December 2023 Maine at War blog posts
In December 2023 my Maine at War blog reported on topics ranging from a can’t-shoot-straight firing squad to soldiers discovering that chickens don’t fly at Christmas. And don’t forget to read about the Button Man!
December 6: When the firing squad misses …
How can an eight-soldier firing squad miss from just yards away? Charles Eastman, a Mainer convicted of desertion, probably wondered the same thing as he sat on his coffin. . .
Claiming he offered superior uniform accouterments needed by Maine soldiers, a Connecticut businessman lobbied Maine politicians to buy his products in January 1863. The legislature okayed a substantial purchase. Then the businessman “made some rather indiscreet remarks.”
December 20: Chickens don’t fly at Christmas
As Christmas 1862 approached, relatives and friends of Maine soldiers shipped them boxes filled with holiday goodies. Then came word from Virginia: Chickens don’t fly a Christmas.
December 27: The 23rd Maine builds a Maryland subdivision
Soon after the 23rd Maine Infantry Regiment arrived in Montgomery County, orders came to build more permanent housing at Camp Grover. The Mainers’ handiwork would make a modern code-enforcement officer weep!
