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Home-front heroines

I am so excited to see the new department “Her War” in America’s Civil War. Although the magazine has always included wonderful features about women, this new title is so eye-catching, and with a smile, I say it’s about time! The women and their families, both North and South, that were left behind when their men were gone to fight did not give up but bravely went forward.

My great-great-grandmother Martha Brice kept the enemy at bay at the Battle of Brice’s Cross Roads. I don’t have the all the facts, but I know they are out there. Perhaps “Her War” will cause them to surface so that we can know more about the brave wives and mothers of America’s Civil War. Thanks again for the wonderful department. I look forward to reading more.
Vickie Dempster
Sunray, Texas

Chantilly’s place

I enjoy reading your excellent magazine, but I can’t believe you skipped over the September 1, 1862, Battle of Chantilly (Ox Hill) in your timeline, “In Time of War.” This battle came about as Lee was attempting to cut off Pope’s retreat to Washington. Two Union generals, Philip Kearny and Isaac Stevens, were killed. A terrific thunderstorm and torrential rain ended the battle with no clear victory for either side. The Confederates held the field, but the next morning, the Union forces had all left.
Although much of the battlefield was lost to development, today there is a five-acre Ox Hill Battlefield Park with trails and interpretive signs. The loss of this land caused many concerned people to advocate and fight for battlefield preservation.
Claudette C. Ward
Fairfax, Va.

Doing the legwork

The soldier in the center of the picture on the July cover (Second Manassas) appears to have a severely damaged foot. It may be something on the ground, but it looks as though you can make out his toes. Of course, if it is a damaged foot that would explain why he is leaning on his weapon for support.
Milton J. Allemand Jr.
Hahnville, La.

We enlarged the image to take a closer look. The soldier’s leg is slightly out of focus, so there’s little distinction between his bare foot and the railroad tie he’s standing on, making his foot appear grossly misshapen. Still, walking along a railroad where rolling stock had just been burned in withering August heat was bound to cause some injury to a barefooted Yankee.