The Quest: Part Two

Well a few things have came to mind as of late. So I thought it time to set down again and bring every thing up to date. It is now 8/28/98 . After reading part one, I ASK WHAT ARE THE ODD’s ? A friend that I had worked with for many years ,his name is Larry.Retired and moved to Cumberland Va. We had a little lunch ‘en for him during his last week before retirement . Before he left he expressed to me, that if I ever got down his way to be sure and look him up.The invitation was a open one and sincere.

The summer of 97 when Ruthie and I were in Va . We made arrangement to stop and spend a little time with Larry and his wife Barb. They live near Farmville and not to far from Appomattax Court House.When we were there they, took us to see the battle area of Sailors Creek and Appomattax Court House.While at Appomattax Court House. I found that the 155th was Lined up in front and to the left of the McLean House during the surrender of Lee’s Army of Northern Va. This in its self , was of no surprise.But it did ad to the knowledge of the 155th and brought to bare the fact that G.W. Edinger was involved in Lee’s pursuit, to which I guess, never had dawned on me.This was in July of 97.

After we returned home, one night at my friend Willards house . Willard had expressed the desire to go down and see Larry & Barb.
But did not think it would happen due to transportation . Ruthie and I informed Willard and his Wife Sandy that If they wanted, we would go back down . And we could pick them up and take them along when ever they could get a few days free. So we all decided to pick a week end in April and go to Va. It was my intention to skip the Civil War stuff and just enjoy the fellowship of the week end. Because it could only be a brief visit .We had to go down on Friday and returned Sunday.We arrived Friday about dinner time and Barb had a very nice dinner waiting for us .

After we sat around talking and the “Girls” decided that they would spend the day Saturday shopping . Barb suggested to Larry he take me to Farmville to the Confederate Cemetery while they went shopping . We asked Willard if he would care to go or did he wish to do something else . He replied, that he would go along with what ever we wanted to do . We arrived at the cemetery and got out to look around . Willard could not get over how cruel the war must have been . That the 600 Confederates interred in a common grave were without so much as a head stone .

With Willards interest elevated . Larry asked if he would like to go to Appomattax Court House to see were Lee surrendered. He said he would very much like to go. We arrived at Appomattax and walked around taking in the buildings and the presentation at the visitors center. We ended up in the book store, and as I browsed through the books hunting for something affordable that would give the troop movement to this point . I didn’t find a thing that caught my eye. So while Larry and Willard were looking around I went outside and waited .When they didn’t come out after a brief wait. I walked back in to see what the hold up was .

I found them cashing out with some souvenirs. As I milled around a small paperback caught my attention . I looked through it and realized it was just what I was looking for ! It had the roads of today marked along with the path of the Corps movements then . I would like to point out that during my “Quest ” for information about G.W. Edinger and the 155th. Providence returns me to something that I have over looked . As long as we are on the subject . I have to ask . What are the chances of working with some one and he retire to a area of interest to my ” Quest” . Also why would a weekend visit with the Civil War not part of the purpose . End up being the better part of our visit. And it was a return back to the book store that I found the information I wanted . Ad also the trimming of his retirement and move !

After our return home Ruthie and I decided to take a weekend trip to Gettysburg . I belive it was around the later part of May .There were two events that I wish to log . First at Little Round Top at the monument of the 155th Pa. I found that the park had cleared brush and that the battle line of the 155th the 2nd,3rd,and 4th of July 1863 was now visible, also accessible . I made my way down the line and at one point , I felt a very strange emotional feeling . As I walked further , it passed . Upon my return I experienced the same at the same spot ! We departed Little Round Top and went to other parts of the battle field . At the Pennsylvania Monument about 50 feet or so from the North West corner . I had the same type feeling return . The rest of the trip was uneventful .

Returning home , soon after I purchased a motor home.We went for a ride in my new (old ) motor home . With my sister and brother inlaw . I was sort of a shakedown cruse . We were discussing how it would now be easier to travel with the motor home.Someone suggested a trip to Gettysburg with the four of us this summer . I thought it would be a great idea because I could fill my sister Karen and brother inlaw John in on the family tie. We agreed to shoot for the third week of August.

August rolled around and off we went to Gettysburg . I couldn’t wait to show her the monument of the 155th Pa . After we found a camp ground we went to Little Round Top. At the monument of the 155th I pondered the idea that maybe, Karen, if I could get her to make her way down the battle line of the 155th . Just maybe she would experience the same feelings I had earlier this spring. I ask Karen, how about following me down the hill I want to show you something . She started down with me and decided it was to tuff going and told me she did not want to go further . She ask me why I wished her to proceed further .

I explained that I wished her to find the spot I had found . She did not hesitate . Pointing to the very same spot I had found she said “There, right there ” At which time we hugged each other and both began to sob . She spoke saying “I think he’s trying to tell you something.” As the emotion past we walked back to the monument . While we were standing talking to a couple about the Longstreet statue. A man walked up and began to take pictures of the monument . I ask him if he had a interest in the 155th Pa. and he replied that his G.G. Grandfather had fought in the 155th and was in Co. “G” I ask his name he said “Paup” I recognized his name and asked if he was a corporal or a sargent. He stated he was the sargent of Co. “G ” I informed him that my G.G.Grandfather had served under him in Co.”G. ” He further stated that he was with a tour and had little time to talk but we did manage to exchange addresses.

We then went to the Pennsylvania Monument were I show my sister G.W.Edinger on the plaque. Remembering the spot by the monument I refered to earlier . I managed to get everyone walking in that direction . As we past the spot , Karen got a funny look and rubbed her arm as she looked at me . I also got the some feelings at the sametime . Ruthie did not have a clue as to what Karen And I were feeling . But as she was looking at us both when it happened , expressed ” I Don’t know what’s going on with you two but I can see something is ” Again, Karen did not know what I had experienced or where . Another weird one ?

We went to the visitors center and began looking at all the artifacts in the cases . I had looked through them on several occasions therefore I did not really pay close attention . As I walked, my sister was behind me and she call out to me ” come here, Look ” pointing to a diary of a Markle form the 155th Pa. Again I over looked some thing to be returned to the point of interest . Chance again ? After we walked the streets of town and I run into a re-enactor from the 5th New York. Who I had talked with the previous year While we were there in July . I told him About meeting someone at the monument from my G.G.Grandfathers Co.

He told me of a women who he was just talking with who had also had someone in the 155th Pa. At which time he pointed her out to me and introduced us . As we exchanged information about the 155th I told her that my G.G.Grandfather served in Co. “G”. With that she informed me that her G.G.Grandfather also served in Co.”G ”

His name being Marsh. There are now more open ends . Also there were other “happenings” that I feel I should not comment on at this time . But if history remains on course there will be new developments . With that I will close for now.