I created a new Forum Topic today to allow the posting of messages that are written in a manner of a mid-19th century letter or newspaper article. The idea is for the people of the modern message board to share the day-to-day life of the 1860's.

The original idea came from http://mainemilitia.com/node/418. Since there are a few out-of-period exchanges in that discussion, I have closed it from further posts. But moved it to the new Topic for reference.

10 miles from Vicksburg

July 4, 1863

Major Gillway,

It is my sad duty to relate to you that the relief column to which I have been detached has failed to reach Vicksburg in time and the city has fallen. 

The Commanding General has ordered us to halt and camp where we are.  The men are in low spirit right now which is understandable due to our present situation.  We have set out our pickets and are preparing for the inevetable Yankee advance on our position. 

First of all my character is a made up name with made up family members. However, some of the persons he knows are actually persons from the Civil war.
I did want to do a first person tale of one of my seven Confederate ancestors but they being young at the war's start did not join the Confederate army until 1862 and 1863. I can't make myself wait a year before joining in on this first person discussion! But to honor my family's pro Confederate feelings, I include them as close friends of John Blair.