It was a sweltering week, with temperatures ranging from 93-99. On Wednesday evening, there was a thunderstorm overhead for twenty-five minutes. When it started to move away, thunder could still be heard in the area an hour later. A similar storm hit on Thursday, but shorter–only about forty minutes and not overhead. On Saturday afternoon, we had another one. Overhead, it was clear blue sky but the rumbling of thunder could be heard for over an hour. There was rain associated with the first two storms, but it remained dry on Saturday.
The Detroit Tigers had a better week, winning four games and losing two, bringing their record to 52-32. The extended their lead over second place Cleveland to 10.5 games. Way to go Tigers!
As we prepare for the upcoming 4th of July weekend, I thought I’d remind readers of the significance of the date. It commemorates the ratification of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America. Here are some patriotic quotations beginning in 1775. You might recognize the quotations and/or the authors. Compliments of https://www.americanrevolution.org/quotes/.
“Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” – Patrick Henry, 1775
“Stand your ground; don’t fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here.” – Captain John Parker, 1775
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” – Declaration of Independence, 1776
“We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.”– Benjamin Franklin, 1776
“These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.” – Thomas Paine, 1776
“I have not yet begun to fight!” – John Paul Jones, 1779
Enjoy your week and the festivities you plan to participate in!
So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on June 29th, the twenty-sixth Sunday of 2025 and the fifth and final one in June. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).
Giacomo Leopardi, Italian poet and philosopher (The Poems of Leopardi); John Newton Brown, American publisher and Baptist teacher; James Harvey Robinson, American historian (Ordeal of Civilization); Francis Brett Young, British physician and writer (White Ladies); Virginia Pope, American fashion editor (New York Times); Antoine de Saint-Exupery, French writer, poet and pioneering aviator (The Little Prince), born in Lyon, France; Manuel Altolaguirre, Spanish poet and publisher (La lenta libertad); Paul Lebeau, Flemish writer (Last Rose, Xanthippe); John Toland, American political writer (Rising Sun, Pulitzer 1971); Frédéric Dard, French writer (San-Antonio); Vasko Popa, Yugoslavia-Serbian poet (Heaven is a Side Issue); Don Rosa, American comic book writer and illustrator (Scrooge McDuck, Donald Duck); Matthew Weiner, American television writer and producer who created Mad Men; and Colton Dunn, American comedian, writer and actor (Superstore).
Any names familiar to you? There weren’t any for me this week. Whether you recognize anyone on the list or not, if today’s your special day I hope you have a great one!
My Work In Progress
This week, I continued editing chapters in the manuscript of Harding’s Challenge: The Great Rebellion based on reader feedback. All chapters are now posted to the two online subscription sites I use. There were only two new chapter reviews this week, bringing the total to 248. As always, plenty of feedback to improve the story.
Here’s another snippet:
Elizabeth joined Mary in the small sitting room adjacent to Mary and Abraham’s bedroom.
Mary sat at a writing desk situated in a corner between two windows. The desk held two rows of pigeonholes for incoming and outgoing correspondence. “Welcome back, Elizabeth.”
She smiled. “Thank you. President Davis sends his compliments to you.” She handed Mary a letter.
My daring Mary,
Thank you for entrusting your friend to be a conduit between us. Your information has been vital in the Confederacy securing victories we might otherwise not have won. However, I must caution both you and Elizabeth to be very circumspect in your endeavors, as I would not want anything untoward to happen to you. Nor do I want to come between you and your husband.
Your friend, Mary O’Neill Greenhow, sends her greetings. I had the splendid opportunity to share a meal with her and her daughter, Little Rose, upon her exchange for several Union soldiers, and she is residing in Richmond. I have called upon her to handle a mission of great import to the Confederacy, and she has agreed. Next summer, she will embark on a diplomatic mission to France and Britain to garner support and funds to aid our efforts.
One day, the war between the North and the South will be over. I hope at that time to dine with you and thank you in person for your support of our cause during these perilous times.
With great admiration,
Your servant,
Jefferson
Mary turned to Elizabeth. “Did you read it?”
“Yes. President Davis let me read it before he sealed the envelope.”
“Should I have the opportunity to dine with him in the future, I insisted you must be in attendance, too.”
Elizabeth smiled. “Thank you, Mary. You are a dear friend.”
“And so are you.”
***
Mary reread the letter she had received from her half-sister, Emilie Todd Helm. Tears dripping down her face, she crumpled the single sheet of paper into a ball and tossed it into the fire.
As she watched the letter brown before bursting into flames, she thought about her half-brother, Alexander Humphreys Todd. What a waste of a previous life and to be snuffed out by friendly fire during the Battle of Baton Rouge. May God have mercy upon his soul.
More next time.
This brings us to an end for another week. I hope you found something of interest. If you have any suggestions for a topic you’d like to read about, please let me know. Until the next time, thank you for reading and hope you drop in again.
© Copyright 2025 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved