Hardtack Rat

Tag: American Civil War

  • Received Packages are Sweet, Even If Opened Later

    I received a package today and, as usual, had to wait to open it. The surprise of discovering what lies inside excites me. Having to wait to open it just makes the anticipation grow all the more. Even if it’s a present for someone else, like today’s was (we’ve done a majority of our Christmas…

  • Prayer for a Safe Return

    In reading About me, you’ll discover that I’m a pastor in the United Methodist Church. Every week, a group of church members at FUMC Monroe pray for me and the other pastors before we lead in worship, preaching, etc. on Sunday mornings. And, boy do we need those prayers! One of the people who regularly prays…

  • Chevron: Trending or Long-standing Tradition?

    (Photo Cred: Divine Consign) I recently stumbled upon this American Civil War portrait on Daily Observations From The Civil War. They regularly post such pictures of officers either stoned-faced or mildly smirking from their experience of being in such a portentous picture of themselves. I usually glance over them or laugh when I come across…

  • We’re in the Thick of It

    So, let’s point out the obvious: I didn’t get around to posting last week. I’m sorry for my sake and yours. I have just been in the thick of it, to say the least. To make amends, I’m posting this exciting tale of Pvt. George Michael Neese from September 13, 1863. He was a Confederate…

  • Jeb Stuart: Lootin’, Shootin’, & Kickin’ Up Dust

    Its not very often I read through my local newspaper. Aside from my news sources being mainly online, I only access a physical newspaper at work. Nevertheless, I skimmed through the “History” section of The News Star recently and came across a snippet about ole’ Jeb Stuart (or General James Ewell Brown Stuart of the Confederate…

  • Zombies All Up In the Civil War!

    A while back, I read a daily post from my go-to website on the America Civil War.  I have to admit I was taken aback when I realized I wasn’t reading something that was written in the post apocalyptic landscape following the zombie virus outbreak.  Here is what I read that day as if the…

  • Enemies Can Pass Notes & Barter!

    I’ve heard stories before of enemies acting cordial with one another during times of war.  It typically happens when fighting has stopped for the day and both sides desire momentary rest from the constant grind of battle.  Perhaps in no other war, however, has their been such seemingly pleasant banter between foes as in the…

  • Picket Duty

    Soldiers were notorious for keeping good records of what was going on in the American Civil War from day-to-day.  Whether it was in their personal diaries, letters home, log books, or military correspondence, they shared a variety of information. Weather was a common subject noted, followed by marching orders and miles traveled for the day. …

  • Sweet Home Louisiana

    I live in Louisiana!  Now that you know this, I’m sure one of your next thoughts is: (Does he know anyone from Duck Dynasty?)  I actually don’t, even though I live literally right across the river from them.  But, I always sarcastically answer that question with “Oh yeah, Willie and I had lunch last week!”…

  • Gnaw Away

    Before I can explain why I chose hardtackrat.com as my website name, I need to tell you what I understand the terms “hardtack” and “rat” to mean. Hardtack was simply one of the most common rations for soldiers to eat in the American Civil War. Hard by its very nature, soldiers warmly (please read with sarcasm)…

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