I think the size and content of my Civil War library and research files would astound you. I have 20 years’ worth of issues of CV. I have read them all, and I refer back to them quite often.

Bryan, that's a most impressive library there. Myeslf I read a book about the war, then a week or so I read another one. The thing is I don't have anywhere the references you have or quite frankly the desire. Are you an author? Glad to buy your book or books if so. My interest in the war is the battles fought by the AoP and elswhere. I don't spend a lot of my waking hours pouring over and commiting the Constitution or Federalist Papers to memory, though it may come as a suprise to some, I have read both, heck I've even read the Bible, can't quote much from that either.

Coastie, up here when I get to talking about the ACW, most of my friends roll their eyes or put themselves into a trance. I don't know if even the boys in the local SUVCW read that much about it. I can't join, my ancestor was with the USSC. Now no doubt historians like McPherson, Sears and Foner spend their time pouring over the war, but they get payed to do so. Seems like everyone over 45 south of the Ohio spends about as much time as these renown historians collecting and reading on the war. Why? Would Northerners spend as much time if we had lost? You lads must have a whole lot more time on your hands than I do. Or your wives and ladies must be a lot more understanding with your time. But all kidding aside, you must devoted a huge amount of time to your passion. A huge amount.

Chase