Thanks David. I know you love those wonderful ships of the past. The Harriet Lane was part of the Civil War history here. I have always held those who sailed the waters to keep us safe in high esteem. They go through some real dangerous stuff. The formation of the Revenue Cutter Service was the brain child of my 1st cousin, 6x removed. While there are many who may not have been fond of some of Hamiltons writings, there's no doubt he did have a hand in some elements that were needed and have worked.
You also know, due to our location, the Coast Guard is a very active entity and they are wonderful in the things they do. I find it ironic that we can cuss and discuss the actions of the different regiments and the results of battles during the Civil War but it's not often we really find fault with the regular soldiers or sailors because as much as we may not like the orders, they were just following them. Those who were involved, in whatever branch on either side are not the enemy now. They are gone and those on either side have earned the right to being remembered with dignity.
I guess some of my Daddy's love of the old ship, especially the tall ships rubbed off on me. I put together a model of the Charles W. Morgan when I was around 7 years old. I do not like the idea of hunting whales but those who did had a reason that was valid at the time. It was to them what hunting deer is to our modern hunters. A way to earn a living and there was a market for the product.
We cannot fault them either. War has always been about ideas,for the most part. Those who fought them just followed orders. If we could seperate the ideas from the regular soldiers, we may have more civil discussions with some who are not from the South.

Pam