitted that Tom has graciously offered to pay all mileage expenses for all expedition members at the rate of $.55 per mile from point of origin to Pennsylvania and return, plus all mileage while in Pennsylvania at the rate of $.65 per mile. This is for each expedition member (e.g. Isabella, Haven, Gideon, Rebecca, Hank, Bonita, etc.), not just for each vehicle. I’m sure all join me in thanking Tom for his generosity. Approach Tom for details.

Looking forward to seeing everyone, and with kind regards,
I am Sincerely,
Henry

A Concert in the Making....

Hi all! You can add these two songs to your repetoire before showing up in the Stoneridge Dining Hall (with quiet-ready to sit still for two hours-children!). Maybe we can have a quick practice time just prior to eating? I'll print out words for everyone.
- We Praise Thee, O God by Julia Cady CoryWords and music here: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/p/wptogorc.htm If you like to read the music, you can find it here: http://www.sovereigngracefamilychurch.org/_mgxroot/downloads/docs/TRBC2008Hymns.pdf - Come, Ye Thankful People by Henry Alfordhttp://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh694.sht. I couldn't find sheet music, so listen well~:-)

See you all in a few days!Lydia

The Much Awaited Itinerary!

Before you check out the itinerary, please vote in the poll to the right- Also, just as a reminder, we will have a span of time the afternoon of Thanksgiving, when food will not be readily available to us, so it might be wise to bring some snacks to munch on! Mike and I will be making some Chex Mix, it won't be as good as Becca's, but we can try:) Can't wait to see you all! Happy Thanksgiving...

Thursday, Happy Thanksgiving-
8am-9am- Continental Breakfast in Meeting Room (applies only to Dayton Hams, Wings and MMJ)
10am-11am- Depart for Stoneridge Village
11:15pm-? Lunch at Stoneridge Dining hall, meet in the lobby.
2pm (or after lunch)- Family picture in the lobby, bring your best cheesy smile!
2:30pm-5pm - Meet in Rec Room (Basement) for group lectures, with butcher paper and easel.
5pm-6pm- Say goodbyes to Grandma and Grandpa, head to Gettysburg, via Hershey and stop for dinner at Lebanon or Gettysburg (please vote on the poll).
7:30- check-in/relax/swim/goodnight!

Friday:
8am-9am- breakfast at hotel in conference room, devotions (Michael)
9am-12pm- Visitor Center (movie, cyclorama, museum) 2-3 hours
12pm-1pm- Lunch at The Avenue restaurant
1pm-4pm- Car caravan loop of the battlefield w/ a Park Ranger
5:30- meet in lobby to caravan to dinner at the Farnsworth House
8pm- return to relax with doctrine and Civil War discussion, poker, playing with kids, indoor pool, etc.

Saturday:
8am-9am- breakfast at hotel, devotions;
9am-12pm- Henry/Tom lead return to requested sites, including walk of Pickett's Charge
12pm-1pm- Lunch at The Avenue (or alternate site)
1pm-3pm visit National Cemetery; return to requested sites if time
4pm-5pm- Late afternoon dinner at nearby Quizno's
5:30pm- depart for Hershey and Chocolate World
7pm-10pm- Hershey Park (as little ones permit) including Chocolate World.

Sunday:
8am-9am Breakfast and departures!

Troop Update

At ease.

Troops: here's some final details for our upcoming deployment. Agenda is at the bottom. Gentlemen plz note #6.

1. I posted "Did you know...?" on an earlier blog. I just noticed I screwed up #17...sorry. Sickles' leg was at the National Museum of Health and Science in D.C., which no longer exists. I pulled most of this from memory and just noticed a couple errors--will correct when we're together. Plz review this post to avoid embarrasing questions.
2. Tom also posted a ~30-question quiz we will review Thanksgiving afternoon. The couple from the first "angel" generation that does the best on the quiz will win the grand prize. The prize is framed in light oak and will definitely be a Ham Fam 09 reunion memory jog.
3. A few weeks ago, Mags posted Lee's Day #1 SITREP and Lee's Farewell Order--recommend you review those as well.
4. Fyi, McKinleys will be arriving Stone Ridge direct from Lynchburg. Uncle Alan will be leaving us Friday evening. I understand McKinleys may be departing Saturday evening.
5. On Thanksgiving evening, we'll depart Stone Ridge about 1800 and stop for fast food somewhere.
6. Of Jason, Eric, Joseph and Michael: would two of you volunteer to lead in short devotions on Fri and Sat morning at the hotel?
7. Basic agenda, to be revised as required by weather, etc.:
Friday: breakfast at hotel; devotions; Visitor Center (movie, cyclorama, museum) 2-3 hours thru noon; lunch at The Avenue restaurant; 2-3 hour car caravan loop of the battlefield w/ a Park Ranger; dinner at the Farnsworth House (1800); relax w/ doctrine and Civil War discussion, poker, playing w/ kids, indoor pool, etc.
Saturday: breakfast at hotel; devotions; Henry/Tom lead return to requested sites, including walk of Pickett's Charge; lunch at The Avenue (or alternate site); visit National Cemetery; return to requested sites if time; late afternoon dinner at nearby Quizno's; 1730 depart for Hershey; 1900-2200 at Hershey Park (as little ones permit) including Chocolate World.

Suggestions/concerns? Dismissed.

Attention Troops!

Grandma has requested that we sing "Bless this House".
As hard as it may be to listen to the following link, please listen to it multiple times until you learn the song....it will be a blessing to Grandma.
I will be accompanying the family as we all sing.
We won't debate the relevance of the words or laugh out loud while singing it.
Thanks,Lisa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsU-HLN_fog

Ham Fam Gettysburg Quiz, pre-reunion.

Post-tour test to follow.
1. Which of the following killed more Americans than the other three combined?
a. War for Independence
b. War of 1812
c. Mexican War
d. Days 2 and 3 @ Gettysburg

2. The Union had twice the population of the South, 6X the engineers, 10X the seagoing vessels, and 30x the artillery. What advantages do most historians agree the South had, at least through 1863?
a. time
b. aggressive fighting spirit
c. “home field” advantage
d. all of the above

3. In April of 63 the Confederacy implemented which of the following, a direct affront to “states’ rights”
a. a national sales tax and a national income tax
b. mandatory conscription
c. mandatory slave conscription
d. b. and c. above

4. At the Battle of Chancellorsville, VA, 60 days prior to Gettysburg, Lee twice divided his forces and moved portions of the ANV 35 miles in the face of a much stronger opponent. His actions best illustrate which two principles of war?
a. Offensive and Security
b. Maneuver and Audacity (or Surprise)
c. Economy of Forces and Simplicity
d. Mass and Unity of Command

5. Why do some historians consider the Battle of Brandy Station, a one-day battle on 9 Jun 63, a tactical draw but a Union operational victory that was not realized until July?
a. Stuart’s cavalry corps lost three brigade commanders who could not fight at Gettysburg
b. Stuart’s injuries inhibited his ability to keep Lee fully informed
c. Stuart’s embarrassment motivated face-saving decisions and clouded his military judgment
d. Lee’s acquiescence to Stuart’s request for divisional cavalry after the battle exacerbated Lee’s lack of “eyes” at Gettysburg

6. Regarding manpower, what do the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville have in common?
a. ANV forces exceeded Union forces
d. Battle forces were roughly equivalent
c. Lee was outnumbered by at least 15K
d. Lee was outnumbered by at least 30K

7. There were no federalized Confederate forces. U.S. Army forces were almost entirely constrained to west of the Mississippi. Which force type were the first to be federalized by the Union in the East?
a. Cavalry
b. Sharpshooters
c. Artillery
d. Infantry

8. Which of the following was not true in 1861?
a. Southern states produced 85% of the country’s agricultural output
b. Northern states produced 95% of the country’s steel
c. Northern states produced 97% of the country’s shoes
d. Northern states produced 98% of the country’s weapons

9. Which PA city was threatened but not occupied by the ANV leading up to Gettysburg? Why?
a. Carlisle Barracks—substantial Union presence
b. York—too far east
c. Harrisburg—Susquehanna River a significant barrier
d. Chambersburg—unfavorable terrain

10. Match Lee’s opponent with the battle
a. John Pope e. Fredericksburg
b. McClellan f. Gettysburg
c. Burnside h. Chancellorsville
d. Meade i. Second Manassas
e. Hooker j. Antietam

11. There are four ridges to the west of Gettysburg, each significant for different reasons on the Day 1. West to east, three are Herr Ridge, McPherson Ridge, and Seminary Ridge—all well known. What happened on Knoxlyn Ridge, furthest to the west? (Fyi, this area is the latest parcel to be acquired by the National Park Service several years ago.)
a. Lee located his HQ here all three days
b. The 13th AL turned east from Knoxlyn Ridge after hearing of the two shoe factories in Gettysburg, inadvertently beginning the battle
c. The battle began with the first shot from the 8th Illinois Cavalry
d. Maj Gen Robert Rodes, CSA, Division Commander, II Corps, endured the only surprise Union action that day, incurring over 500 casualties in only 20 minutes

12. Lee’s favorite horse was Traveler, with him at Gettysburg. Lee renamed Traveler upon acquiring him. What was the horse’s first moniker?
a. State’s Rights
b. Independence Again
c. Jeff Davis
d. Abe Lincoln

13. What was the bloodiest day of the battle?
a. Day One—Oak Ridge, Herr Ridge, Barlow’s Knoll, and Union losses rolled back to Cemetery Hill
b. Day Two—Wheatfield, Peach Orchard, Rose Farm, Trostle Farm
c. Day Three—Culp’s Hill, Pickett’s Charge

14. Which Union Corps saw essentially no action all three days?
a. IVth
b. Vth
c. VIth
d. XIth

15. Historians differ on the relative importance of immediate causal factors leading to the failure of Pickett’s Charge on Day Three. Which of the following was NOT a factor?
a. Meade’s exploitation of interior lines
b. Lee’s exploitation of exterior lines
c. Union attack and victory from Culp’s Hill early that morning
d. Failure of the South’s artillery barrage

16. Confederate artillery was often inaccurate and ineffective. What do historians cite as the most common reason?
a. Inadequate expertise as no artillery schooling existed in the South
b. Federal Navy blockade
c. Confederate emphasis on infantry pre-eminence
d. Decentralized organizational authority and execution of artillery forces

17. The National Park Service prohibits visitors from standing on one rock in the Gettysburg National Military Park due to absolute confirmation that a leader stood on that rock during or after the battle. A statue of this leader is also on this rock. Who is so memorialized?
a. Barlow, US, location of his successful defense of Barlow’s Knoll
b. Reynolds, US, location of his death on Seminary Hill
c. Lincoln, spot on Cemetery Ridge from which he gave the Gettysburg Address
d. Warren, US, at the summit of Little Round Top

18. The following five fields of fire were Gettysburg’s deadliest. Can you place them in order, worst first?
a. Peach Orchard, Day 2
b. Culp’s Hill, Day 3
c. Pickett’s Charge, Day 3
d. Wheatfield, Day 2
e. Emmitsburg Rd to Cemetery Ridge, Day 2

19. During the war, the Union army conquered and occupied every state capital in the Confederacy except for
a. MS
b. TX
c. AL
D. FL

20. Short answer: The Alabama State Monument includes a statue that bears a clear resemblance to George Washington. Why?
21. The official motto of the Confederate States of America was Deo Vindice. What does that mean?
22. Fill in the blank: In American military history, with the exception of ______[what date]______, no other single military engagement has received more print than the Battle of Gettysburg.
23. If any of you get the chance to proceed beyond some cursory preparation, from your understanding of the battle, what are the top five “What-if’s”, in your view? Historians usually cite
a. Operational: What if Lee had won?
b. Historical: What if Stonewall had been there?
c. Historical: Was Longstreet a culprit or a victim (re the Day 2 and 3 losses)?
d. Tactical: Was Sickles’ Salient stupid or wise?
e. Historical: Was taking Cemetery Hill “practicable?” This refers to Lee’s general order to Ewell for his II Corps to take Cemetery Hill, on the Union Center-Right, toward the evening of Day 1.
24. Meade maintained the high ground, aggregated his forces within the relatively small Fishhook, and allowed operational control of Corps forces to shift as needed to meet the current threat. His actions best illustrate which two Principles of War?
a. Offensive and Security
b. Economy of Forces and Simplicity
c. Objective and Maneuver
d. Mass and Unity of Command

25. Order the following units by size, largest to smallest
a. Regiment
b. Division
c. Company
d. Brigade

26. After your tour of the battlefield, by how much would you guess Union memorials outnumber Confederate memorials?
a. 2 to 1
b. 5 to 1
c. 15 to 1
d. 50 to 1

27. Short answer. The chief sculptor for the NC state monument was Gutzon Borglum. For which of Borglum’s works is he even more famous?
28. Short answer. What did the PA towns of Carlisle, New Cumberland, and Wrightsville have in common on 29 and 30 Jun 1863?
29. Most of us will walk the 1.1 mile Pickett’s Charge field, most likely from the VA memorial to the High Water Mark memorial, i.e. from Seminary Ridge to the stone wall. From 1893 through 1946, what activity did NOT occur in this area?
a. Latrines for members of the Third Reich
b. Armor (tank) training for doughboys destined for Flanders Fields
c. The Gettysburg Electric Railway
d. Swimming pool concrete development labs built by the Civil Conservation Corps

30. In 2003, several American military historians suggested certain battle sites are so important to our heritage that they have earned the status of “pronoun.” (I’m not making this up.) What Gettysburg field of fire has Stephen Sears and others knighted with a capital letter and now reference without regard to the war or battle in which the site became famous?
a. the Railroad Cut
b. the Wheatfield
c. the Peach Orchard
d. the Stone Wall

31. Put the following states in order of the number of military clashes that occurred within their borders, least to greatest
a. Pennsylvania
b. Mississippi
c. Tennessee
d. Virginia

32. What do you think you’ll enjoy the most about this Nov 09 Ham Fam at Gettysburg?
a. The fellowship and fun
b. The singing in the Stone Ridge Dining Room
c. Playing with all the little ones
d. Gma and Gpa
e. Learning about the battle
f. Changing diapers
g. Hershey Park
h. Tom’s incredible knowledge of the battle
i. All the above