As predicted, it’s been another steamy week. While there were a few episodes of thunder, there wasn’t enough rain to break into the heat cycle. The upcoming week is supposed to be 87-96, with thunderstorms predicted for today and tomorrow.
Deer and wild turkeys continue to visit on a near-daily basis, along with the regular retinue of birds and squirrels. There was one wild turkey who made a couple of appearance with four young ones. Not sure what they’re called, but it was fun watching them run around.
This past week was the MLB All-Star game. Going into the break, the Detroit Tigers lost four consecutive games. I had hoped they would resume their winning ways, but they’ve lost two more since the break. Their record is now 59-40. At least they’re still in first place in the American League’s Central Division, with a 11 game lead ahead of second place Cleveland. Today, Detroit plays the Texas Rangers. Hopefully, they can snap their losing streak and roar back!
“Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.”― Louis L’Amour. Compliments of https://www.nicolemgulotta.com/blog/25-inspirational-quotes.
So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on July 20th, the twenty-ninth Sunday of 2025 and the third one in July. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).
Imam Al-Bukhari [Muḥammad al-Bukhari], Islamic scholar and compiler of Hadith (Sahih al-Bukhari); Francesco Petrarch, Italian poet (Italia Mia); Arnaud d’Ossat, French diplomat and writer; Aleksander Fredro, Polish poet and comedy writer (Pan Jowiolski); John Sterling, Scottish writer; Augustin Daly, American playwright and theatrical manager; George Otto Trevelyan, British statesman and biographer; Erik Axel Karlfeldt, Swedish poet (Nobel Prize for Literature 1919-refused; 1931-posthumous); Otto Blumenthal, German mathematician, journal editor (Mathematische Annalen, 1906-38) and university professor; Gustave Charlier, Belgian literary historian and critic; Richard Billinger, Austrian poet and writer (From Where I Came); Maurice Gilliams, Belgian writer and poet (Maria’s Life);Dilys Powell, English film critic and travel writer (Descent from Parnassus); Molly Keane, Irish writer, and playwright; George Johnston, Australian journalist and novelist “My Brother Jack”; Hans Lodeizen [Johannes Frederik], Dutch poet (Het innerlijk behang (The Inner Wallpaper)); Thomas Berger, American novelist (Vital Parts, Little Big Man); Pavel Kohout, Czech-Austrian playwright (Poor Murderer), poet, novelist (I Am Snowing), and dissident (Charter 77); Donald Moffitt, American sci-fi author (The Jupiter Theft; The Genesis Quest); Cormac McCarthy, American Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist (The Road, All the Pretty Horses; No Country for Old Men);and Uwe Johnson, German writer (Gruppe 47).
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
I’m still busy 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 another five new chapter reviews this week, bringing the total to 264. As always, plenty of feedback to improve the story.
Here’s another snippet:
After Lincoln finished his morning reading and writing in the upstairs office, Mary snuck inside and composed a letter to Jefferson Davis.
My Dear President Davis,
Your Mosby Raiders are causing quite the consternation here in Washington. I overheard Abraham talking to several congressmen about four raids in Fairfax County earlier this month. If my tallies are accurate, Mosby and his men captured almost one hundred men, killed five others, and wounded over fifteen. Furthermore, they made off with fifty-eight horses and a quantity of arms and equipment.
Abraham can’t know I’m sending this to you, but congratulations are in order for these daring raids.
Mary
***
White House of the Confederacy
Richmond, Virginia
April 24, 1863
President Davis read through the document written by the Confederate Congress and frowned. “This tax-in-kind will rile up the population. However, we need to seize food, fuel, slaves, and other commodities to support our brave soldiers. The farms won’t take kindly to donating ten percent of their corn, wheat, and sweet potatoes.” He rubbed his beard as he studied Latimer’s face. “But what are we to do?”
Latimer remained stoic. “I do not see any other choice, Jefferson. I am sure some fake agents will steal crops and use them to increase their profits.”
“You always get to the crux of the matter, Latimer.” Davis signed the order. “That’s one thing I like about you. I also want to thank you for the assistance you provided to Mosby. But, now I want you back with General Lee.”
Latimer nodded. “I will do your bidding.”
***
The Battle of Chancellorsville
May 1863
Latimer rushed to General Lee’s tent. When he was permitted to enter, he handed over several images. “General, I do not pretend to know anything about military tactics. However, my birds have captured the movements of the Union army as they prepare to cross the Rappahannock River. If what I have learned from you and the other officers is of any use, splitting your forces to counter the Yankee army might crush them.”
Lee nodded. “I concur with your assessment, Latimer. I shall give the order.”
On May 2nd, General Stonewall Jackson’s corps conducted a flanking march that routed the Union forces.
Later that day, one of his aides called Latimer into the tent. “Can you get a message to General Lee? Stonewall’s been injured by his own men during nighttime firing. I am fearful for his life.”
“Of course. I shall see the general presently.”
Five days later, General Lee’s forces were successful in driving General Hooker’s Union army away from Richmond. Three days later, Lee was summoned to Jackson’s tent. When he entered, he observed what he assumed was the pending death of his friend.
General Stonewall Jackson died of pneumonia on May 10th. His last words were, “Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees.”
***
Greenwich, Virginia
May 29, 1863
Mosby’s Raiders continued to harass Union forces, but without Latimer by his side, losses began to mount. Mosby led forty of his men to derail a supply train. A fierce battle ensued, forcing him to retreat. He lost six men killed, twenty wounded, and ten captured.
Twelve days later, Mosby and one hundred of his men crossed the Potomac River at Seneca, Maryland. He had more success here and routed a company of the Sixth Michigan Cavalry and burned their camp.
***
After Lincoln had left the upstairs office to meet with several members of Congress in the Oval Office in early June 1863, Mary raced inside. She found maps and notes for an upcoming fortification by Union soldiers which could lead to a major defeat for the Confederacy. Glancing around to ensure she was alone, Mary quickly jotted down pieces of information and crafted a letter.
My Dear President Davis,
This will likely to be my final letter for the foreseeable future as I feel Abraham is getting suspicious about my questions and interest in the war. However, I stumbled across information I feel is too important to you not to risk my life.
It is my fervent belief that General Hooker is planning to attack Richmond. Among Abraham’s papers was a reference to a place in Pennsylvania—Gettysburg. Is there some way for our brave Confederate troops to launch an attack on this location and lead the Yankees away?
I pray for your continued success.
Mary
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
I had hoped to complete chapter seventeen of Vendetta, the sixth novel in my Bedlam series this week, but ran out of time. There were another thee reviews this week, bringing the total to 229. As always, plenty of suggestions to improve my writing.