The four years of the American Civil War were not four years of unmitigated misery and suffering. As David Holt, a Mississippi private, wrote,
“We did not give up the fun of living [just] because we had constantly to face the chance of dying.”
"Civil War Celebrations," by Patricia B. Mitchell, explores ways soldiers and civilians enjoyed themselves, particularly on special occasions. Reports from the time describe parties, weddings, camp diversions, etc. When available, food was (and is) usually part of good times, so much is said about eating.
Humor was one of the key ingredients employed by wartime people. Here is just one example, a cheerful quote from military man, Capt. George W. F. Harper:
“The boxes were recv'd this morning. I thank you all a heap for mine. My appetite was good enough to enjoy our rough fare and I hope it will not be spoiled by your ‘goodies.’ My messmates recv'd a number of color'd eggs with their wifes names &c. &c. on them. You probably forgot that it was Easter so will excuse you especially as I prefer to cook 'em myself & don't care much for the shells.”
"Civil War Celebrations" contains 15 recipes; 71 research notes; 12,527 words.
This and other books by Patricia B. Mitchell were first written for museums and their patrons, and are now available as Kindle editions. Each of her books summarizes a food history topic, using quotations and anecdotes from early sources to both entertain and inform. She includes original, adapted, and commemorative recipes. She carefully lists her references to make it easy for others to launch their own research.
Since the 1980's Patricia Mitchell's work is a proven staple of American museum culture. Her readers love to share her ever-present sense of discovery. Her sales are approaching a million copies, and she is widely known by her web identity FoodHistory.com.
“We did not give up the fun of living [just] because we had constantly to face the chance of dying.”
"Civil War Celebrations," by Patricia B. Mitchell, explores ways soldiers and civilians enjoyed themselves, particularly on special occasions. Reports from the time describe parties, weddings, camp diversions, etc. When available, food was (and is) usually part of good times, so much is said about eating.
Humor was one of the key ingredients employed by wartime people. Here is just one example, a cheerful quote from military man, Capt. George W. F. Harper:
“The boxes were recv'd this morning. I thank you all a heap for mine. My appetite was good enough to enjoy our rough fare and I hope it will not be spoiled by your ‘goodies.’ My messmates recv'd a number of color'd eggs with their wifes names &c. &c. on them. You probably forgot that it was Easter so will excuse you especially as I prefer to cook 'em myself & don't care much for the shells.”
"Civil War Celebrations" contains 15 recipes; 71 research notes; 12,527 words.
This and other books by Patricia B. Mitchell were first written for museums and their patrons, and are now available as Kindle editions. Each of her books summarizes a food history topic, using quotations and anecdotes from early sources to both entertain and inform. She includes original, adapted, and commemorative recipes. She carefully lists her references to make it easy for others to launch their own research.
Since the 1980's Patricia Mitchell's work is a proven staple of American museum culture. Her readers love to share her ever-present sense of discovery. Her sales are approaching a million copies, and she is widely known by her web identity FoodHistory.com.
