Fredericksburg!

When you fellas gonna come over?
When we get good and ready. What you want?
Want Fredericksburg.
Don’t you wish you may get it? — An exchange between Federal and Confederate soldiers across the Rappahannock River – Shelby Foote “Ken Burns Civil War”

Years ago I came to Fredericksburg every year on December 13 to commemorate the Battle of Fredericksburg. Every fight has its own character, and this one a bit more than most: largest land battle ever fought in the Western Hemisphere, only Civil War battle fought in city streets, the lost opportunity on the Federal left, the squandered heroism of the Irish Brigade, amphibious landings under enemy fire. Lots of good stuff here in this wintry conflict.

Thought when I was planning that one day might be enough. Decided to stay until Sunday to give myself some breathing room and now am certain that a week wouldn’t be sufficient. It’s a little-explored place filled with interesting nooks and crannies. And someday I have to take the time to see them all.