Happy Memorial Day

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate - we can not consecrate - we can not hallow - this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us - that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

 

-Abraham Lincoln

 

Thank you to all the heroes, men and women, past and present, who fought or are fighting for our freedom and safety. We honor and stand behind you. May you always be remembered and may we always be together.  

 

 

Happy Memorial Day.

 

XOXO, Kate



The Civil War Recipe Box: Potato Salad

As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, here is the recipe for Civil War era potato salad that you can make for any gathering you are hosting or attending. This recipe (and more like it) can be found in Roxe Anne Peacock's History Lovers Cookbook. (Which is available on Amazon).

Ingredients:

10 large red potatoes (8 cups cooked)

1/2 cup of finely chopped onions

1 tablespoon of salt

1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper

Boiled salad dressing (recipe below)

Directions:

Wash the potatoes in cold water. Drain.

Place them in a large stockpot with enough cold water to cover them.

Cook the potatoes on medium heat until tender but before the skin bursts.

Cool the potatoes with cold water.

Peel the somewhat cooled skins off.

Dice the potatoes into one-half inch cubes.

Place the chopped onions into a large bowl.

Placed the potatoes on top of the onions.

Add 1 1/2 a cup of boiled salad dressing and mix well.

Serve and keep chilled (best if eaten the same day).

Ingredients for dressing:

1/2 cup of cider vinegar

1/3 cup of water

3 tablespoons of granulated sugar

2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon of dry mustard

1 teaspoon of salt

1/2 a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper

1/8 a teaspoon of cayenne pepper

1/2 cup of heavy cream

2 tablespoons of unsalted butter

4 large egg yokes, slightly beaten

Directions:

Wisk vinegar, water, sugar, flour, mustard, salt, and pepper in a medium saucepan until smooth.

Place the pan over medium heat and bring to a simmer while continuing to whisk.

Add cream and butter while whisking until butter has melted.

In a large bowl containing the eggs, slowly stir in small amounts of the hot vinegar until it is incorporated into the yolks.

Pour the mixture back into the saucepan.

Heat the mixture on medium-low heat and whisk until thick but not boiling.

Transfer the dressing to a large bowl and cool uncovered until room temperature.

Store covered in the fridge if you are not using it right away.

Enjoy whatever you have planned for this long weekend and remember to spare a thought for the heroes, past and present, that fought (as Abraham Lincoln said) so this nation might live. Happy Memorial Day.

Until next time.

XOXO, Kate

Happy Birthday, John Wilkes Booth

Ironic how this is my 27th post and Wilkes would have been 27 come May 10, 1865.

 

On May 10, 1838, John Wilkes Booth was born to Mary Ann and Junius Booth in Bel Air, Maryland. His father was present at the time which was rare since his acting career continuously kept him on the road. Wilkes was the ninth of ten children. Six would survive to adulthood and five would live past 30. Wilkes was 26 when he died in April of 1865 and just a few weeks shy of his 27th birthday. Today marks the 176th anniversary of his birth.

When Wilkes was six months old, his mother, holding him in her arms, prayed to know what future lay in store for her then youngest child. An answer to her prayer appeared before her in the form of a vision. Years later, Wilkes' older sister, Asia, would translate the experience into a poem as a birthday gift for her mother.

The Mother’s Vision

‘Tween the passing night and the coming day
When all the house in slumber lay,
A patient mother sat low near the fire,
With that strength even nature cannot tire,
Nursing her fretful babe to sleep –
Only the angels these records keep
Of mysterious Love!

One little confiding hand lay spread
Like a white-oped lily, on that soft far bed,
The mother’s bosom, drawing strength
And contentment warm –
The fleecy head rests on her circling arm.
In her eager worship, her fearful care, Riseth to heaven a wild, mute prayer
Of Foreboding Love!

Tiny, innocent white baby-hand,
What force, what power is at your command,
For evil, or good? Be slow or be sure,
Firm to resist, to pursue, to endure –
My God, let me see what this hand shall do
In the silent years we are tending to;
In my hungering Love,

I implore to know on this ghostly night
Whether ‘twill labour for wrong, or right,
For – or against Thee?
The flame up-leapt
Like a wave of blood, an avenging arm crept
Into shape; and Country shown out in the flame,
Which fading resolved to her boy’s own name!
God had answered Love –
Impatient Love!

 

 

Right before Wilkes died he would whisper to one of the soldiers, "Tell mother I died for my country."

 

Yet, May 10, 1865 did not pass without event. On this day, 149 years ago, the trial of the Lincoln Conspirators would begin in Washington DC. Of the eight that would stand, just four would make it out of the courtroom alive.

 

 

Until next time.

 

XOXO, Kate