Major kudos to Dr. Ken Byrd for the very interesting presentation he put together, along with many others whom he gives full credit to, on the dedication of the USS Petrel marker near Yazoo City, MS in June 2008. As most know, Ken's ancestor, Col. John Griffith, 11th / 17th Consolidated Arkansas Inf, CSA, successfully attacked and captured the tinclad in spring 1864.

Ed Bearss (pronouced Bears--I didn't know that) was there and gave a speech that even tied in Bear Bryant with the events of the day--and others gave some comments--although not nearly so colorful (Ken excepted) . I am inspired by the efforts of galvanized Yankees like Ken Byrd who is a prof at the U of I medical school.

Hey, Ken, give them Hoosier students a little Texas what-for!

Respectfully, despite my congenital Yankeedom,

Mike