It’s that time of year again.

Have you ever met a hotel cat? This weekend I got to know Annabel Lee (named for the Poe heroine), feline-in-residence at the Linden Row Inn in Richmond, Virginia.

Pleased to give a talk on the evolution of Civil War military thought at the American Civil War Museum annual symposium. Tredegar is an impressive venue.

This was a fun thing. Ranger Luke and the folks at Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park had a three hour miniature war gaming session in the visitor’s center. Big thanks to the staff there. It was a great way to bring folks in to the history and the hobby.

One of the most horrifying stories told by Eric Jacobsen, the chief historian, is how a Confederate drummer boy made it to the muzzles of a battery and was literally vaporized by canister at point blank range. Can’t get that image out of my head.

A graphic representation I put together of Union artillery “kill zones” at the Battle of Franklin, November 30, 1864.

Yes, we’re working on a joint battlefield hike. Will be great to see you again in person.

It’s only October but I have a busy spring and summer coming up already. Speaking to the Houston CWRT in April, the ACW Museum in Richmond in Feb., and CWI in Gettysburg in June. Lots of fun Civil War history ahead.