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junkyardromeo · 7 months

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Spring 1864

Ryan looked in the mirror. He was in the parlor of a lovely little home in Charleston, thanks to the hospitality of some of Lani’s family, and he had a plan.

“I have to see him,” Ryan said. “I can’t get him out, but I have to see him.”

“They’ll lock you up if they know what you are.” Abigail was one of Lani’s distant cousins. She was a lovely girl, and a stalwart supporter of the Southern cause. She would help him.

“I know. But they won’t lock up a lady.”

“I’m not going there.”

“I’m not asking you to. I’m asking you to help me become a lady for a day.” Ryan knew he was pretty for a boy, and he knew Union officers weren’t immune to the charms of a lady. He had to see Lani.

Abigail looked at him.

“I think I can work with that,” she said. “Let me get some things. Strip.”

Ryan did as he was told. He was uncomfortably aware of how skinny he looked and the array of scars on his torso.

“Oh, honey…”

“Don’t.”

Ryan hated the pity in her eyes. He didn’t want to think about how he’d gotten some of them, or the ones he’d given to other men.

“Bloomers,” she said, handing him a bundle of linen and lace. “Put them on. So, you don’t have anything to fill out the top. We’re just going to have to put you in a corset and hope for the best. You’re probably not going to like the way this feels.”

“Just do it. I don’t care. Can’t be worse than anything else I’ve felt.” Couldn’t be worse than grapeshot to the stomach, couldn’t be worse than marching miles upon miles in the snow with no boots, couldn’t be worse than being bucked for hours because you mouthed off when you were drunk, couldn’t be worse than watching your best friend shot dead, couldn’t be worse than watching your lover dragged off to the pits of hell.

“Breathe in,” Abigail saId, slipping the corset under his arms, “and don’t breathe out until I say.”

Ryan breathed in and held it as she tightened the laces.

“You can breathe now.”

“Christ,” he gasped. It was tight, but not unbearably.

“Yes sir, you see what we deal with every day? Now, petticoats.” She handed him another bundle of lace. “Step in, and I’ll fasten the back.”

He stepped into the skirts and held them up while Abigail hooked the back. Next was the dress itself.

“I picked out three, you can decide which one you think loverboy will appreciate the most.”

“I—Wait, what?”

“Oh, don’t think I’m a fool. I see the way you look when you talk about him. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone. I think it’s sweet.”

“I ain’t no sodomite, I swear!”

“I don’t mind, honey, I really don’t. If you love him, you love him. You’ve been through a lot with him, it only makes good sense that you’d care for him.”

“You don’t think it’s a sin?”

“Sin or not, I don’t mind.” Abigail patted his head. “Now pick out a dress.”

Ryan looked at the three dresses laid across the settee. One was pale blue, with puffed sleeves and bows on the skirt. One was dark purple, with a lacy bodice and a ruffled skirt. One was green, with a beaded bodice and a tiered skirt.

“Purple,” he said. He’d always liked purple.

After much fussing, an hour spent on hair and makeup, and another hour spent on the art of flirting to get what you want, Ryan looked in the mirror again. He almost didn’t recognize himself. Abigail had put his hair in some elaborate updo containing braids and ringlets, situated a bonnet which matched the dress on top, fixed a glittery necklace around his neck to hide his adam’s apple, and given him a pair of place lace gloves. He looked like a proper lady.

“I’ll be damned,” he said. “Hell, I look all fancy.”

Abigail looked very pleased with herself.

“It’ll do. Now, remember what I told you. Flirt a little, say you just MUST see your fiancé or you’ll simply perish.”

“I owe you, Miss. Thank you kindly for everything. Please let me know if I can ever repay you.”

“No need, honey. You just tell Lani I said hello, alright?”

***

Ryan stepped out of the carriage to Fort Pulaski, heart in his throat.

“Hello, sir,” he said to the officer by the gates, pitching his voice up. “I’m here because my fiancé is being held, and I simply must see him.

The officer looked at him. Ryan saw the tiredness in his eyes and knew his pain.

“Please, sir,” he said, his voice breaking a little bit. “I beg of you.”

“What’s his name?”

“Lani Sparks.”

“Ah, yes. One of the few I know by name. He’s a spirited one, for sure. I can take you back, give you a little time. We’re not really supposed to let anyone in, but…” He trailed off. “I’ve got a girl of my own. I know what it’s like.”

“Thank you kindly, sir. Truly, thank you.”

“I’m not promising he’s still alive. He was the last time I saw him but…the conditions aren’t great. Nothing anyone can do about it.”

“I know.” Ryan didn’t want to think about Lani dying here, like this. If he went down, he was supposed to go down in a blaze of glory, fighting for his life and his home. He wasn’t supposed to die a prisoner on his own soil.

“May I ask what your name is?”

Ryan panicked. He hadn’t planned on an alter ego.

“Oh, yes. Forgive my lack of manners. Alice Jackson.” He hoped it was believable. He’d taken the first two names that came to mind, both from dear friends, one dead and one missing.

“Pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Jackson. I’m George Mayfield.

“And pleased to make yours, Mr. Mayfield.”

Ryan wondered why the officer was being so nice to him. He was starting to wonder what this stupid war was about in the first place. Politicians’ nonsense was all it was, really, and men like himself and George were dying for a cause that really didn’t affect poor boys like them anyways.

“This is it.” George pulled a ring of keys from his belt and fitted one into the heavy iron lock on the cell door. “We had to put him in here alone because he was riling up the others.”

“Sounds like him,” Ryan said, choking back tears.

“I’ll leave you for a while.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Ryan stepped inside and George locked the door behind him. It was dark, save for the slight bit of sunlight tricking in from the barred windows high above. He choked when he saw Lani, curled up in the corner, asleep, unconscious, or dead.

He dropped to his knees on the dirt floor.

“Lani? Lani, please, it’s Ryan, please wake up, please don’t be dead!”

Chains clinked as Lani stirred and opened the one eye that wasn’t black and swollen shut.

“Oh, shit, I must be dyin’, cuz you look like a goddamned angel.” Lani cracked a crooked grin and took Ryan’s hand. “God, where’d you get that dress? Wait, why are you wearing a dress? What the hell is goin’ on?”

“Oh my god, I thought you were dead!”

“Will be soon. I’m goin’ insane in here. Everything hurts.” He looked like hell. His hair was ratty and his face dirty, his clothes torn and bloodstained. Ryan realized belatedly that he was shackled at both his wrists and ankles.

“They got you tied up like a dog in here. Hell, I’ve missed you. You look awful, what have they done to you?”

“Hell of a welcome, ain’t it? ‘Damn, love of my life, you look ugly and I hate your house.’ They got me like this cuz I was startin’ shit.”

“You know that ain’t how I meant it.” Ryan wrapped his arms around Lani and pulled him to his chest. “They hurt you.”

“Nothin’ I can’t handle,” Lani said with a bitter laugh. “Goddamn, you look pretty. You got a corset under that thing? Jesus Christ, Ryan, you gonna get me all hot and then leave?”

“Lani, you’re half starved and beaten to hell, and all you’re worried about is fucking?”

“Hey, a man’s gotta have somethin’. They ain’t gentle in here. I miss you.”

“Did they touch you? I’ll kill them Yankee shitheads, I swear to the Lord, if they touched you-”

“Calm down, honey, ain’t nothin’ I can’t take. I promise.”

“Lani, they’re treating you like an animal!” Ryan broke down, sobbing into Lani’s filthy grey jacket.

“Hey, hey, breathe,” Lani said, chains rattling as he wrapped his arms around Ryan’s neck. “I’m gonna get outta here. We ain’t winnin’ this war, but I’m gonna get outta here and we’re gonna have a pretty little farmhouse in…Beaufort, or somewhere nice. It’s gonna be okay. I’m tough, remember? I can take it. Hell, I’m glad I’m in here and not you.”

“Don’t say that.”

“Why? I mean it.”

“You don’t. God, I never woulda started anything. I woulda kept my mouth shut and behaved.”

“Naw, it was worse before they put me away. Least in here I don’t gotta hear ‘em all jeerin’ at me.”

Ryan sobbed some more. It wasn’t fair. It just wasn’t fair.

“Hey, you listen to me. Don’t you be cryin’ over me. Look at me.”

Ryan looked. Lani’s face was as handsome as ever, underneath the dirt and blood. His eyes hadn’t lost their sparkle. How he hadn’t broken yet was beyond Ryan.

“You never told me where you got that pretty dress. I know you didn’t do all that fancy shit on your own. I love you, but you can’t do makeup like that.”

“Abigail helped me. She said to tell you hello.”

“That little minx! Always knew she was a good woman.” Lani smiled. “God, I’m so glad you came. Missin’ you like hell.”

“I wish I could get you out. The officer that brought me here—Mayfield—he was real kind.”

“Oh, he’s one of the good ones. If a damn Yankee could ever be good, George would be a good one.”

“Yeah,” Ryan said, dropping his head back onto Lani’s chest. The cold metal of Lani’s shackles was digging into his neck, but he didn’t mind. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“Don’t die in here.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

“Oh!” Ryan yanked up the top layer of his skirts, revealing a bag. “Abigail sent you some food.”

“Oh, shit, please, oh God,” Lani moaned. “Food!”

Ryan unwrapped the spread Abigail had sent—biscuits, a bit of ham, apple fritters, and some cold bacon.

“Oh, fuck me. I ain’t had good food in months.”

Lani ate faster than Ryan had ever seen anyone eat in his entire life, and he’d seen a lot.

“God, thank you.”

“They aren’t feeding you.”

“Not much. Hardtack and some beans if I’m lucky. Least I ain’t caught the fever yet.”

“I’ve gotta get you outta here.”

“Don’t know how. I’m just hopin’ the war ends and they let us go.”

“We ain’t gonna win.”

“I know,” Lani said. “It’s a lost cause.” He leaned back against the wall. “But our love ain’t. Come over here and kiss me.”

Ryan did, holding Lani as close as he possibly could. Again, he was aware that this could be the last time. He wondered if they might ever get to live in peace, not running, not hiding, not fighting.

A key in the lock sounded, and Lani flinched.

“Miss Jackson, are you decent?”

“Just a moment, please, sir.” Ryan replied.

“Don’t leave me,” Lani said, panic written on his face. Ryan hated it when the scared little boy showed through his tough facade.

“I have to. I’ll come back, I promise. I love you.”

“I love you too. I love you more than anything. More than God. More than the South.”

Ryan walked out before he could start crying again, not daring to look back at Lani, defeated.

#im going the hell thru it this city is bad for me and im sick of seeing ghosts #but yeah. ive been watching north and south n having a little inspo #lotta nighttime walks lotta visits to old places lotta ghosts down here #n i went to fort pulaski last year n wanted 2 write this then but didnt have the words #been brewing for a while #anyways #neon angels #james writes

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pentimint · 1 month

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"that's technically a counterfactual...alternative history discussion. they're fun to do, but they can never be confirmed or disproven. but they ARE fun to do so let's do it >:)"

#-my professor re: the seizure of fort pulaski #blah blah

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civilwarvacations · 1 year

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Mardi Gras and a Parade

Winter is a dreary time up north, and many people think of visiting a warmer climate. However, you can have a lot of fun in the South, and we’re not talking about Disney World, either. Some events are happening in cities rich in Civil War tradition and history. You can combine your quest for the past and your desire for present-day fun. We are suggesting Mardi Gras and a parade for your…

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#Civil War Vacation #Fort Morgan #Fort Pulaski. Savannah #Mobile #Savannah

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minnesotadruids · 2 years

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2022 Pagan Pride Days in US & Canada

Here’s a list of Pagan Pride fall festivals and a handful of similar events coming up. Want to meet other druids, witches, heathens, and similar like-minded individuals? Most Pagan Pride Days are free, unless otherwise specified below. Please be sure to verify these events for yourselves before venturing out. Be safe and have fun!

Alabama: Auburn: Kiesel Park: September 17, hours TBA…

Alberta: Edmonton: Richie Hall: September 10, 11 AM to 5 PM

Arizona: Phoenix: Steele Indian School Park: November 5, 9 AM to 5 PM

British Columbia: Vancouver: Trout Lake Park: August 13, 12 PM to 7 PM

California: Los Angeles/Long Beach: Rainbow Lagoon: October 2, 10 AM to 5:30 PM

California: Sacramento: Phoenix Park: September 10, 10 AM to 6 PM

Colorado: Denver: TBA: Usually announced in October for last weekend of month

Colorado: Fort Collins: City Park: August 21, 10 AM to 6 PM

Connecticut: Berlin: Veteran's Memorial Park: Weekend near Autumnal Equinox TENTATIVE

District of Columbia: See Frederick MD and/or Reston VA

Florida: Jacksonville: Riverside Artist Square: September 25, 11 AM to 5 PM

Georgia: Athens: Washington Street between Pulaski & Hull: October 22, hours TBA

Illinois: Chicago: Garfield Park: September 24, 10 AM to 6 PM

Illinois: Wheaton: Henry S. Olcott Memorial Library lawn: September 10, 10 AM to 5 PM

"TheosoFest" with free admission, vehicle parking is $5

Iowa: Burlington: Dankwardt Park: August 27, times not specified

Kentucky: Louisville: Waterfront Park: September 10, 11 AM to 6 PM

Louisiana: New Orleans: October 1, updating website soon for full details

Maryland: Frederick: UU Congregation of Frederick (lawn), September 17, 10 AM to 6 PM

Massachusetts: Lakeville: Ted Williams Camp: September 11, 10 AM to 6 PM

Massachusetts: Northampton: 1 Kirkland Ave, September 24, 9 AM to 5 PM

Michigan: Ann Arbor: Washtenaw Community College: September 10, 10 AM to 5 PM

Michigan: Grand Rapids: Richmond Park: September 17, 9 AM to whenever

Minnesota: Mankato: Jack McGowans Farm: August 13-14, 10 AM to 5 PM

Minnesota: Minneapolis: Minnehaha Falls Park: September 10, 10 AM to 6 PM

Missouri: Joplin: Cunningham Park: September 10, 9 AM to 6 PM

Missouri: Springfield: 405 Washington Ave, September 17, 11 AM to 5 PM

Montana: Kalispell: UU Church, 1515 Tumble Creek Road: September 17, 11 AM to 6 PM

New Jersey: Old Bridge: 144 E Greystone Rd (registration required): August 6, 9 AM to 6 PM

Technically a "Pagan Picnic" by Hands of Change with similar stuff to Pagan Pride Days

New Jersey: Cherry Hill: Cooper River Park: October 1, 10 AM to 6 PM

New Mexico: Albuquerque: Bataan Memorial Park: September 25, 10 AM to 6 PM

Has admission fee: donation of one non-perishable food item

New Mexico: Las Cruces: Pioneer Women's Park: October 15, 11 AM to whenever

New York: Buffalo: Buffalo Irish Center: October 9, 11 AM to 4 PM

New York: Syracuse: Long Branch Park: September 17, 10 AM to 5 PM

Ohio: Cincinnati: Mt. Airy Forest: Stone Steps Picnic Shelter: August 5, 12 PM to 8 PM

Pagan Pride Potluck Picnic: free event, but bring food to share

Park Vehicle Fee: $5 for Hamilton County residents, $8 for non-residents

Ohio: Cleveland (Bedford): Bedford Public Square, Aug 18-21, 5-10 PM, 12-10 PM, 12-5 PM

Has admission fee: donation of two non-perishable food items

Ohio: Dayton (Fairborn): Fairborn Community Park: October 22, 9 AM to 6 PM

Oklahoma: OK City: Wiley Post Park: September 24, 10 AM to 5 PM

Oklahoma: Tulsa: Dream Keepers Park: October 1, 9 AM to 6 PM

Ontario: Toronto: Gage Park: September 11, 10 AM to 6 PM

Oregon: Eugene: Alton Baker Park: August 7, 10:30 AM to 7 PM

Oregon: Portland: Oaks Amusement Park: September 18, 10 AM to 5 PM

Pennsylvania: Allentown (Easton): Louise Moore County Park: August 20, 9 AM to 4 PM

Pennsylvania: Philadelphia: Clark Park: September 3, 10 AM to 6 PM

Pennsylvania: York: Samuel Lewis State Park (no entrance fee): September 24 10 AM to 6 PM

South Carolina: Greenville (Easley): Maynard Community Center: October 1, 9 AM to 5 PM

Has admission fee: donation of one non-perishable food item

Tennessee: Knoxville: The Concourse: September 10, 10 AM to whenever

Has admission fee: donation of one non-perishable food item (or cash)

Tennessee: Memphis: Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park: October 20-23, starts at Noon

"Festival of Souls" Registration required: $60 for whole weekend or $25 per day

Tennessee: Nashville: Two Rivers Park: October 1, 10 AM to 5 PM

Texas: Dallas-Fort Worth: Arlington UU Church: November 6, 10 AM to 5 PM

Virginia: Reston: Lake Fairfax Park, October 1, 10 AM to 5 PM

Washington: Spokane: UU Church of Spokane: September 17 10 AM to 4 PM

There may be more Pagan Pride Day events than the ones listed here, but they’re either difficult to find info for online or plans are still tentative. Sorry if I missed any major ones!

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countyflagchampionship · 5 months

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On to Round 2!

This is a wrap-up of the current standings. Polls for round 2 will be published starting this Saturday (12/16).

Congratulations to all the counties that progressed!

The state that is standing the strongest is New York, with 39 counties progressing to round 2! Albany, Allegany, Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Chenango, Clinton, Columbia, Delaware, Franklin, Greene, Hamilton, Jefferson, Kings, Livingston, Nassau, New York, Niagara, Oneida, Orange, Otsego, Putnam, Rensselaer, Richmond, Rockland, Saint Lawrence, Saratoga, Schuyler, Steuben, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Westchester, and Wyoming.

Next most powerful state is Virginia, which has 36 winning counties. Alleghany, Alleghany, Amherst, Augusta, Bedford, Brunswick, Caroline, Carroll, Charlotte, Chesterfield, Fairfax, Fauquier, Fluvanna, Gloucester, Goochland, Grayson, Halifax, Isle of Wight, James City, King and Queen, King George, King William, Lee, Louisa, Montgomery, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Prince Edward, Pulaski, Rockingham, Scott, Smyth, Southampton, Tazewell, Warren, and Wise.

Ohio is also standing strong with 27 advancing counties. Brown, Butler, Columbiana, Coshocton, Crawford, Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Geauga, Holmes, Jackson, Lake, Lawrence, Licking, Madison, Mahoning, Medina, Mercer, Monroe, Muskingum, Perry, Pickaway, Ross, Scioto, Seneca, Trumbull, and Van Wert.

North Carolina is up next with a solid 24 wins. Beaufort, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Camden, Carteret, Craven, Currituck, Granville, Harnett, Henderson, Hoke, Jackson, Johnson, Lenoir, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, Mecklenburg, Northampton, Onslow, Person, Robeson, Tyrrell, and Wake.

Only 1 more state has over 20 counties that made won their match-ups and that's my wonderful Washington. Adams, Asotin, Chelan, Clallam, Cowlitz, Ferry, Garfield, Grant, Grays Harbor, King, Kitsap, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lewis, Pacific, Pend Oreille, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, Walla Walla, Whatcom, Whitman, Yakima. Stay strong my soldiers.

A much higher number of states are comfortably in the middle of the pack. They are as follows:

Texas: 19 counties. Bosque, Collin, Dallas, Denton, Fort Bend, Goliad, Hockley, Jones, Lipscomb, Live Oak, Llano, McMullen, Milam, Ochiltree, Orange, Panola, Parker, San Patricio, and Travis.

California: 17 counties. Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Imperial, Lake, Mariposa, Monterey, Orange, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Tulare, Tuolumne, and Yolo.

Pennsylvania: 16 counties. Allegheny, Blair, Butler, Carbon, Dauphin, Franklin, Greene, Jefferson, Lancaster, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montgomery, Perry, Potter, Venango, and York.

Tennessee: 15 counties. Blount, Campbell, Carter, Cumberland, Hardin, Houston, Johnson, Knox, Madison, Maury, McNairy, Obion, Union, Williamson, and Wilson.

Nebraska: 13 counties. Adams, Buffalo, Cass, Cherry, Dakota, Keith, Knox, Nuckolls, Platte, Saunders, Stanton, Thayer, and Webster.

Nevada: 13 counties. Churchill, Clark, Douglas, Esmeralda, Eureka, Lander, Lincoln, Lyon, Mineral, Pershing, Storey, Washoe, and White Pine.

Illinois: 12 counties. Cook, DeKalb, Franklin, Jasper, Kane, Marion, McDonough, McHenry, Morgan, Peoria, St Clair, and Winnebago.

Maryland: 12 counties. Anne Arundel, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Dorchester, Frederick, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Washington, and Worcester.

Michigan: 12 counties. Barry, Berrien, Clinton, Genesee, Gogebic, Kalamazoo, Lake, Oceana, Ottawa, Rocommon, Sanilac, and Wexford.

Iowa: 11 counties. Dickinson, Fayette, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Humboldt, Jefferson, Jones, Polk, Pottawattamie, and Wright.

Louisiana: 11 parishes. Ascension, Bossier, Cameron, Catahoula, Concordia, Jefferson, Lincoln, Natchitoches, St Bernard, St James, and St Tammany.

New Jersey: 11 counties. Bergen, Cumberland, Essex, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren.

Kentucky: 10 counties. Boone, Boyle, Breckinridge, Daviess, Leslie, Logan, Pike, Shelby, Trimble, Woodford.

Many of these poor cute states are barely hanging on. Please wish them luck.

Florida: 8 counties. Alachua, Bay, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okaloosa, Osceola, Palm Beach, and St Johns.

New Mexico: 8 counties. Colfax, Curry, Doña Ana, Lincoln, Mora, Otero, Roosevelt, and Socorro.

Georgia: 6 counties. Bartow, Cherokee, Floyd, Fulton, Pierce, and Rockdale.

Indiana: 6 counties. Benton, Elkhart, Jennings, Marion, Marshall, and Starke.

Minnesota: 6 counties. Aitkin, Clearwater, Hennepin, Hubbard, McLeod, and Pipestone.

Wisconsin: 6 counties. Calumet, Fond du Lac, Osaukee, Portage, Racine, and Sheboygan.

Wyoming: 6 counties. Big Horn, Converse, Lincoln, Natrona, Park, and Teton.

Missouri: 5 counties. Clay, Gentry, Greene, Newton, and St Louis.

South Carolina: 5 counties. Anderson, Calhoun, Dillon, Dorchester, and Lexington.

Utah: 5 counties. Beaver, Summit, Utah, Washington, and Wayne.

Alaska: 4 boroughs. Anchorage, Juneau, Matanuska-Susitna, and Wrangell.

Arkansas: 4 counties. Cross, Searcy, Washington, and White.

Colorado: 4 counties. Douglas, El Paso, Fremont, and La Plata.

Oklahoma: 4 counties. Bryan, Payne, Rogers, and Washington.

West Virginia: 4 counties. Fayette, Marion, Monongalia, and Roane.

Alabama: 3 counties. Bullock, Cleburne, and Mobile.

Arizona: 3 counties. Coconino, Maricopa, and Yavapai.

Maine: 3 counties. Androscoggin, Hancock, and Washington.

Idaho: 2 counties. Bannock and Bonner.

Kansas: 2 counties. Atchinson and Johnson.

Massachusetts: 2 counties. Barnstable and Berkshire.

Montana: 2 counties. Gallatin and Silver Bow.

North Dakota: 2 counties. Benson and LaMoure.

Some states only have 1 county that progressed. They are: Delaware (Kent County), Hawaii (Maui County), Mississippi (Adams County), New Hampshire (Hillsborough County), Oregon (Linn County), and South Dakota (Bennet County).

```

In addition to all the winning counties above, there will be 83 new county flags folded into round 2!!! (Because of math reasoning this had to happen) Get hyped

They are as follows:

Alexander NC, Allen OH, Alpena MI, Alpena MI, Alpine CA, Arapahoe CO, Ashe NC, Avery NC, Baldwin AL, Baltimore MD, Bell KY, Benzie MI, Bernalillo NM, Black Hawk IA, Brevard FL, Camden NJ, Campbell WY, Canyon ID, Centre PA, Charles City VA, Cheatham TN, Chester PA, Clark WA, Clarke VA, Cleveland OK, Cochise AZ, Columbus NC, Coweta GA, Darke OH, Davidson NC, Elko NV, Erie PA, Florence SC, Garrett MD, Goshen WY, Greene VA, Grundy IL, Gwinnett GA, Hidalgo TX, Highland OH, Hocking OH, Holt NE, Hot Springs WY, Howard MD, Huntingdon PA, Ingham MI, Island WA, Kankakee IL, Lackawanna PA, Lawrence PA, Leelanau MI, Lehigh PA, Leon FL, Liberty TX, Lucas OH, Madera CA, Mahaska IA, Manitowoc WI, McLennan TX, Meigs OH, Milwaukee WI, Nashville and Davidson TN, Northumberland VA, Orleans NY, Page VA, Porter IN, Sacramento CA, Salt Lake UT, San Diego CA, Sangamon IL, Sevier TN, Shelby TN, Skamania WA, Spotsylvania VA, Stafford VA, Sussex VA, Terrell TX, Trinity CA, Tulsa OK, Tuscarawas OH, Ventura CA, Wahkiakum WA, Yuma AZ

#updates

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muttball · 1 year

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Fort Pulaski Howitzer

Last of the three major types of artillery in use during the War of 1812 was the howitzer. It was used throughout the Civil War.

#military weapons #muttball #travel photography #photography #travel america #howitzer #fort pulaski #civil war #national monument #georgia

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the-novel-experience · 1 year

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A road trip to Savannah

Over the weekend me and my husband went on a long awaited trip down to Savannah, Georgia. It has been on my bucket list for quite some time now, as a lover of history. The first hurdle for our trip was the drive, so we decided to stop over in Wilmington NC, a five hour drive from our home in Virginia. On the way, we couldn’t help but stop for lunch at Chapel Hill, NC where we shopped at one of my favorite book stores, flyleaf books. The used book selection is amazing and the books they recommend are pretty and modern. We stopped for lunch at this place called KoKyu which was a ghost kitchen type store, which had good food but unfortunately no indoor seating so sitting outside in the heat was rough.

Our first night in Wilmington, we stayed at the Graystone Inn, a beautiful lodging near to the river and the main street. We did have to park a few blocks down the street at their sister inn, which wasn’t too much of a hassle. It was either that or on the busy street which was already taken by other cars. The room was spacious but the TV didn’t have many options in terms of cable and the shower had this weird effect on the eyes. The main street of Wilmington, at sunset, was fun to walk around. We went to the museum of the bizarre, which was a cute quirky museum located on the riverfront. It was small and had a mirror maze which cost a bit extra. If you are interested in cryptids or have a morbid curiosity, this would be for you, taking up only ten minutes of our time.

The next day we stopped at Wrightsville beach before we got on the road to Savannah, stopping at a donut inn for a coffee and a donut. The donuts were decent but unremarkable. The beach was pleasant enough but we felt pretty rushed as it was pay to park, and we refused to do that for a brief amount of time. I always figure that beaches should also have taps to clean off sandy feet and this could have benefitted from that. The road to Savannah from Wilmington was a very boring drive taking the interstate and the highway. We did stop at a Bucc-ees in Florence, South Carolina, but were overwhelmed by the amount of people and the size. The lunch we got there, the wrap and the sandwiches were actually pretty good, my favorite being the chicken sandwich.

Our first place to visit in Savannah was Fort Pulaski, which was a old civil war fort with a moat. It was pretty similar to the other forts we have seen, but was still worth seeing with pretty views and is set up well. We didn’t spend too long here but could have spent more if we read all the placards. Afterwards, we headed to the legendary Bonnaventure cemetery. It was gorgeous and a lovely walk, but make sure to bring water as we struggled. There seemed to be a lot of tours, by walk or golf cart that was happening at the same time we got there. They did sound pretty interesting when we walked by. These tours seemed to be pretty common in Savannah as we would constantly see tour trolleys and walking tours throughout the city.

Next we headed to the Hyatt regency, Savannah which was on river street. We were going to initially park in the self parking garage they recommended if you didn’t want to park Valet, but unfortunately it was full at the time. It was much nicer than the other Hyatt Regency we stayed at which was located in Charleston, West Virginia, as it didn’t smell like smoke. However, returning later there was a weird smell in the hallway but that did not seep into our clean and nice room. Whilst not as nice a room as the Graystone, it was in a nice location and we could look directly over the river, which was not that clean or exciting of a view, but was super cool when late at night we saw two large container ships pass right by. The horn did freak us out a bit as we thought the AC was broken. The AC was loud, as they tend to be, which I don’t tend to like.

A walk down river street didn’t really impress me much, it was filled with a lot of drunk people and tacky souvenir shops and the city smelt awful. We dined at Vics River Grill where we had:

Crab beignets which were good

Fried green tomatoes which was also really good,

She crab soup which I’m always a sucker for, which was really good,

Catfish and Grits which we didn’t really like that much, however they nicely split it in two for us.

We walked down the mainstreet for a bit, where I stopped into a nice comic book shop, Odin and Sons, where I bought two comics. The guy at the counter was really nice and he commented that one of the comics I got, Monstress by Marjorie Liu and drawn by Sana Takeda, was really good. We were going to try Leopolds, but were shaken off by the line. When returning to the hotel, we found out that the hotel sells the ice cream in pints and smaller pottles, which was a lifesaver. I got the peanut butter chippy which was really really good. Savannah was really busy the whole time we were there.

In the morning we stopped by at Collins Quarter, where I got a chai latte and a salmon bagel. I enjoyed the bagel but wondered what the capers really added to the dish, and the chai latte was not as good as the mix you get at Trader Joe’s. It’s also described as Australian but I didn’t see much of Australia in the dishes, being from its smaller neighbour, myself. We headed to Forsyth park where they were setting up the Saturday morning farmers market which had music, and a few cute stalls of people selling food and art. We got a milk and honey popsicle from a cart there, and walked around. The popsicle was very good; it had a subdued taste.The Collin’s Quarter there had a very long line for so early in the morning. The park was fairly busy with people playing sports. It was a very pretty walk with a lot of old buildings and pretty parks. We stopped to take pictures of some churches and buildings, primarily the Basilica, which later was open and could go inside, which was absolutely recommended as it was gorgeous. After walking around Forsyth park we walked to Colonial Cemetery, which had placards to read of the people buried there which I think would have been a cool addition to the other cemetery we went to before, Bonnaventure. There was a few tours here and it seemed to be a popular stop on the tour trolleys. We did find a cute market near the cemetery which was mildly busy, where we could buy water, Parker’s market. The houses around here were pretty. Our first tour we would take would be at the Mercer Williams house which is famous for In the garden of good and evil, and the location for swamp thing and return of swamp thing. There’s a cute shop which sells jelly cat plushies, which are adorable, where you buy your ticket, be here quickly as apparently it sells out very quickly. If we had not gone there at ten we wouldn't have been able to do the first 10:30 tour. The tour guide was informative and funny but the house itself was very small. If it wasn’t used as a filming location or had its history I don’t know if it would have been worth it. Then we popped into E Shaver bookstore, where I bought a lot of books, there was some great modern books on display, but was really busy. We also popped into the book lady bookstore, which had a few used books and I saw a couple of books I really enjoyed, but none that jumped out to me. We also tried to go to books on bay but I think they were closed permanently or we couldn’t find the door.

We knew lunch would be hard to find with the amount of people and we found a spot at Treylor park which was decent. After lunch we headed to Owens thomas house and slave quarters, which gives self guided tours after 2, since this was before two we got a really nice tour guide who showed us through the house, which exterior was getting some work and had scaffolding up. The house inside itself was decent and played a big focus on symmetry. The ticket price was fifty dollars which gets you into their other two museums Telfair academy, which had gorgeous art, and their other art museum which was more contemporary and small, which I didn’t really think was worth it. There was an interactive art where you could touch this net and colours would show, and a family seemed to enjoy it. We walked through city market which by then was filled with drunk people and stopped by the dry museum which was totally worth it. Me and my husband do not drink but it was so cool to see the history of one of the most interesting time periods. At the end of it there is a active speakeasy which I thought was a cool addition, but smelt very heavily of beer.

We went down river street to pick up some candy from the candy company and stopped by the graveface museum, which focused on morbid curiosity. This was a dark museum, and was not busy when we went, making it quite awkward. They were adding another space as well, a glimpse into the space looked pretty cool. I don’t think I would recommend this one, unless you are super into Serial Killers. Afterwards we waited in line for Ghost and Gravestones, a trolley ghost tour at night. Our trolley we were going to use was broken which led to some confusion and delay but we were on holiday, so it didn’t really matter. This was a good way to see the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace house, as it goes through it and there is a doll room which I guess you could find creepy. Someone else on the tour did say they felt a ghost in the house. The trolley tour was pretty funny and had some interesting ghost stories. Then they lead you to some place in river street where you are told more ghost stories including a sad one about a child. This segment of the tour is really funny and had the whole group laughing. It didn’t last very long but me and my husband are not night owls. Whilst on the tour we did see another hearse tour which also looked pretty fun. Then we tried Leopold's ice cream again but no luck, as the line was just as long. Savannah felt pretty safe around 9pm with all the crowds.

The next morning was time to leave Savannah and I was pretty sad to leave. I had a really fun time just walking around the town. My husband was excited to take me to breakfast at the original pancake house, which he loved when we went to Charlotte, NC. The waitress did forget his toast but we both enjoyed our breakfasts. I had the pancake sampler of berry peach and banana. We made plans to stop in either Augusta, GA or Colombia SC on our way to our last stop, Greenville and we decided Augusta might have been the best choice. Since we didn’t go to Colombia I can’t say if this was the best choice or not, but I think we should have chosen Colombia instead as the town was empty. Keep in mind that this was a Sunday so a lot of people were in church and businesses were closed but I just didn’t really enjoy the feel of the main street. We stopped into the book tavern where I bought Eva evergreen by Julia Abe. This bookstore was cute and the cashiers were informative about the local coffee shops and what was open. They said that New Moon cafe was open and my husband got a sweet tea and a coffee and I got a raspberry milkshake. Now my milkshake was nice and creamy but didn’t really taste like raspberry, just like vanilla ice cream with an afterthought of berry, and my husband really liked his sweet tea but did not care for the coffee.

After a few more hours of driving we finally landed in Greenville, SC. It was also super busy. We ended up eating at Willy taco and though we didn’t really enjoy their fried green tomatoes we enjoyed the rest of the food. I liked their queso but it was really runny. The tacos were good but a bit forgettable. We decided to stop in at the local 2nd and Charles. I remember the first 2nd and Charles in Charlotte was nice but the more we went there the more disappointing it was. I did pick up You’ve reached Sam by Dustin Thao. The next stop was a mid size book store called Mr Ks used books. I did really enjoy this book store and bought quite a bit. They seem to have their best books at the front of the book store, as their shelved books were a bit older.

Downtown Greenville was busy when we arrived but it wasn’t too hard to navigate, until we ended up at the wrong hotel. The next hotel was Hyatt Place. I enjoyed this room more than I enjoyed the Hyatt regency. The room had a nice couch and had proper cups and glasses and was just nicer. It was in a really good location. We then went out and walked the main street stopping by M. Judson booksellers. This was in a really pretty location. I picked up two books. Some books were modern and some were released last year. The book selection was pretty but not much caught my eye. The main street was pretty but a lot of the stores we had already seen in Savannah including the candy company. We stopped by marble slab creamery for an ice cream, and I thought it was decent. Walking past, Jenni’s ice cream was much busier and had quite a line, and I wish we had gone there instead. The river area of Greenville was really pretty, and seemed like a great hangout spot.

On the way back home we made two stops, one to walk Blacksburg, a place we have wanted to do for a while. It felt very much like a very small college town with a very small bookstore on the main street, Blacksburg books, which had a few signed copies of some interesting books, and a very small used book section. For lunch we hopped on over to Roanoke, Crystal Spring grocery, which gave you a lot of fries. It was a decent meal.

Overall I’m sure I missed some of Savannah, I would definitely go back there, and to Willmington. I would love to do the battleship in Wilmington and the river boat tour in Savannah.

#savannah #georgia #things to do in savannah #Wilmington #Greenville #Roadtrip #Bookstores #travel #traveling #coffe #food #books #cemetery #graveyard #museums #houses #tours #adventure

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nordleuchten · 1 year

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24 Days of La Fayette – Day 16: François-Louis Teissèdre de Fleury

Today’s aide-de-camp is François-Louis Teissèdre de Fleury, Marquis de Fleury and son of François Teisseydre de Fleury. He was born in 1749 and first served in the French army as a volunteer from 1768 onwards. In 1772 he was made sous-aide-major in the Rouergue Regiment.

While La Fayette and his group of fellow travelers are certainly among the most famous foreign personal in the continental army, their idea was by no means novel. There were several groups of Frenchman that tried one way or another to join the War in America (and for one reason or another). Fleury was part of such a group - and he was one of the, comparatively speaking, few successful ones.

He was made a Captain of Enginers by the Continental Congress on May 22, 1777 and was awarded 50 Dollar for his travelling expenses. William Heath wrote to George Washington on April 26, 1777:

The Three appear to be Officers of Abilities—They inform me that Mr Dean promised them that their Expences should be born to Philadelphia &c.—I must confess I scarcely know what to do with them, & wish Direction, I have advanced to Col. Conway, as advance pay 150 Dollars to enable him to proceed to Philadelphia—And to Capt. Lewis Fleury 50 Dollars—The latter is engaged as a Capt. Engineer.

“To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 26 April 1777,” Founders Online, National Archives, [Original source: The Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series, vol. 9, 28 March 1777 – 10 June 1777, ed. Philander D. Chase. Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia, 1999, pp. 277–280.] (12/16/2022)

He was initially assigned to a corps of rifleman but soon got promoted and re-assigned after he fought with distinction at the Battle of Brandywine, where his horse was shot from under him. A Boston newspaper wrote on December 4, 1777:

The Chevalier du Plessis, who is one of General Knox’s Family, had three Balls thro’ his Hat. Young Fleuri’s Horse was killed under him. He shew’d so much Bravery, and was so useful in rallying the Troops, that the Congress have made him a Present of another.

“Extract from a Boston Newspaper, [after 4 December 1777],” Founders Online, National Archives, [Original source: The Papers of Benjamin Franklin, vol. 25, October 1, 1777, through February 28, 1778, ed. William B. Willcox. New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1986, pp. 244–245.] (12/16/2022)

Fleury also participated in the Battle of Germantown, where, in classical La Fayette-fashion, he was wounded in the leg. The General Orders from October 3, 1777 read as follows:

Lewis Fleury Esqr. is appointed Brigade Major to The Count Pulaski, Brigadier General of the Light Dragoons, and is to be respected as such.

“General Orders, 3 October 1777,” Founders Online, National Archives, [Original source: The Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series, vol. 11, 19 August 1777 – 25 October 1777, ed. Philander D. Chase and Edward G. Lengel. Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia, 2001, pp. 372–375.] (12/16/2022)

Fleury was ordered to defend Fort Mifflin on November 4, 1777, where he would be engaged in the attack on Fort Mifflin on November 15 of the same year. Fleury was again wounded but even more important, he kept a very detailed journal and his entries from October 15-19 were often cited to illustrate the events surrounding the attack.

Concerning his wounds (and his personal value) Colonel Samuel Smith wrote to George Washington on November 16, 1777:

Major Fleury is hurt but not very much. he is a Treasure that ought not to be lost.

To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 16 November 1777,” Founders Online, National Archives, [Original source: The Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series, vol. 12, 26 October 1777 – 25 December 1777, ed. Frank E. Grizzard, Jr. and David R. Hoth. Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia, 2002, pp. 281–282.] (12/16/2022)

La Fayette became aware of Fleury’s brave conduct and wrote to Henry Laurens on November 18, 1777:

You heard as soon almost as myself of all the interesting niews on the Delaware. The gallant defense of our forts deserves praisespraise and her daughter emulation arethe necessary attendants of an army. I am told that Major Fleury and Captain du Plessis have done theyr duty. It is a pleasant enjoyement for my mind, when some frenchmen behave a la francoise, and I can assure you that everyone who in the defense of our noble cause will show himself worthy of his country shall be mentionned in the most high terms to the king, ministry, and my friends of France when I’l be back in my natal air.

Idzerda Stanley J. et al., editors, Lafayette in the Age of the American Revolution: Selected Letters and Papers, 1776–1790, Volume 1, December 7, 1776–March 30, 1778, Cornell University Press, 1977, pp. 151-153.

George Washington had recommended Fleury and as a result of this recommendation, Fleury was commissioned a Lieutenant Colonel on November 26. La Fayette was very much in Fleury’s favour, and he wrote again to Henry Laurens on November 29, 1777:

The bearer of my letter is Mr. de Fleury who was in Fort Miflin, and as he is reccommanded by his excellency I have nothing more to say but that I am very sensible of his good conduct. (…) Mr. de Fleury receives just now the commission of lieutenant colonel, I think he wo’nt go to day to Congress, and I send this letter by one other occasion (…)

Fleury was also recommended by Colonel Henry Leonard Philip, Baron d’Arendt, the commander of Fort Mifflin. Arendt wrote to Alexander Hamilton on October 26, 1777:

Col. Smith who is well acquainted with this place, its defence, and my Intentions respecting them, will make every necessary arrangement in my absence to maintain harmony between himself and Colo. [John] Green—I must do him the justice to say that he is a good Officer and I wish America a great many of the same cast. I must render the same justice likewise to Maj. Fleury who is very brave and active.

Notes of “To George Washington from Brigadier General David Forman, 26 October 1777,” Founders Online, National Archives, [Original source: The Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series, vol. 12, 26 October 1777 – 25 December 1777, ed. Frank E. Grizzard, Jr. and David R. Hoth. Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia, 2002, pp. 13–16.] (12/16/2022)

George Washington also had something to say about this quarrel between his soldiers. He wrote to James Mitchell Varnum on November 4, 1777:

I thank you for your endeavours to restore confidence between the Comodore & Smith—I find something of the same kind existing between Smith and Monsr Fleury, who I consider as a very valuable Officer. How strange it is that Men, engaged in the same Important Service, should be eternally bickering, instead of giving mutual aid. Officers cannot act upon proper principles who suffer trifles to interpose to create distrust, & jealousy (…)

“From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 4 November 1777,” Founders Online, National Archives, [Original source: The Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series, vol. 12, 26 October 1777 – 25 December 1777, ed. Frank E. Grizzard, Jr. and David R. Hoth. Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia, 2002, pp. 128–129.] (12/16/2022)

I do not praise you often, but in this case I will – well said, Sir!

There was no division in the army at the present that Fleury could assume command of and he was therefor appointed sub-inspector under the Baron von Steuben. The General Orders from April 27, 1778 read:

Lieutt Coll Fleury is to act as Sub-Inspector and will attend the Baron Stuben ’till Circumstances shall admit of assigning him a Division of the Army—Each Sub-Inspector is to be attended daily by an Orderly-Serjeant drawn by turns from the Brigades of his own Inspection that the necessary orders may be communicated without delay.

“General Orders, 27 April 1778,” Founders Online, National Archives, [Original source: The Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series, vol. 14, 1 March 1778 – 30 April 1778, ed. David R. Hoth. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2004, pp. 657–658.] (12/126/2022)

La Fayette, in the meantime, was lobbying for Fleury and other French officers – apparently to a degree or in a way that he later was unwilling to admit. The following passage was removed by the Marquis from a letter to George Washington from January 20, 1778:

I am told that Mullens is to be lieutenant colonel, if it is so, as that the same commission was done for Mssrs. de Fleury and du Plessis who are on every respect so much out of the line of Mullens who being by his birth of the lowest rank, and not so long ago a private soldier, I hope that those gentlemen are to be at least brigadier generals.

It was around this time that preparations for the Canadian expedition were made – an expedition under La Fayette’s command that never came into fruition and probably was never really intended to do so. It was here that Fleury was appointed aide-de-camp to La Fayette. Horatio Gates wrote to our Marquis on January 24, 1778:

Congress having thought proper and in compliance with the wishes of this Board, from a Conviction of your Ardent Desire to signalize yourself in the Service of these States, to appoint you to the Command of an Expedition meditated against Montreal it is the Wish of the Board that you would immediately repair to Albany, taking with you Lt. Colo. de Fleury, and such other gallant French officers as you think will be serviceable in an Enterprise in that Quarter. (…)

La Fayette in his turn wrote to Henry Laurens on February 4 and on February 7, 1778 respectively to inform him of the proceedings. He also used the opportunity to get a word for Fleury in and to gossip a bit about the same.

There is Lieutenant Colonel Fleury who not only out of my esteem and affection for him but even by a particular reccommandation of the board of war is destinated to follow me to Canada. I schould have desired of Congress every thing or employement which I could have believed more convenient to his wishes, had I not expected to see him before-you know he was upon my list. He desires to be at the head of an independent troop with the rank of Colonel. I do’nt know which will be the intentions of Congress but every thing which can please Mr. de Fleury not only as a frenchman but as a good officer, and as being Mr. de Fleury will be very agreable to me. (…) I have showed to Colonel Fleury the first lines of my letter, in order to let him know my giving willingly the reccommandation he asks for you. You know that gentleman's merit and that Duplessis and himself were made lieutenant colonels as reward of fine actions.

You have seen Mr. de Fleury. I fancy entre nous that he will not be satisfied in so high pretensions. He is very unhappy that Mr. Duer is no more in Congress because he is his intimate friend and confident-that will perhaps surprise you.’ Mr. de Fleury is entre nous a fine officer but rather too ambitious. When I say such things I beg you to burn the letters.

Henry Laurens replied on February 7, 1778 and his wording at the end especially is quite interesting given La Fayette’s previous letter.

I had the honour this Morning of receiving your Commands by the hands of Lt. Colo. Fleury. This Gentleman notwithstanding the aid of some able advocates in Congress has failed in his pursuit of a Colonel's Commission. You will wonder less, when you learn that the preceeding day I had strove very arduously as second to a warm recommendation from a favorite General, Gates, on behalf of Monsr. Failly, for the same Rank, without effect. The arguments adduced by Gentlemen who have opposed these measures, are strong & obvious. “We are reforming & reducing the Number of Officers in our Army, let us wait the event, & see how our own Native Officers are to be disposed of”-& besides, there is a plan in embrio for abolishing the Class of Colonel in our Army, while the Enemy have none of that Rank in the Field. Some difficulty attended obtaining leave for Monsr. Fleury to follow Your Excellency, Congress were at first of opinion he might be more usefully employed against the shipping in Delaware & formed a Resolve very flattering & tempting to induce him-but his perseverence in petitioning to be sent to Canada, prevailed. Monsr. Fleury strongly hopes Your Excellency will encourage him to raise & give him the Command of a distinct Corps of Canadians. I am persuaded you will adopt all such measures as shall promise advantage to the Service & there is no ground to doubt of your doing every reasonable & proper thing for the gratification & honour of [a] Gentleman of whom Your Excellency speaks & writes so favorably.

With the failure of the expedition, Fleury once again longed for an independent command and La Fayette wrote to Charles Lee in June of 1778:

One of the best young french officers in America Mr. de Fleury wishes much to be annexed to the Rifle Corps and is desired by Clel. Morgan.

Idzerda Stanley J. et al., editors, Lafayette in the Age of the American Revolution: Selected Letters and Papers, 1776–1790, Volume 2, April 10, 1778–March 20, 1780, Cornell University Press, 1978, pp. 62-64.

In the end, Fleury was given command of a light infantry battalion on June 15, 1779. The General Orders for that day read as follows:

The sixteen companies of Light-Infantry drafted from the three divisions on this ground are to be divided into four battalions and commanded by the following officers;

4. companies from the Virginia line by Major Posey.

4—ditto from the Pennsylvania line by Lt Colo. Hay.

4—ditto two from each of the aforesaid lines by Lieutenant Colonel Fleury.

“General Orders, 15 June 1779,” Founders Online, National Archives,[Original source: The Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series, vol. 21, 1 June–31 July 1779, ed. William M. Ferraro. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2012, p. 176.] (12/16/2022)

He led his battalion into the attack of Stony Point on July 16, 1779. His conduct was, by all accounts, heroic and George Washington wrote on September 30, 1779:

Colo. Fleury who I expect will have the honour of presenting this lettr. to you, and who acted an important & honourable part in the event, will give you the particulars of the assault & reduction at Stony Point (…) He led one of the columns – struck the colours of the garrison with his own hands – and in all respects behaved with intrepidity & intelligence which marks his conduct upon all occasions.

His actions were indeed so gallant that Congress awarded him a silver medal on July 26, 1779. This is indeed quite remarkable since he was the only foreign officer thus honoured. No other foreign officer, not even La Fayette, received such a silver medal during the Revolutionary War.

Fleury obtained a leave of absence from Congress in September of 1779 and left America on November 16. La Fayette was at this time in France as well and was eager to receive a first-hand account from Fleury with respect to political as well as to military matters. Although still in possession of his American commission, Fleury re-entered the French army and was made a Major of the Saintonge Regiment in March of 1780 (this might interest you @acrossthewavesoftime.) A few months later, in July of 1780, he joined General Rochambeau’s expeditionary force. Fleury was one of the French soldiers at the Battle of Yorktown. He left America for good in January of 1783 and sailed from Boston to France. It was only at this point, that he resigned his American commission. In France, he joined the Pondichéry Regiment and was named its Colonel. He was elevated to a maréshal de camp in 1791 and fought in the battle of Mons on April 28-30, 1792. During the retreat, he was wounded for the third time. While his previous injuries were all relative mild, this one appears to have been rather serious. He resigned from the army not long after.

Not much is known about Fleury’s later life, and I have seen drastically different accounts of the time of his death. While some editors of (La Fayette’s) letters/papers have put the date of his death around 1814, it is far more likely that he died in 1799. Fleury never married and there are no known children of his.

François Louis Teisseydre, Marquis de Fleury’s legacy is the De Fleury Medal that is granted to outstanding members of the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

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