Potomac Rriver

A Bold Move

Sharp looked  at Meade and then at Grant who nodded his head. Sharp took a deep breath and looked back to Meade.

"I missed the instructions to all departments on preparation for the Wilderness battle plan. Could you read it for me, General?"

Meade spun in his chair and stared angrily at Sharp. Then he turned to Grant. "General Grant," he said belligerently, "If this..."

Grant cut him off quickly. "Oh, come now, General Meade. It will not hurt you. I would kind of like to hear it myself."

Meade thought briefly about defiance and then decided against it. It wasn't that he despised Sharp so much; it was this intrusion into his territory and this constantly being pushed around by someone outside his command and far lower in rank. "Very well, General Grant, for you I will..." Meade let his voice trial off purposefully and assembled his papers. "Instructions to all departments of preparation for a battle near the South bank of the Rapidan. You are to issue 16 day's marching rations, (4 of salt meat and 12 of beef on the hoof), 14,000,000 rounds of small arms ammunition, 10 days' allowance of grain for 56,000 animals (34,071 horses and 22,528 mules)...

When Meade finished Sharp was flabbergasted. "That's a wagon train, General Meade."

Meade nodded unenthusiastically. "In all, the train leaving Culpepper will have 4,300 lumbering wagons. It will make a line 60 miles long. The 86,500 marching men, along with officers, cavalry and medical personnel will be another 30 miles long. All told the column stretched for 90 miles."

Sharp turned and looked searchingly at Grant. "As chief of security am I entitled to ask you, Sir, how in the world you expect to surprise Lee with a slow moving, ninety mile long train?"

Grant was unruffled. "You see, Sharp, I figure Lee will see the train the moment we cross the river. But if all goes according to plan, we still have a day on him and can get clear of the Wilderness and into the open for the battle-if all goes according to plan."

Sharp was shocked. "How so, Sir? Lee will start immediately for Chancellorsville. Surely he can get there by the time you get to the wilderness."

"I think your estimate of his getting to Chancellorsville is about right, Sharp," Grant replied. "But getting to Chancellorsville is not going to hurt me. He needs to get into position generally in the vicinity of the Orange Courthouse before we clear the Wilderness to foil my plans; and that he will not have time to do if we have figured it right."

Trouble in the Air

Sharp was still wearing a worried look. "Another thing bothers me, Sir. Burnside will not be in column with the force that leaves Culpepper. He is to be in place in the middle by the night before the first engagement. I am very concerned that he will not make it in time."

Grant did not stop his work at the desk but threw his comment over his shoulder. "He has ample time, Sharp."

Sharp was dogged. "I know he has time, Sir."

This time Grant did stop and turn to face Sharp. "If there is something on your mind, Captain Sharp, come out with it," he said bluntly. Meade, who had started to leave, went back and sat down, very interested in this turn in the discussion.

"All right, Sir. Intelligence turns up some very crude, un-officer-like, and worrisome comments that Burnside has made about you."

"Like what, for example?" Grant demanded.

Sharp shrugged and began first person quotes from his note book:

"Grant has only been in small battles and is not big enough for this command."

"Grant is Lincoln's pet."

"Grant will not succeed. Lee will catch him in the Wilderness and destroy him."

Grant looked at Meade. Meade took it as a question, which it was.

"Yes, General Grant, I am afraid my men have brought these things to me also."

"Does it worry you as much as it does Captain Sharp?

"Perhaps not as much Sir, but it worries me."

Grant was thoughtful for a moment. Then he answered with a tone of finality. "Well, it doesn't worry me, gentleman. Burnside is a fine solder and a loyal union defender. He may not like me; that is not required. But he will not let that stand in the way of his carrying out of orders and performance of his duty."

Meade rose to leave again. "I hope you are right, Sir-about Burnside, I mean. He is very bitter about the way it happened to him and there are some very good men who do not agree with you."

"I am going to break a rule of mine and put you on the spot, Meade. Who in particular?"

Meade answered tiredly, as if he knew this was the beginning of some very hard feelings. "General Hancock for one, Sir. When he heard that Burnside was to fill the middle during the night he nearly threw a fit. 'That son...that son...that son-of-bitch will screw everything up; you wait and see.' Those were his exact words to me, Sir."

Grant rested his chin in his hands with his elbows on his knees and thought for a while. Finally, he said with a hint of worry,

"Well, that obviously concerns me, General Meade, but not enough to call off this campaign and make a change. I cannot do something that convulsive, that major, and that disappointing to the president on nothing more than the supposition that Burnside will fail to do his duty."

Meade nodded gravely. When he was gone, Grant turned to Sharp.

"How reliable are these reports, Sharp?"

"Very reliable, Sir."

Grant shook his head in disgust. "Contrary to what I said to Meade, I would call off the campaign if I thought that could happen. But I just simply cannot see a general letting down his men and his country just to prove a point."

Sharp turned his face toward his lap and rolled his eyes upward to look at Grant. "There are those who knew him and served with him, who believe that he not only can but will."

They sat in silence for about five minuets. Twice, Grant started to write something and then stopped. Finally he spoke. "No, Sharp. No; Burnside is a loyal Unionist and a soldier. He will do his duty."

Sharp rose to leave. Slowly he made his way to the door, hesitating several times. He reached the door and opened it. Before going through he turned to Grant. "That is good, charitable, honorable thinking, General Grant, but with Burnside you may be making a mistake." Then he went out and closed the door behind him. Grant sat motionless for a good while, staring at nothing in particular. The he returned to what he was doing before Sharp came in.

A Disastrous Decision

After making the wheel turn to the right and starting into the Wilderness, Lee's cavalry saw the Grant column and began hitting the supply train in various places, shooting horses and putting wagons out of commission. A mounted cavalry man came scurrying up to Meade.

"Lee's cavalry are hitting our tail and doing big damage, Sir."

Meade rode out on a point where he could look. He turned to the rider. "Go at once and tell General Sheridan to bring his cavalry back for protection." The man rode off in the direction of the front. Meade went back to see what he could do about arranging some kind of protection without stopping the train, which was Lee's obvious design. In about two hours, the rider was back. He rode up and saluted Meade. Meade was angry in anticipation since the man was alone. "Well, soldier?"

The man looked positively ill. "Sheridan will not come, sir"

Meade, who was known for his temper, turned nearly purple. "What? What did he say?"

"He said...he said to tell you he had orders to protect the right flank and he could not leave."

"But what exactly did he say?"

"He said...he said to tell you to go to hell, Sir."

Without further address to the rider Meade spun his horse and began a race to look for Sheridan. He eventually found him sitting under and oak, eating some dried beef. Meade nearly ran over him with his horse. "General Sheridan," he shouted, "Did you send that man back to tell me..."

Sheridan sprang to his feet and grabbed Meade's horse by the reins. He was the toughest, meanest general in the Union army. He usually took orders but he never took guff. Sheridan considered himself directly connected to General Grant and he resented the imposition of Meade between himself and Grant. "Now just hold your horses, Meade!"

Meade was not as tough as Sheridan, but his temper was worse and he was equally stubborn. He brushed aside Sheridan's words. "I asked you a question, General, and I want an answer. Now! Did you send that cavalryman to tell me to go to hell?"

Sheridan had not expected Meade to be this angry and this persistent and it took him back a little. "I didn't say exactly that, Meade."

"The title is General Meade, Commanding officer of the Army of the Potomac, General Sheridan. Then what exactly did you say? If that man lied to me, I'll..."

"He didn't lie to you, General Meade."

"Then what the hell..."

"I said, 'if Meade gave you an order like that to give to me then you can tell him to go to hell. I could not believe the order came from you, Meade; I thought the man was mistaken."

"Well, it did come from me, and..."

"General Meade, I have been personally commissioned by General Grant to protect the right flank. If I go away and leave it unprotected it is the first place Lee will hit and this whole campaign will be in a wreck."

Meade was not the least bit mollified. "I don't give a damn what Grant told you, I am the commander and I am giving you a direct order. Our supply train is being destroyed by Lee's cavalry. You are to go back at once and protect them."

Sheridan's face began to turn Crimson. "Then I guess, General Meade, I am going to have to tell you in person to go to hell. I am needed here and I am not going to leave this fighting front unprotected. Don't you remember what happened to Hooker when Custer went off and left his right unprotected?"

Meade began to calm down a bit and tried valiantly to get his temper under control. "General Sheridan, we have an emergency on our hands and only cavalry can handle it. If our supply train is destroyed, there will be no point in the fighting at the front succeeding. In a matter of one day they will be out of ammunition and food."

Sheridan mistook Meade's change in manner for weakness. He began shouting. "Grant was sent to replace you because you didn't know what the hell you were doing. This proves it. You want my cavalry to leave the fight and become a police force? I will not leave this post unless Grant himself comes and tells me to and that is final."

Meade had his temper under control now and had a bit of time to think while Sheridan was talking. "General Sheridan. If you do not do as I say I will have you put in field arrest and sent back to Culpepper. If our supply train is wrecked and we lose this fight I will have you shot for insubordination under fire on the battlefield. You are to take your whole troop and go back to the supply train. You are not to leave that train unprotected until it is in the wilderness and the Confederate attacks have stopped. You will do as I say and you will do it now!"

Sheridan was not too angry to think. He had said unacceptable things to Meade, thinking that he could bluff him off. He now saw that Meade could not be bluffed. He had one of two options. Shoot Meade, or do as he was told. He might consider shooting him but here were too many men watching the confrontation. "Very well, General," he shouted "but if the right is lost and Grant..."

Meade stopped him. "I will tell General Grant the whole story, Sheridan. If there is any consequence over the right being left unprotected, it will be on me. Now go, at once, or it will be too late." Meade turned and rode off leaving Sheridan standing there cursing.

One of his Brigadiers rode up. "If we're not gunna' go, General, then I need to know it. If we are, then we had best get underway. I hear there is real trouble back there."

Sheridan spun around and yelled at his lieutenant. "If you are so anxious to go, then go, damn you!" The Brigadier gave the signal and the cavalry rode back toward the supply trouble spot. After a while, Sheridan followed.

A Mental Lapse that Cost a Battle and Almost Lost a War

Meade arrived at Grant's command tent some hours later. It was on his mind to tell Grant the whole story. But when he entered, Grant addressed him. "Meade, I'm getting really worried about Burnside. Scouts report that they have been fifteen miles back the road and have seen no sign of him. If he is much further back, he will not make it.

"Well General, I don't know what we can do about it, unless we hold the progression."

Grant shook his head with finality. "That is out, George; we will not do that."

At that moment, a scout came in. "We have contacted Burnside, sir. He is on another road he is not supposed to be on, Sir, and he is only about eight miles away."

Grant breathed a visible sigh of relief. He turned to Meade. "Well, that's good news. George, why don't you get in position to watch the other side, and I will keep an eye on things over here. We have this thing within our grasp if we are in good order by five in the morning."

Meade left without telling Grant about Sheridan and about the right being up in the air. He was miles away and it was nearly dark before he remembered. Should he go back? What could Grant do, any how? They had no more cavalry to send to the right and the supply train had to be protected. If there was no fighting, he would ride back tomorrow afternoon and tell him personally.

An Unforgivable Error in Judgment

Meade had made a serious error in judgment. In order for Grant's plan to work Sheridan had to be up front on the right to protect the right flank. Meade's concern that the supply train would be destroyed was justified but his actions were not. Some of the cavalry could have protected the train but some should have been left to protect the right. The order should have been that as soon as possible men should leave the vigil at the train and return to the front. This was not Meade's order and the tension was so great that Sheridan would not take it upon himself to change it even though, as the Union's best cavalry general, he knew what this meant for Grant. It was a major change in the battle plan and it was done without Grant's knowledge or consent. And Meade's decision not to go back immediately and tell Grant was also a bad one.

Jeb Stewat Saves the Confederacy

Two nights before Grant's movement from Culpepper, Stuart had straggled into camp with information about Grant's plan. Lee sent Stuart off to find Longstreet and immediately called in the Hills, Gordon, and Picket.

"Gentlemen, we have information of the most serious, vital and fortunate nature. Grant is leaving Culpepper in two days with a force of 120,000 men and a huge wagon train. He is headed for the Wilderness."

Ambrose Hill spoke up. "A hundred and twenty thousand! My goodness. Can we hold them off if they attack us at Chancellorsville, prepared to stay with the fight for an extended period of time?"

Lee wagged his head negatively. "I don't think we can, General Hill and that is why I have decided to camp at the Orange Courthouse and attack them in the Wilderness."

General Gordon nearly fell out of his chair. "But Sir, attack a force that size, and in the Wilderness where we cannot see what is going on? Is this wise?"

Lee paced the floor before answering. Finally he turned to Gordon. "General, this war has changed. The man out there we are going to be fighting is not like the others. This is not Joe Hooker. If he ever gets that advantage of us he will crush us without hesitation. And there is another thing which is significant here, which I have been thinking about. Our men fight much better in the woods where formations mean little and individual instinct and cunning mean much. I believe that catching Grant in the Wilderness, with an attack he will certainly not be expecting, may be our only chance. It he gets through to Chancellorsville we may be through."

General Pickett broke in. "But Lee, we do not have Ewell or Longstreet. We are less than half their size."

Lee nodded knowingly. "Exactly, General Pickett, and that is another reason for confronting them in the wilderness. They do not know how many men we have to face them. Grant is smart. It will come to him at once that we have been tipped off. He will then have to wonder how long we have known. He will know that we have been moving to this spot longer than he has."

Pickett pressed his concerns. "Longstreet is in the Shenandoah. Can he get here in time to be any help in this battle?"

"We must determine to hold them off until he does, General Pickett. We can only hope to be able to do it."

Pickett seemed satisfied, but A, P. Hill did not. "I don't like it, General Lee. I don't like it a bit."

Lee was understanding but firm. "I don't either, General Hill; so if you have a better idea, let us have it now." Hill was silent. So were the rest.

General Lee's Finest Hour

When the wild animals began to pour out of the Wilderness, Lee knew that Grant was near. He deployed his men and sent them forward. For a good while the battle stood ground. Then it began to seesaw. Finally, the Union began to drive the South. Lee's men threw down their weapons and began to run. Lee could see the whole war flashing before him. He dashed out into the fleeing stream, drew his sword and began to whip the fleeing men with the broad of it.

"Stop! Stop! For God's sake, you are Southerners! If you do not stop, your cause and your homes are lost! Go back and fight! Go back and fight! Please go back, men and fight!" The inspirational presence of Lee succeeded in stopping the rout and his lines were restored. Lee was charging into the Yankee assault. "Come on, men, come on. Follow me. The blue coats will run if we put the pressure on them!" As the men rallied, a shout was heard all over the field.

"Get Lee off! Get General Lee off the field! Get General Lee out of the line of fire!" Finally a brigadier took the reins of Lee's horse and led him out of harm's way. But the brave, desperate, fanatical display by the great General had served its goal. The Rebels stayed and fought at tremendous loss and the fight went on until night-fall.

A Traitor in the Ranks

In the morning, a courier came up to Meade. "Something happened to Burnside, Sir. He did not come up. The middle is still open."

Meade swore under his breath. "How far off is he?' The Courier shook his head.

"I don't know, Sir. I only know that he is not up." Meade thanked the courier and started for Grant's headquarters tent. Then he stopped. He could not leave the field now. He had to stretch his troops to try to at least thinly cover the middle.

Hancock's Premonition Comes True

Hancock was driving A. P. Hill. About 11:00 A.M., General Lyman rode up to Hancock who was all smiles. "We are driving them beautifully," Hancock said.

Lyman then brought the bad news. "Burnside is not up."

Hancock was furious. "I knew it," he shouted angrily, "Just what I expected. If he could attack now, we could smash A. P. Hill to pieces."

Longstreet Saves the Day

Shortly thereafter, a southern courier ran into Lee's headquarters tent. "Longstreet has arrived, Sir."

Lee ran outside and kept Longstreet and his men moving. It was no time for conferences. The battle was in the balance. "Into the middle, Jim," he yelled, "Into the middle!" Longstreet put his hand to his ear, then nodded and motioned his men forward at double-time. It is doubtful if Lee knew the middle was open but Longstreet pushed on ahead with no opposition until he was far behind Grant's lines. Panic set in the Union lines and men began to run to the rear.

Meade's Confession

A courier rushed into Grant's tent. "The men are routed, Sir," he cried. Grant ran out and leapt on his horse. By dark Grant had taken personal charge of the field and order had been restored. Longstreet had been shot down and was seriously wounded.

That evening, about 6:00 P. M. Gordon attacked Meade's right flank opposite Shaler and Seymore. It was up in the air. Gordon met with little resistance. Only darkness stopped a major route.

"What the hell happened, George?" Grant demanded of General Meade. "Where was Sheridan? I told him to protect the right."

Meade stood before Grant red-faced.

"I sent him back to protect the supply train, Sir. It was being destroyed."

Grant was incredulous. "This was an integral part of the battle plan. It could not work without Sheridan in place."

"But the supply train, Sir," Meade replied in somewhat pathetic defense, "Stuart was having his way with it. Horses and wagons were falling like flies."

"Why wasn't I consulted?" Grant demanded angrily.

"I didn't think there was time, General Grant. It would have taken another two hours for me to come here."

Grant was not satisfied. "But you were here that evening, George. Why did you not tell me then?"

Meade hung his head. "I...I forgot, General."

Grant was struggling to control himself. "You forgot-something as important as that?"

"Yes, well, Sir, when I came in, you began to discuss Burnside with me and it slipped my mind. Lots of things were happening fast."

Grant was weary with frustration and changed the subject. "I guess you heard that Burnside did not get up in time."

"Yes, sir, what happened there," Meade ask?

"He says he took the wrong road once he got into the Wilderness," Grant replied.

"But how could he, Grant? They were clearly marked."

Grant nodded tiredly. "I know; I know."

"Do you think...."

Grant cut him off. "I think...I think there will be a charge and a court martial. This cannot be let go. I trusted that man and...but George, on this other matter; If you had only told me."

"What could you have done differently, Sir," Meade asked. "We had to protect the supply train."

Grant stared at Meade for a long moment, and then looked off. "Well, General Meade, what I would have done was send to half the men back and keep the other half up." Meade started to answer and then stopped. The right decision was so clear it was silly. How could a general, who had once commanded the entire army, not have made it? He dropped his head and waked away.

Grant's Major Decision

When Meade was gone, Grant went into his tent and flung himself across the cot. The men said they heard him sobbing. In the discussion with Meade he was so emotional he looked as if he would break down. Rawlins, who had been with Grant from the start, had never before seen him so angry and frustrated that he was about to choke one of his own generals. His perfect plan would have worked if either Burnside had come up or Meade had not bungled the thing with Sheridan. How did one protect against disloyalty and stubborn tempers that clouded judgments? The enemy had fought valiantly and brilliantly and staved off certain destruction while his men had stumbled, fumbled, and bumbled away another great opportunity. He had come within a hair's breadth of destroying Lee right there and then. But then, it had been the same in the first Wilderness campaign and Chancellorsville and at Gettysburg. The Union fighting men had done their job and had matched the Rebels tit for tat. The breakdown was with command-again-as always. Lee had risked his life out on the battlefield, the bullets whizzing around his head, in a personal display of bravery unexcelled by any general at any time while Meade and Sheridan were cursing each other under an oak and Burnside had been seeking his petty and bitter-sweet revenge. It was no wonder the Union had not crushed this rebellion long ago. How could they, with this kind of incompetence of leadership?

Through the night he thought. A worried Rawlins brought him in some coffee and a snack. Grant sat up and sipped a little coffee.

"Rawlins, I have made my decision."

Rawlins was not sure what Grant was talking about. "Are we going back then?"

Grant stood up and patted the dejected Rawlins on his shoulder. "No, my friend, we are not going back. We are just going elsewhere."

"But where, General Grant?"

Grant sat back down and kicked off his slippers. "I am tired, Rawlins, and I don not want to go over this twice. I need a bit of rest if I can get it. Be here in the morning when Meade comes in and you will be among the first to know. Oh, and be sure to wake me at 6:00 if I happen to be sleeping.

At 6:30 the following morning Meade came in for the meeting that Grant had called with him.

"General, about Sheridan and..."

Grant stopped him. "General Meade, make all preparations today for a night march. Tonight we are getting out of here." Meade looked down and did not say anything. "Cheer up, George, we are not going back; we are going to move south and find a better place to fight. I hope we can steal a march on Lee and get ahead of him so we can choose our spot. I don't like this place."

Meade looked up with a big smile cracking his grim face. "All right, U.S. Grant," he said enthusiastically.

From Gloom to Glory

About an hour after dark, the Army of the Potomac turned about and moved West through the Wilderness. There was anger and frustration in the hearts and voices of the men: "What the hell are we leavin' now for? Lee hasn't licked us. At best, it's a push. Why don't we stay and fight tomorrow. So what if Longstreet's troops are up? We still have three men to their two!" At the West edge of the Wilderness, and the Orange Plank Road, the men expected to wheel left toward Germanna's Ford. Instead they turned right. Then the whole mood changed as the design began to become clear to them. A cheer when up, the likes of which Grant had never heard. He rode through the ranks. "General Grant, General Grant, US Grant, Unconditional Surrender Grant" they shouted, as they threw their hats in the air.

Horace Porter was riding along side Rawlins. "This started out to be a funeral march and it has suddenly become a triumphal procession."

Rawlins nodded and did not say anything. This was strange for Rawlins. Porter looked at him closely as saw that his eyes were filled with tears.

The men were singing lustily: "John Brown's body is a-moldering in his grave." "We will hang Jeff Davis to a sour apple tree."

Porter continued his commentary. "It's for Grant those men are singing, Rawlins." Rawlins was finally able to reply.

"And for themselves, Porter."

Porter nodded his agreement. "And for themselves General Rawlins. But it is the supreme moment in the life of Ulysses S. Grant. Had he turned the other way like McClellan, Pope, Burnside, McDowell, Hooker and Meade, it would have meant the death of a nation.

Lincoln has His Man at Last

Back in Washington, Henry Wing, the New York Tribune reporter, asked for an audience with the president. He found Lincoln with several members of his cabinet. As all reporters, Wing was not bashful. "Mr. President," he said boldly, "I have a personal word for you."

The cabinet members withdrew and Lincoln was alone with Wing. "You wanted to speak to me?" Lincoln asked.

"Yes, Mr. President, I have a message for you-a message from General Grant. He told me I was to give it to you when you were alone."

"Something from Grant to me?' The President hovered over Wing. He had never realized the President was so tall. Lincoln stooped down and looked Wing in the eye with an almost fierce gaze. "What is it?" He asked hoarsely.

Wing became unnerved and emotional. His voice began to waver. "General Grant told me to tell you from him that, whatever happens, there is to be no turning back." What happened next provided Wing the title for a future book: When Lincoln Kissed Me.

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No, I'm not talking about the varsity drag, I'm talking about aging. Is it really so difficult to accept that, unless life has a surprise in store for us, we will all one day be a senior citizen, an elderly person, an old man, an old woman? Apparently for some it is, which brings to mind Dame Judith Dench, who, after winning the Oscar, was asked by a reporter how she felt about getting older.

Of course, what he really meant by the question was 'what does it feel like to be old?' and she knew it. Her snappish two-word reply to him was "it's horrible". Now, I just happen to think that she has little to gripe about. I mean who had ever heard of her until she had become a senior, gotten a plum movie role, earned an Oscar, and got knighted. Nobody that's who, at least nobody on this side of the Atlantic Ocean. After all, instead of being a rich, famous, senior she could have wound up being old, alone, and poor. However, enough about Dame Dench, as she, and the title of this piece, are really diversions. A way to lightly approach the serious subject of the somewhat recent phenomenon of aging baby boomers caring for aged parents.

Since Ponce De Leon never did discover the 'fountain of youth' and since the youngest of the Baby Boom generation are now in their 40's, the boomers parents have become a looking glass into the boomers own future. And if you happen to be in your twenties or thirties, trust that how these boomers deal with it, becomes a looking glass into your own future. So how are they dealing with it? Well, a good percentage of them did not buy into 'out of sight, out of mind', and have therefore made the choice not to ship their parents off to some senior citizen compound, and are themselves taking care of them. While you may not think this has much to do with you, it actually does because what they are doing is setting the stage for the future of long term home care. Is doing so taking a toll on them? Absolutely it is, but when asked if they would do it again, the majority of them reply that they would. So is it possible, do you suppose, that the Man from Galilee knew what he was talking about when he said 'it is better to give than to receive'?.

Let's take a look at that in a different way, so bear with me while I tell you two news stories that have remained with me since the day I first heard them. For the first story, we go back to 1982 when Flight 90 crashed into the ice crusted Potomac River. The world watched helplessly as of the 74 passengers, 6 survivors struggled to stay alive in the freezing water. Of those six, 'passenger six' as he was referred to, caught and passed on the lifelines he could have used to save himself. Although his was not the only act of heroism that night, his sacrifice is perhaps the most haunting because of the 74 original passengers; he was the only one to die from drowning. And yes, the other five survived.

Next is the news story of two men: The first had slipped off a high bridge and just as he lost his hold on the rail that was keeping him from falling, a second man appeared and grabbed hold of his hand. This second man was then himself in danger of falling but he kept holding on, and holding on, until rescue finally arrived. When a reporter asked this second man why he had put himself in such danger for a complete stranger, he answered, "I felt that if I had let him fall and die, that some important part of me would have died along with him."

Although these two news stories are a lot more dramatic than children who take up the role of being their parents caretakers, they nevertheless contain in them the same element of the selfless sacrifice of oneself. Considering that for generations advertisers have been feeding Americans a daily diet of self gratification with messages of 'get' 'spend' 'have' 'own' 'get more', the decision of Baby Boomers to do this is rather remarkable. As they have en masse done once before they have again rejected the messages in a search for a more meaningful inner message. And in doing so they exchanged 'get' for 'give' and in doing that they have tapped into some heroic facet of themselves.

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Welcome to another of our series on the travel report and chairman of historic sites in America, who have dedicated their lives and careers. Only 16 miles south of Washington, DC, overlooking the Potomac River is the historic headquarters of the United States most visited ...

Visit Mount Vernon

In northern Virginia, just 16 miles south of Washington, DC, is Mount Vernon, the plantation home of first U.S. president, George Washington.

The hotel is situated on a hill with aThe view of the Potomac River below mt. Vernon is a must for any visitor to the Washington area to see. A unique opportunity to visit mt. Vernon arrives by ship, like a guided tour of downtown Washington, DC, a pleasant cruise on the Potomac River and back.

The historic home and surrounding land, which was only a small portion of the estate of George Washington at the end of 1700. Then there are the expansive grounds, a farm, the representative of life 225Ans. More than a dozen buildings, except the house and every property is a snapshot of time, as our first president lived here.

To start the Mt Vernon, we recommend the first step should be focused on consulting center, and various film recounts the life of Washington and the administration. You will have the opportunity to diversify their visit, depending on their personal interests.

Four gardens only a hope and a walk inthe path of the forest. Of course, the house is drawing even bigger. A tour will be many original furnishings and 21 beautifully restored interior. Near the house is an area of four hectares, with the majority of employees effected by the first day of Washington.

Washington has lived here for forty years, much of his time as president. One of the oldest historic sites in America, was opened to the public since 1860. Over the past 150 years, MT. Vernon has been visited bymore than 80 million people.

To facilitate your visit, we recommend you purchase tickets online in advance. You can work hard in the locker room and see a tour. As you can imagine the weekend, is very active and busy, so try to visit during the week, if possible.

To visit a real insider, ask your state representative or visit the Office of the Congress of the Congress, every day at 8.45 hours in spring and summer. This tour includes a 45Minute walk of the grounds of goods and a special ceremony at the tomb of Washington.

Mt Vernon is easily reached by car and there is plenty of parking at the hotel. Most city tours include a stop to mt. Vernon program all day, and most tour operators offer visits to the houses. You can also mount. Vernon public transport and the metro line connecting via bus.

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A bold step

Sharp saw Meade and then give him his head. Sharp took a deep breath and turned to Meade.

"I lost the instructions to all departments to prepare the plan of battle in the desert. You could read to me, sir?"

Meade, turned in his chair and stared angrily Sharp. Then he turned to give. "General Grant," he said abruptly: "Yes ..."

Give him off quickly. "Oh, come on, General Meade.It will not hurt. I just want to hear. "

Meade thought briefly the challenge and decided against it. Not that he despised as Sharp is the intrusion into their territory and permanently by someone outside of their control, and pushed around rated much lower. "Very good wishes to General Grant, for you ..." Meade took their study voice and gathered his papers. "Notes for all departments to prepare for a battle nearSouth Bank of the Rapidan. Are up to 16 days of rations problem (4 of sausage and 12), of beef has increased to 14,000,000 cycles distribution of small arms ammunition Grains 10 days to 56,000 animals (34,071 horses and mules, 22,528) .. .

When you are finished Meade Sharp was stunned. "It 'a journey, General Meade.

Meade nodded without much enthusiasm. "In total, 4,300 were Culpepper be heavy trucks. This is a line 60 miles long. The March 86,500Those who cooperate with the officers, cavalry and medical staff of over 30 miles in length. Everything in the column of 90 miles covered. "

Sharp turned and looked curiously at Grant. "As chief of security, if you please, sir, as provided for in the world, Lee with a long, slow train ninety miles by surprise?

Grant was quiet. "You see, Sharp, I see the wind in the series of events that we saw in the river. But if all goes as planned, we have another day for him andcan be seen clearly in the desert and the opening of the massacre, when everything under the plan. "

Sharp was surprised. "How you can start sir? Lee immediately Chancellorsville. While it may once if you arrive in the desert."

"I believe that the estimate of Chancellorsville know is right," Sharp, "said Grant." But to see Chancellorsville is not to hurt me. Must be in good position usually in the vicinity of Orange Court House, beforeIt 'obvious that the desert to thwart my plans, and it was not enough time, if we were heard. "

Problems in air

Sharp always wore a worried look. "Another thing that bothers me, sir." Burnside not in the column under the force leaves Culpepper. It is in the middle of the night before the first commitment. I am very worried that there is nothing but a 'time'.

Grant did not listen to his work in the office, but has thrown his commentover his shoulder. "He has enough time for Sharp."

Sharp is continuing. "I know that I have time, sir."

This time, Grant has to stop and deal with Sharp. "If we have something in mind, Captain Sharp, with him," he said bluntly. Leave Meade, who had started, he sat very concerned about this turning point in the debate.

"Very good, sir." Tour of intelligence, sometimes very difficult, as an officer and disturbing that Burnside has made comments about you. "

"HowWhat, for example? Grant application.

Sharp shrugged his shoulders and began the first person to quote his book:

"Grant in small battles, not big enough for this command."

"Grant is the mascot of Lincoln."

"Grant has failed. Trappola know him in the desert and destroy it."

Grant believed that Meade. Meade took this as a problem has been.

"Yes, General Grant, I fear that my people have done things for me."

"Does it bother you so muchSharp as a captain?

"Mr. Maybe not so much, but I am concerned."

Grant was a moment. He replied with a tone of finality. "Well, do not worry, sir." Burnside is very beautiful and faithful supporter of the Union. He can not, as it is not necessary. But not, through the execution of the contract and not respecting its obligations.

Meade has increased again to leave. "I hope you're right, sir, Burnside, I mean. It 'very bitterAs it happened, and there are good people who disagree with you. "

"Did I break a rule of mine and put it on the field, Meade. Who in particular?

Meade said wearily, as if he knew that this was the beginning of a very strong feeling. "General Hancock, for his part, sir." When he learned that Burnside is the middle of the night, he nearly threw a fit to fill. "Son ... ... that this child, the son of a bitch is lost, you'll see." ThisThese are his words to me, sir. "

Grant rested his chin on his hands, his elbows on his knees and thought for a moment. Finally, he says with a pinch of fear,

'Well, of course, a concern that I, General Meade, but not enough to undo this action and make a change. I can not do something that is terribly disappointing that the general and the president of everything taking Burnside, who does not satisfy his duty. "

Meade nodded gravely. When he left,Grant returned to Sharp.

"How reliable reports, Sharp?

"Very sure, sir."

Grant shook his head in disgust. "Contrary to what I said Meade, would campaign if he thought might happen. But I do not see may be a general jerk to his people and his country, just to prove a point."

Sharp returned to her lap and looking up to see Grant. "There are people who knew and worked with him, Ionly possible, but. "

They stood in silence for about five minuets. Twice Grant began to write something and then stops. Finally he spoke. "No, Sharp. No, Burnside is a trade unionist and a loyal soldier. It is his duty to do so."

Sharp rose to leave. He approached the door, hesitated a few times. He reached the door and opened it. Before continuing, it was again granted. "That thought is good, honest, charitable, General Grant, but with Burnside, which could make aMistake. "Then he left and closed the door behind him. Grant still for a long time looking at nothing in particular. The return, after what he did before his entry Sharp

A devastating decision

After turning the wheel and staring into the desert, Lee Grant assemble the column and started the training offered meets in different places, the draft horses and cars are handicapped. A man on horseback cavalry approached briefsMeade.

"Cavalleria Lee beat our tails, while the greatest damage, sir."

Meade went to a point where it might seem. Turned to the driver. "Go and tell the time, General Sheridan led his cavalry to protect." The man went to the front. Meade returned to see what he could, through the mediation of some form of protection, without stopping the train, which Lee is the design became evident. In about two hours, the driver was back. Meade stood and bowed.Meade was so angry because the man was alone. 'Well, soldier?

The man looked positively ill. "Sheridan not, sir"

Meade, who was known for his temper, turned almost purple. "What, what did he say?

"He said ... She said to tell you that he had orders to protect the right flank and could not be trusted."

"But what did he say?"

"He said ... who told you to go to hell, sir."

Without addressing more generally is that the driver turned his horse, and Meadebegan a career at Sheridan. Finally, she found him sitting under the oak tree and eating dried meat. Meade almost ran over him with his horse. "General Sheridan," exclaimed: "You sent this man to tell me ..."

Sheridan jumped and attacked Meade's horse by the bridle. E 'was the hardest usually lowest in the Union Army. He gave orders, in general, but never had Guff. Sheridan when connected directly to General Grant, and he was shocked by the imposition ofMeade between him and Grant. "Now that we have just held their horses, Meade!

Meade was less difficult than Sheridan, but his temper is worse, and he was so stubborn. Sheridan suffered words. "I had a question, general, and I want an answer. Now you know that the pilots were sent to take me to hell?

Sheridan Meade did not expect and he is always angry and took it a little 'back. "I do not say exactly what Meade.

"The title of General Meade,Commander of the Army of the Potomac, General Sheridan. And what exactly are you saying? If this man has lied to me, me ... "

"He lied, General Meade.

"What the hell ..."

"He said," if you have a Meade to make room for me, then we can say that he must go to hell. I could not believe that the order came from you, Meade, I thought that the man was wrong. "

'Well, me and ... "

"General Meade, I personally supervisesOrder of General Grant to protect the right flank. When they are out and left without protection, the first place is taken and read the whole campaign is a disaster. "

Meade not placated. "I do not like that Grant told him, I am the captain and I will give you a direct order. Our convoy was destroyed by the cavalry of Lee." Homecoming King and the times and protect them. "

Cara Sheridan began Crimson. "So I General Meade, Igoing to say to you personally go to hell. I need here, and I'm not going to leave without protection in this fight before. Do not you remember what happens when Custer Hooker disappeared, leaving his left unprotected? "

Meade began to calm down a bit 'and has tried valiantly to get his temper under control. "General Sheridan, we have an emergency on our hands and the horse can not handle it. If this is to destroy our way of supply, it is useless in the struggle to succeed before.In one day will be ammunition and foodstuffs. "

Sheridan Meade has changed in the form of weakness. Began to cry. "Grant was sent to replace you, because you do not know what the hell they were doing. Let her prove it. Do you want my horse to get out of the fight and the police?" I will not leave unless the contribution of the grant is to say, and is final. "

Meade had his character under control and now has little time for reflection, while Sheridanspeak. "General Sheridan. If what I say, I put in the box and sent to prison Culpepper. If our supply of the railway has failed and we lost that fight, I'll kill you for disobeying an order under fire on the battlefield. Bring your entire staff return for the supply of trains. trains are left unprotected until his arrest in the desert and attacks by the federal government. They will do what I say and what time! do "

Sheridan was not tooto imagine evil. He says that things are unacceptable to Meade, thinking it might Bluff. Meade saw that it could be a bluff. It 'was one of two options. Meade shoot, or do what he says. We can consider the shooting, but he had many men only comparison. "Very well, sir," exclaimed: "But if the right loses, and Grant ..."

Meade held him. "I want the whole story of General Grant, Sheridan. If there is a sequence in which left-rightwithout protection, is on me. Now go away, otherwise it will be too late. Meade turned around and went to make the curse Sheridan.

One of his horses Brigade. "If we're gunna go," Lord, I must know. When we do, then it is better on the road. I heard that there are real problems. "

Sheridan turned round and shouted to his lieutenant. "If you're so anxious to go, then, damn it!" Brigadier-General gave the signal and the cavalry back to workPoint of conflict. After a bit ', followed by Sheridan.

Mental retardation, which cost him a fight and almost lost a war

Meade was later to store the commands for a grant for several hours. He has refused his mind, the whole story. But when he arrived, Grant has spoken with him. Meade, are very concerned about Burnside. Scouts report that came back ten miles of road and I saw no sign of him. If you are far behind, did not.

'Well General,I do not know what we can do if we continue to grow. "

Grant shook his head firmly. "Impossible, George, will not."

At that time a scout came "We contacted Burnside, sir." There is another way of not, O Lord, and he is only eight kilometers. "

Grant has breathed a sigh of relief visible. He turned to Meade. "Well, it's good news." George, why not take into account the situation on the other side, and I alwaysLook at this way. We have things within our reach, if we are in a good condition five in the morning shift. "

Meade left without Sheridan and Grant on the right is in the air. He was miles away, and it was nearly dark, before remembering. Should I go back? What could Grant, anyway? Had sent the cavalry to the right and the convoy had to be protected. If there is no struggle, bringing tomorrow afternoon and tellpersonally.

An unforgivable error in the sentence

Meade has had a serious error in the decision. Consider granting of Sheridan had to work forward on the right side on the right flank to protect. Meade concern that the offer would have been destroyed by the train is justified, but their actions are not. Some of the cavalry could protect the train, but some remained to protect the right. The order was that, left as soon as possible for menVigil at the station and return to the front. This was not the end Meade, and the tension was so great that Sheridan did not take to change this situation, even when, as is usually the best drivers in the EU 's, knew what it meant to Grant. It 'was a big change in battle plan and was without the knowledge or consent of the donation you have made. Meade and the decision not to return immediately and say that Grant was also poor.

Save Stewat Confederate Jeb

Two nightsforced to move first Culpepper Grant, Stuart in the field of information in terms of Grant missing. Lee sent Stuart to find in Long Street and immediately in the mountains, and Gordon called pickets.

"Gentlemen, we have information on the most serious, vital and happy nature. Grant Culpepper leaves two days with a force of 120,000 men and a great journey. Go into the desert."

Ambrose Hill Word. "One hundred and twenty, my God. We cankeep them if they attack at Chancellorsville be ready for the long struggle? "

Lee shook his head. "I do not think that we, the hill-General had in stock, so I decided in the courts of Orange and the attack in the desert."

General Gordon fell off my chair. "But, sir, to attack an army of this size and in the desert, where we can see what's happening there? Is this wise?"

Lee came and went before responding.Finally, he turned to Gordon. "Mr. President, this war has changed. People will fight like no other. This is not Joe Hooker. If ever one of us has the advantage that must end with us without hesitation. And then there's another important thing here is what I thought. Our men fight better in the forest, where small individual training and instinct and cunning, the arithmetic mean a lot. I think the grants capture subsidies in the desert, with an attack,certainly not expected, may be our only chance. You arrive at Chancellorsville, which may be through. "

General Pickett broken "But Lee, who Ewell or Longstreet. We are less than half its size."

Lee nodded. "Exactly, General Pickett, and one more reason to deal with them is in the desert. I do not know how many men we face. Grant is smart. Come, which was launched on a stop time. Thenwonder how long we've known. He knows what we've done more than me. "

Pickett, have expressed their concern. "Longstreet is in Shenandoah. If he can get there in time to help in this fight?"

"We have to decide when he wants to keep it up to General Pickett. One can only hope we do."

Wilson Pickett was satisfied, but, P. Hill does not. "I do not like the General Lee. I do not know how a little '.

Lee was the understanding, but determined. Do not knowor generally Hill, so if you have a better idea, let's go now. "Silent Hill. So the rest.

General Lee's Finest Hour

If wild animals have begun to leave the desert, knowing that Lee Grant was in the vicinity. He used his people and sent them forward. For good position on the battlefield. Then he began to waver. Finally, the Union began the drive south. Lee's men threw their weapons and began to run. Lee was able to flash the whole warbefore him. He rushed into the theft of power, drew his sword and began to runaway with the general guidelines of the whip from him.

"Enough, enough, by God, are southerners, or even halt the loss of their business and their houses are" going to fight! "Go back and fight!" Please go back and fight the men! The inspiring presence of Lee was able to stop the exodus and its lines have been restored. Lee has been to attack the Yankee collection. "Come on. The men who come and follow me. Running escortIf we put pressure on them! "When they heard the men met was a cry throughout the region.

Lee Get off! Getting the General Lee in the country! General Lee off the line of fire! "Finally, a Brigadier General Lee took the reins and led him astray. But it is the courage, despair, fanaticism map by the great general who had served its purpose. The rebels were, and fought in the great loss and struggle continues until evening.

A traitor in the ranks

InThe morning came a messenger to Meade. "Something in Burnside, sir." He has not left. The center is always open.

Meade swore softly. "How far?" Email shook his head.

"I do not know, sir. I only know that he has not grown." Meade thanked the Messenger service and went to the bank regarding the station license. Then he stopped. I could not leave the ground now. E 'was stretching forces to try to cover at least half thin.

Premonition Comes HancockTrue

Hancock has led AP Hill. Approximately 11:00, General Lyman mounted Hancock, who was all smiles. "We're fine," said Hancock.

Lyman then brought the bad news. "Burnside is not."

Hancock was furious. "I knew it," he said angrily: "Exactly what I expected. If, now, the attacks, AP Hill could break into a thousand pieces."

Longstreet Saves the Day

Shortly afterwards, a messenger arrived at the headquarters of South LeeTent. "Longstreet is it, sir."

Lee ran out and stopped Longstreet and his men to move. There was no time for conferences. The fight was in balance. "At the center, Jim," he said, "in the middle! Longstreet put his hand to his ear, then nodded and motioned to his men in the room. And 'no doubt that Lee knew the center was open, but Longstreet continued unopposed until it was far behind the lines of grant. panic in the Union lines, and people started running forback.

Meade Confession

A messenger came into the tent of Grant. "The men were taken, sir," he said. Grant ran and jumped on his horse. Granting of personal responsibility dark field and order was restored. Longstreet was shot and seriously wounded.

Attacked in the night, the right side at 6:00 against Gordon Meade Shaler and Seymore. E 'in the air. Gordon has met with little resistance. The only shade was in possession of a largePath.

"What happened, George? Grant request of General Meade." Where was Sheridan? I said that to protect the law. "

Meade Grant before flushing.

"I'm back to the supply train, sir." S destruction.

Grant was disbelief. "It 'was an integral part of the plan of battle. I could not work without Sheridan up.

"But the train offer, sir," said Meade defense a bit 'pathetic,' Stuart had his way with him.The horses and cars were dropping like flies. "

"Why not ask?" Grant angry.

"I do not think that was the moment General Grant. I still had two hours for me to come here."

Grant was not satisfied. "But you were here tonight to tell George. Why did not you say so?

Meade lowered his head. "I. .. I forgot, sir."

Grant had been battling for control. "Have you forgotten something important like this?

"Well, sir, when I arrived,Burnside He started talking to me and passed me. Many things happened very quickly. "

Grant was tired of dealing with frustration and changed the subject. "I think he learned that Burnside is most timely.

"Yes, sir, what happened to" ask Meade?

"He says he was wrong when I was in the desert," said Grant.

"But how could he, Grant?" Been clearly identified.

Grant shook his head wearily. "I know, I know."

"Do you think ...."

Grantinterrupted. "... I think it will be a burden and a council of war. They can not let go. I trusted this man, and George ... but this other thing, if you will."

"What would you do differently, sir," said Meade. "We must protect the convoy."

Grant Meade searched long and then looked. 'Well, General Meade, who had done was to send back half of the men and will join the other half. " Meade started to react, then stopped.The right decision was so clear, it was stupid. How can a general who had commanded that once the whole army, is not it? He bowed his head and woke eliminated.

Grant Major Decision

If Meade had left, Grant went to his tent and threw himself on the bed. The men said they heard sobbing. During the debate with Meade was so emotional that it seemed to break. Ramos, who was with Grant at the outset, they have never seen such angerand frustrated that I would strangle one of his own generals. His plan would have worked perfectly, but Burnside was unable or not the business of Meade with Sheridan. As has been blurred to protect against the dishonesty of the workers and the stubborn nature of this decision? The enemy fought bravely and brilliantly and fought for the destruction of security, while his men had found, tried and Bumble has been a great opportunity. It 'been there a hair of the imminent destruction of Lee andthen. But then, it was the same as the Wilderness campaign, and Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. The Union has fought against the men had done their duty and that the rebels had agreed Tit for tat. The division was the command again, as always. Lee had risked their lives on the battlefield, bullets whizzing around his head in a show of personal courage, as a general without at any moment, as Meade and Sheridan aligned with each other under an oak, and Burnside had his tissueand bittersweet revenge. No wonder the Union crushed the rebellion long ago. How could they, with plenty of incompetent management?

At night, he thought. A question Ramos brought him a coffee and a sandwich. Grant sitting and sipping coffee.

"Rawlins, I made my decision."

Ramos was not sure what he was talking to Grant. "Shall we?

Grant got up and pulled down the shoulder Rawlins. "No, myDude, we're back. We are moving elsewhere. "

"But where General Grant?

Grant sat down and put his slippers. "I'm tired, Ramos, and Don does not go through this twice. I need rest, so I can. This morning, when Meade in the game, and will be among the first to know. Oh, and the eighth who woke up at 6 : 00, if I happen to sleep.

At 6:30 the next morning Meade arrived at the meeting that Grant had called withhim.

"Overall, Sheridan and ..."

Grant was arrested. "General Meade, now make all preparations to go for a night. Tonight we leave here." Meade looked down and said nothing. "Come on, George, we're back, we want to move south and fight to find a better place. I hope we can steal a march on Lee, and go forward so that we can take our place. I do not like this place.

Meade gave a big smile split his face sad. "Okay,U.S. Grant, "he said with enthusiasm.

From obscurity to fame

About an hour after sunset, making the Army of the Potomac River to the west and crosses the desert. There was anger and frustration in the hearts and votes of men: "What the hell we're leavin 'Now? Lee did not lick us. The best thing is a surprise. Why not stay and fight tomorrow." So, what if Longstreet's troops are we? We have three husbands, two! "On the western edge ofDesert, and Orange Plank Road, they expect men to wheel from Germanna Ford. Instead, turn to the right. Then, the general atmosphere of how the project started, was markedly changed. Here's to, as if he had never heard of the grant. He made his career. "General Grant, General Grant, U.S. Grant, Grant total abandonment," they chanted, throwing their hats into the air.

Horace Porter was mounted on the side of Ramos. E 'started in March and Funeralhas suddenly emerged as a triumph. "

Ramos nodded and said nothing. E 'was strange for Ramos. Porter has looked closely, I saw that his eyes filled with tears.

The men sang "John Brown's Body is a pause in his grave." "We hang Jeff Davis to a sour apple.

Porter continued his commentary. "These men sing for Grant, Ramos." Ramos was finally able to respond.

"And for him,Wear. "

Porter agreed. What about you General Rawlins. But the greatest moment in the life of Ulysses S. Grant. It was not the opposite, as McClellan, Pope, Burnside, McDowell, Hooker, and Meade, would mean the death of a nation are.

Lincoln finally her man

Back in Washington, the journalist Henry wing of the New York Tribune, has requested a meeting with the president. Lincoln met with some members of his Cabinet. Since allReporter Wing was not shy. "Mr. President," he said bravely: "I have a personal word to you."

Members of the Cabinet back and Lincoln was alone with her wings. "They wanted to see me?" Lincoln asked.

"Yes, Mr. President, I would give a message to a general message. He said I should give when they were alone."

"Some of Grant's for me?" The president was traveling on the wings. He had never understood that the President was so great. Lincoln leaned over andAla looked into his eyes with an almost hard. "What?" I asked hoarsely.

Ala was confused and emotional. His voice began to waver. "Gen. Grant said to tell you what happens, there will be no turning back." What happened next, if the team for the title of a book future If Lincoln kissed me.

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At one point, was good, clean water, abundant in America, but no more. Poisons such as chlorine and chloramines are clean, the water is. "The chemicals we use disinfectant for daily use, such as herbicides, and others have found many of them toxic and / or carcinogenicity, and drugs such as antibiotics, hormones and chemotherapy drugs, your way through the water supply in this country . This article addresses somethe worst criminals and how we can protect ourselves against them.

The worst offenders, identified by the United States and most developed countries, is chlorine. Chlorine is a deadly poison that is added to our water supply by utilities to destroy waterborne bacteria. Since the chlorine will evaporate over time, the federal regulators have suppliers of chlorine in water enough water to ensure his presence, even when the last house on the water system to addPipeline.

So, if your house is close to the water company the amount of chlorine in tap water can be enormous. I tested the water in many of these houses and found that most of what is considered safe for swimming!

While state regulation at a low level of chlorine in drinking water still exist is true, there is now a large body of data shows that this is not true. Therefore, the Council on Environmental Quality as "at risk of cancerPeople with chlorinated water is as 93 percent higher than those whose water does not contain chlorine. "

"And:" A common factor among women with breast cancer were all above 50-60 percent this by-product of chlorination (THM) in adipose tissue than women without breast cancer ... (BreastCancerFund.org)

It should also research that links health risks dangerous for pregnant women drinking water with chlorine. These risks includeMiscarriage of neural tube defects and fetal growth.

Finally, to understand: "We recognize that we still believe in the prevention of epidemics were a disease, we will create another. Two decades after the start of chlorination of drinking water the present epidemic of heart trouble and cancer began to learn. "
Joseph M. Price, Ph.D.

What is found with other chemicals in tap water?

We need to know now what the discharge of drainage, or in our garden or ourCrops or the environment, as you want to do again, we are pursuing. Finally, we are in the water we drink.

Many of the over 80,000 chemicals in organic synthesis is increasing in our environment are toxic and / or carcinogenic (cancer producing or favor).

How often ends up in our water systems?

Years ago, as the Ralph Nader Research Group, released after the study of government documents under the Freedom of Information Act, the consumption of the United StatesBecause water contains over 2100 toxic chemicals that cancer can. "

Even the regulatory authorities of the government argue that low levels of these chemicals in drinking water are safe. But these statements about the effects of an adult, but not in long-term studies. And scientists have shown that even worse, "harmless" levels, these chemicals can combine to produce new chemicals thousand times stronger.

So, once again, the evidence againstThe reports of the established government. The rivers and streams, drinking water supplies of many cities have these substances and the plant and animal life, are contaminated by the effects. For example, there are fish in the Potomac River, the source of drinking water in Washington, DC found men and women, sort of exposure to substances similar to estrogen.

They must understand that the treatment plants that our water does not remove these chemicals! TheyUsually sand filtration to remove visible particles and add bleach to use. That's it!

Moreover, they offer one of the drugs that are stained or not, is not metabolized, even our bathrooms. Drugs such as antidepressants, heart, cancer and antihypertensive drugs, hormones, drugs, birth control and many others can be found in our drinking water.

The point is that these problems are real, widespread and extremely dangerous to the health of your family. The only way toProtect your family is to filter the water we drink, take a bath or kitchen, then use when at home.

So please, protect your family and yourself, and a good filtering system for water. Any system that is better than using the body as a filter but some are better than others when it comes to eliminating all impurities before coming here, and safer.

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When you go on vacation, it's easy to spend money on museums, water parks, theme parks and food. The secret to a cheap family vacation is to figure out where you can cut expenses yet still have a fabulous time.

Well, Washington, DC provides numerous free activities for you and the kids. I'll share 5 of them with you here:

1. Museums: Most of the museums in Washington, DC are free. Some of the best ones are conveniently located near each other on the National Mall, and some are particularly kid friendly. The Air and Space museum, Museum of Natural History and even the US Post Office museum are particular kid favorites. The National Building Museum, which may not sound exciting at first, offers a play area on the second floor with blocks, toy tools, and more to teach about building.

2. Parks: One of the best-kept secrets in the Washington area is Gravelly Point Park located close to the end of the Regan National Airport runway. It's located off the northbound George Washington Parkway in Arlington, VA. You'll get a beautiful view of the Washington skyline across the Potomac River, and you can often have an up-close view of the airplanes landing at the airport. Entire families visit the park to picnic and to watch the planes land.

3. Markets: Visit the outdoor Eastern Market for an outdoor shopping experience. You can sample fresh and homemade food and see what local artists offer in the way of photographs, paintings, and jewelry.

4. Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center: Free concerts and performances are offered every day of the year at the Kennedy Center. For restless children, there's room to stand and move around in the back.

5. Memorials: Washington, as you may know, is full of memorials. The back steps of the Lincoln Memorial offer a good view of the bridge that leads to Arlington National cemetery, and the front steps offer a view of the George Washington Memorial. The Vietnam War Memorial and the World War II memorial are close by, so this is an outing in which you can see a lot in a short time. You can also save on transportation since you won't have to take a taxi or use a rental car. Bring your lunch and you can eat on one of the many benches by the reflecting pool and feed the ducks.

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Traveling from my small country, Sierra Leone, on the State Department- sponsored 2006 Study of the U.S. Institute on Contemporary U.S. literature in 2006 gave me the unique opportunity, amongst 17 other American Literature scholars from all parts of the world to deepen my understanding of U.S. society, culture, and values through examining contemporary American Literature. As we introduced ourselves, I first realized how much variety in perspectives we were bringing into interpreting American literature as well as culture and society. For we came from 16 countries: Togo, Congo Kinshasha, Tunisia, Cameroon, Sierra Leone. Palestine, Turkey, Serbia, Nepal, Philipines, China, Cambodia, Malaysia, Brazil and India. We all seem also to have varying degrees of involvement in the teaching of American literature. Whilst some of us were teaching it as part of a English as well as literature course, others were engaged in it as an independent discipline. One or two of us even admitted that they were more involved in linguistics or language studies. A particular participant's interest in not only language but also philosophy and mysticism seem always to be forcing through her abstractions into virtually every discussion we were having. One was a legal practitioner doubling as a lecturer at the university in her country and another one was interested in curriculum design.

Some of us were upset because the program did not include the names of well-known white American writers, like Emerson, Longfellow, Hawthorne, Twain, Faulkner, Steinbeck and Hemingway. But then as the program went on we realised, that contemporary American literature must be re-defined to include voices of other communities in America: Black, Native American, Jewish, Hispanic, Chinese and other Asian minorities. And this was the greatness of the program: giving it a multi-cultural approach.

Contemporary American literature must in this way bypass the boundary of race and gender. But to absorb all the proceedings required adequate linguistic and literary competence. So versatile and rich was the program in content that a wealth of University teaching experience and vast knowledge of American literature and culture with intensive as well as extensive reading of the many texts as well as a thorough grasp of the critical theories was required to absorb and digest and participate in the discussions.

In very lively seminars we together with different professors with impressive array of credentials,including awards as well as publications examined how major writers, schools and movements both continue the traditions of the American literary canon, and establish new directions for American Literature.

A widening range of cultural as well as racial and gender diversity were seen in the texts and writers examined and discussed. These include African-American writers such as Percival Everett, Tony Morrison and Harriet Mullen, almost all of whom combined creative writing with literary scholarship. In fact, both Everett and Mullen were in session and thus had to receive and tackle a series of questions and queries.

Morrison for her part influenced the publication of many black writers and got the inspiration for her ground-breaking work Beloved which confronts the haunting memories of slavery whilst she was working as an editor at Random House. Kingston's Woman Warrior shows much of the doubts and cultural conflicts that ensues as Chinese immigrants into the U.S. struggle to get absorbed into America whilst at the same time trying to retain their original identity which is largely an impossibility as the resultant identity could no longer be the same as before. as they now become more akin to Chinese Americans. The same cultural struggle is evident in the Mexican-American novelist Cisneros' works The House on Mango Street and Woman Hollerin Creek. The current reassessment of American history with the growing recognition of the original inhabitants as Native Americans has given much space to their revolutionary literature through writers like Silko and Vizenor. Through Lahiri's Interpreters of Maladies we also see the Indians struggling with accommodating two cultures in a strange land.

Science fiction seems to have emerged as part of the literary cannon with a wider selection of science fiction writers such as William Gibson, Neal Stephenson, Samuel Delaney, Joanna Russ, Octavia Butler and Ursula Leguin becoming worthy of studying . We also had a revealing overview of the operations of the American theater. Overviews of contemporary American and African-American poetry were given along with a very comprehensive analysis of contemporary American literature with insights into critical and literary theoretical developments such as post-modernism and the politics of identity and representation especially with regard to minority American literature. The prevalence of post-modernism in contemporary American Literature was most evident through the seminars on Bobbie Ann Mason's 'Shiloh' which is set in Louisville itself and on Samuel Pynchon's The Crying of Lot 49 as well as on Don Delillo's decidedly post-modern novel White Noise.

Diversity in cuisine reinforced the patterned diversity in almost everything including race and ethnicity in America as demonstrated in the varying types of restaurants at which we lunched and dined inclusive of African-American, Asian, Chinese, Indian, Mexican, Continental and American Texan Rodeo. Touring LOUISVILLE AS A POST-MODERN SPACE was also exciting and revealing, reinforcing the many exhibitions in showing us the connections between literature and space as well as time and other telling aspects of life.

Down-town Louisville is mainly ornate preserving Victorian buildings and interspersing post-modernist buildings such as the Humana through their unique architecture harmonizing with grace with the surrounding gothic structures thus beautifying the skyline so as to curb and reverse the massive drift of residents to the suburbs. The city is a melting pot of all races,ethnic groups and cultures from all over the world. But still each person develops a distinct individuality in the face of all this. This marathon city tour was through a bus roving through many varying scenes and faces oif Louisville from south through west and then east unto north revealing their segmentation into areas for different classes, races, social and economic rankings with the varying state of the housing speaking so much of the vagaries of the human condition.

Our visits to various Art exhibitions further expanded the possibilities in representations and media. The Speed Art Museum was unique in many ways. Being right at the heart of the University Campus it is just a few yards walk from our Kurtz hostels showcasing not only American art and décor but African as well as British and European Gothic and Victorian interior décor. But the highlight of our visit was to the exhibition of the avant-garde paintings of African-American Art Graduate from the University of Louisville, Sam Gilliam. Together with another exhibition in the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft in downtown Louisville where we admired and wondered at a widening area of art including toys, sculptors, carvings plastic art, glass art, as well as multi-media paintings and modelings gave us a taste of the lively art scene in Louisville, which is indeed a microcosm of art in America..

But what fascinated me most in the Americans is the amazing way they absorb within themselves and their routine, the extremes of life, working hard and playing hard. There are many resorts, play houses, fun fairs, cinemas and stadia of all shapes and form but mostly immense as is the pride and fancy of the American who if it were not for the soaring price of fuel could just have gone on lounging and cruising in those grotesquely huge limousines but which are still preserved for weekend cruises or ceremonial or festive occasions such as weddings.

Browse through the newspapers, some of which you could just grab from any street corner newsstand without losing a dime, you could find a resort or activity that would surely amuse you once you have what it takes to get there. But it is totally bewitching how a sport, horse racing, has grown beyond just a craze to a whole industry attracting devotees and fans and jockeys from all over the world to camp there thus transforming a sedate Louisville to one roaring rollicking and bustling city for a month or two with everything to be got on the market including accommodation and transportation doubling in price. A whole host of allied activities like betting, cafes, museums of horsing curios and clubs have all mushroomed around this whole craze.

Nothing demonstrates the Americans' capacity to relax more than the ease with which they could get down and lay down sometimes on green carpets of grass as they drink, sway and holler out to the joy of being American on that glorious National Day with firecrackers metamorphosing into radiant assortments of colors and sounds all to the excitement and attention of a whole land bedecked with multicolors in celebration. Almost all the houses ,uniformly white, could be easily mistaken for alternate White Houses as the star spangled banner flutters excitingly on, as their inmates celebrate another year added to the life of a land of opportunities and higher aspirations in science as well as the arts. We were all awe-struck at the total abandon with which Americans of all ages, color and gender celebrate and affirm their nationhood and their ability to come together en-masse and in droves to the waterfront park parking a fleets of vehicles and surging forward to the crowds of jubilating fellow citizens sitting on blankets, grass, plastic or cloth chairs. Others simply stood or sauntered around the wide field with a carefree joy and vibrant cheerfulness munching huge pizzas whilst chatting others, laughing, dancing, swaying and romancing in consonance with the melodious rhythms emanating from the country and blue grass music groups on stage. Obesity which seems like the greatest social and health menace here is no hindrance to a bulky American letting off steam and celebrating with his kins to the glory and joy of belonging to a country that is both loved, hated as well as envied but that always compels international attention.

America cherishes and preserves history in several ways. Books and films, historical, biographical and documentary, abound in the millions. So do museums, exhibitions, monuments, relics and the restoration of slave plantations and slave houses for the continuous visitation of tourists as well as nationals thus ensuring that all are informed and educated on their past even with the uglinesses. At Bardstown, an outlying part of Louisville, is the remnants of a plantation with its slave house, Farmington, preserved as it was then with relics kept of the stay of Abraham Lincoln there, before he became president of course. Glimpses of life then were recalled through photographs, films, books, beddings equipments for farming, food preservation and a water well and a food barn. A day's trip to Cincinnatti furthered our insights into slavery and its attendant effects on life in America. This was at the Underground Railroad Freedom Center which has built a whole three-storey museum around the central core of a wooden slave barn which used to store slaves on their way to be resold. There, an interactive multimedia exhibition uses theater, visual arts of all modes and film and tutorials to bring slavery alive for all to realize its menace and atone for their guilt or complicity, depending on what side of the triangular trade they were on. We also followed with curiosity the restored houses and implements of the chaste and puritanical guild,of the Shakers who lived a life of total abstinence, piety, charity and industry in a replica of the Garden of Eden in Shakers Village at Mount Pleasant.

It was with longing that we awaited the flight to exciting San Francisco in spite of its well advertised expensiveness. But then I was almost about to board the plane when I had to be driven back to be examined for some feeling of nausea which I feared could have been malaria. But I was cleared and flew in to Oakland airport and was driven through bewildering scenes of architectural splendors onto the 40-plus floored Argent hotel. On entering the conference hall for the afternoon sessions I was surprised by a standing ovation followed by glowing words of commendations by the Directors and the guest writer, Percival Everett whose versatility in academia as well as literary creativity I find most astonishing. It was one unique day when one feels proud and gratified at having fallen ill but to have gotten up fast enough on one's feet not to miss out too much. The day's discussion with Percival Everett turned out to be the most absorbing and most wide-ranging which I managed to contribute to.

I had already missed the Golden Gate bridge,Martin Luther King Memorial, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Yerba Buena Gardens visits. But then I had to console myself with the remaining splendor and grandeur of San Francisco, with the buildings all now built to survive possible natural disasters as it is prone to. The immensity of the buildings were stunning .Each one seemed to be in eternal competition with the others to touch the sky so much so that taking snapshots demand so much on the ingenuity of the cameraman to capture the fullness of their splendor against their natural background . Our city tour gave us continuous flows of splendor in architecture in meandering roadways in coastal sceneries and towering immensities all tinged with the token offerings of oriental buildings in vast spaces the Chinese have held on to tenaciously even before the Gold Rush which attracted floods of adventurers looking for the Golden fleece. Every other significant group in the world especially so Mexicans, Russians, Indians, Vietnamese, Italians held significant sectors establishing a significant presence here.

It was of historical as well as literary significance that we went to the City Lights Bookshop, the cradle of the West Coast Beat Movement which had such a significant effect on American poetry in the mid-sixties giving a bohemian and avant-garde twist to poetry. Allen Ginsberg whose poems were first discussed in the seminar was an important pillar in this movement. His books were published through this outlet which also became a broadside publisher as well as a venue for poetry readings as well as other literary jamborees. I marked the visit in a special way by buying three modern authoritative studies of Shakespeare who seems to be very much alive everywhere in America even on the stage. At Berkeley I bought quite a large consignment of used books on a wide range of American writers at Moe' s and was lucky to sell a few of mine which gave me additional dollars to buy more titles.

Our two days trip by Bart Metro for seminars at the University of California, Berkeley gave me the additional opportunity of strolling round the expansive but historic campus with its preponderance of gothic structures and woods and to look up the English department and the university library

This trip was very rewarding in broadening my horizon giving me vistas of a widening world out there multiply and variedly advanced and where you learn and are thrilled, astonished and stimulated by varying sights and sounds every minute whilst awake.

The offer of an honorary citizenship of the city of Louisville by its Mayor,I found a touching and most symbolic act, to be amply exploited to foster international understanding.

A four -day trip to Washington Dc. with its breathtaking tours of exhibitions, museums, monuments, the White House and the Library of Congress complex of buildings which were in themselves monumental and a history in themselves as well as a veritable repository of the history of knowledge and civilization brought our U.S trip to its climax. This trip could only be justly recorded in two to three articles. But as I try to plan it as I bring this to its fitting end I could recall touching down at the airport and driving through a long stretch of country road to George Mason University where we were welcomed by Marilyn Moblyn the exuberant and exciting Black Deputy Provost who led us through a well- informed and stimulating seminar on Tony Morrison and her recent novel Beloved. As we drove through the meandering contours of Baltimore's roads we contemplated how soon we would arrive at the nation's capital. Then our passing the Pentagon, Madison Square, Jefferson Memorial with a fleeting view of the sedate but yacht- laden Potomac River announced our arrival. We went on to our Marriott Inn just by the Capitol. Three days were just not enough to quench my appetite for the objects sights and scenes seen in the networks of Smithsonian museums for American Art, for American History , of the Native American of the African American as well as African Art, to add to the Library of Congress, The Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial.

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Washington DC lies in the middle of the eastern seaboard of America and is nearly 90 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. It sits on the northern banks of the Potomac River and the city spreads across the side of the river up to the hills in the north.

Washington DC's highest point is 390 feet above sea level in the Northwest of the city. Rock Creek is a tributary of the Potomac and it flows through the middle of the city running from north to south.

Spring is the most popular season for tourists to visit Washington DC as it has mild temperatures. The cherry trees also blossom at this time of the year and many tourists come especially to see this spectacular site. It is estimated that over twenty million visitors a year visit this world famous city.

Due to the ever growing number of tourists, there has been a growth in the number of holiday homes available for rental direct from their owners. Many visitors now find that the concept of renting a holiday home is far more appealing than staying in an impersonal hotel. These holiday lets are ideal for families and enable them to sample the true culture of the local area.

In the summer it is hot and humid and can be quite tiring for the first time visitor who has a long list of attractions that they want to visit. In order to help overcome the hot weather, many attractions now operate for longer hours during the summer months.

In recent years Fall has become a popular time to visit the city. Temperatures are far more agreeable and there are not as many crowds as during the summer. Many visitors are stunned by the elegant beauty of the foliage dropping of the trees.

Winter months can be very unpredictable weather wise. Temperatures can fluctuate from the high 40s and then drop well below freezing. However sever snow storms do not occur very often.

The city itself is shaped like a diamond and is separated from Virginia by the Potomac. It covers an area of 67 square miles and is divided into four areas.

Most tourists come to Washington DC to visit the White House. It has been home to America's First Families for over two centuries. Every year in the first week of December, the president carries out the lighting of the National Christmas Tree. Tourists flock to Washington DC for this event and during the rest of the month of December gather on the Ellipse.

The White House organises a series of public annual events which draw huge crowds each year. A popular event is the annual Easter Egg Roll which is held on the Monday after Easter on the White House lawn.

There are also guided tours of the famous gardens in April and October. Probably the most popular event is the Christmas candlelight tours that are held over three evenings in late December. All of these events are free and as a result are extremely popular. It is advisable to get there well in advance to avoid disappointment.

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On 2/10/2009, shortly before 08.00 o'clock struck an SUV into a utility pole on Main St Westernport, MD. Squad 24 and Engine 22 were sent to EMS 50 invitation. One prisoner was in the vehicle and was injured in the controller was crash.The ambulance to a hospital in the local mythology.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RH7ctAIMOPs&hl=en

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If you go on vacation, it is easy to spend money on museums, water parks, theme parks and foodstuffs. The holiday family secret is cheap how to reduce costs and still have an emotional moment.

Well, Washington, DC, and offers many activities for you and for children. I want to share with you 5 of them here:

1. Museums: Most museums in Washington, DC, are free. Some of the best are conveniently located near each other on the National Mall, and somededicated to children. Air & Space Museum, Natural History Museum and even the U.S. Post Office preferred children in particular. The National Building Museum, which may not seem very attractive offers before a playground on the second floor with blocks, toys, tools and construction of teaching.

2. Parks: One of the best kept secrets of the Washington area and gravel Point Park is located near the end of the runway at Reagan National Airport. Located in northernGeorge Washington Parkway, Arlington, Virginia. You'll have a beautiful view over the rooftops of Washington on the Potomac River, and can often be a precision landing of aircraft at the airport. Whole families attend a field day to see the park and the ground floor.

3. Markets: Visit the market in the eastern part of the outdoor shopping experience outside. You can try fresh, homemade dishes and see what local artists to offer in the form of photographs, paintings andJewels.

4. Kennedy Center Millennium Stage concerts and shows are offered free of charge every day of the year, the Kennedy Center. For restless children, this place is to stand and withdraw.

5. Monuments: Washington, you know, is full of monuments. Setbacks of the Lincoln Memorial offers a beautiful view of the bridge at Arlington National Cemetery, and offer the stairs, take a look at the monument to George Washington. The Vietnam War Memorialand World War II Memorial are nearby, is a journey where you can see too much, too fast. You can also use the means of transport that is not necessary to use a taxi or rental car. Bring lunch and dinner you can eat one of the banks of a large number of ponds and ducks.

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