Warfare doesn't stop for Christmas

By the winter of 1863, a popular refrain echoed in many Union and Confederate camps, posts, garrisons and armies on campaign wishing for what had become a long Civil War to end in peace throughout the land. The thoughts of the following verse are as meaningful today for any soldier, sailor, marine or air force personnel serving in "Harm's Way" and their families at home as they were for "Johnny Reb" and "Billy Yank".

"Many are the hearts that are weary tonight,

Wishing for the war to cease.

Many are the hearts looking for the right,

Wishing for the Dawn of Peace.

Tenting tonight, tenting tonight,

Tenting on the old campground."

Nearby, in Balltown, Missouri; Captain Charles W. Porter, commanding officer of Co. F, 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry recorded the following entry in his personal journal on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 1863.

"Friday, December 25. We received word from the Fort (Scott) that Quantrill's troop was expected to attack us. Capt. Vittum sent me to Balltown to notify Captain Carpenter, J. Doppler accompanied me. I took dinner at Mr. Austins with Capt. Carpenter and with him spent the afternoon there very agreeably with the ladies (Austins wife and daughters). I attended a dance in the Camp tonight. Today cloudy. Rain this evening."

Elsewhere in Missouri, Christmas Day was not a very festive occasion and the "War" did not stop for a minute on December 25, 1864, as indicated by the following reports. All of the reports are located on Pages 930 and 931 in Vol. 41, Part IV of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion:

"Macon, December 25, 1864.

Brigadier General Fisk,

Saint Louis, Mo.:

Matters are getting in bad shape in Chariton County. Captain Stanley telegraphs that Jim Jackson's band (of bushwhackers) are roving at pleasure and killing indiscriminately. Several men living near Westville were killed by the gang yesterday. They go in squads of six or seven men. Have you any orders?

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. T. Christensen,

Lieut. Colonel and Assistant Adjutant General."

"Macon, December 25, 1864.

Commanding Office,

Glasgow, Mo.:

James Jackson and his band of 6 or 8 men are roving through Chariton County killing indiscriminately! Send a scout at once into that county, in the neighborhood of Westville and hunt him thoroughly. Will start a scout from here tonight. Be careful and avoid collision.

By order of Brigadier General Fisk:

G. A. Holloway,

Assistant Adjutant General.

"Bucklin, December 25, 1864.

Brigadier General Fisk:

Yesterday evening (Christmas Eve) a band supposed to be James Jackson with 6 or 7 men, killed James Loan and his son at their homes near Westville, in Chariton County. I heard of 4 others in the same vicinity that were killed still later in the evening; it is probably correct. There is a suspicious person in that vicinity which I should like to hear from you concerning. I received a note from him tonight requesting me to meet him at Mrs. Bett's. It was signed Capt. A. J. Pickett and A. N. West and M. J. Bett.

J. Stanley,

Captain."

The "Civil War", as any war, takes no "Holiday". Therefore, in this "2008 Holiday Season", I hope that we who are safe at home and not in harm's way will at some point in time thank and say a prayer for the safety of all those and their families who are currently in harm's way because the WAR WENT and GOES ON!