Crossed Swords

Lincoln's Congress passed the Crittenden Resolution 25 July 1861. This bill states that the Civil Was is to be fought to preserve the Union and uphold the Constitution, not to alter slavery in it's established form. 27 July 1861 sees Lincoln handing over command of the Federal Division of the Potomac to General George McClellan. His mission to push toward Tennessee by seizing Manassas Junction, Virginia and Strasburg, Kentucky, in the Shenandoah Valley.

The South's most loved Jew was Judah P. Benjamin of Louisiana who was born in the West Indies or that we now call the Caribbean who was to hold that very important position in the Confederate Government. He served one after another as Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Secretary of War. He

had two sisters that lived in LaGrange, Georgia and as provisions grew scarce he sent them gold for their needs. Some people have called him 'The brains behind the Confederacy' he had entered Yale University at age fourteen. He would, after the War of Aggression escape in an open boat to the Bahamas, then to Europe and become one of England's most famous lawyers.

Three 'slave' states, Maryland, Missouri, and Kentucky remained in the Union. Although the Confederate Flag had thirteen stars only eleven states ever officially seceded.

About this same time David Livingstone was attempting to explore the eastern area of Africa under direction of Her Majesty. He was appointed Consul, Joining him was his wife, Mary Moffat Livingstone, son, Robert

and Livingstone's brother, Charles. Few realize that his personal hopes were to prove that the culture of ancient Egypt derived it's remote origins from Africa, based on the legendary story about Moses coming up to Inner Ethiopia with Merr, his fostermother and founding a city which he called in her honor 'Meroe'.

As a missionary, physician, traveler and philanthropist his determination was unequaled. However, African diseases caught up with him as he was praying, kneeling at the foot of his cot in 1873. He converted brothers wrapped up his body in a calico to try and preserve it; they set off on an incredible elevenmonth, fifteen hundred mile journey to the coast so as to transport his body back to England. His body is buried at West Minister Abbey.

The Free Church of Scotland was Dr. Livingstone's strength, courage and support through his many trials at home, abroad and mission board and government. Atestament to determination!

BENS AND GLENS

Piping Live

Nine different venues, more than two dozen nationalities and 5,000 pipers are offered at daily free performances in George Square with a number of concerts. Piping Live also contains opportunities to learn more about piping cultures with daily 'come and try' sessions along with a series of workshops, showcases and recitals.

All to be had 7-13 August in Glasgow. Might be worth the trip and especially as the World Pipe Band Championships are held on Glasgow Green on the 12th. More information at www.thepipingfestival. co.uk

HIGHLAND FARMING

Scotland's premier farming and livestock event was held just

past with 4,000 livestock and over 1,000 vendors. Go to www.royalhighlandshow.org and various links for special interest.

SCOTLAND MAGAZINE STORE

The store has a variety of inventory: Celtic Cross Stitch, designs, narrated Scottish history, Scotland photograph, Robert Burns - The Complete Collection, Celtic knot work and Scottish Quest Board Game. All and others from www.scotlandmag. com

As with all seasons, the season has come for another Convenor to occupy my present position. The annual general meeting of the Appalachian St. Andrew's Society will convene 9 September 2006 at the Appalachian Highland Games in Andrew's North Carolina at 2:00 PM on the field at our tent. All are encouraged to attend. A full election of all officers and appointments are expected. I shall not stand for Convenor.

ROOT NAME THIS WEEK

Steen/Stein a contraction of Steven. The terminal 's' indicates 'son of Steven'. John Stenes was King James I's ambassador in 1425; Andrew Stanes was King's baillie in Fife. And Robert Stanes was a bedesman in Edinburgh in 1580, and John Stryncane James Stein were burgess freeman of Glasgow. Alan Steyn was a monk in Kilwinnig Abbey in 1550's. Jock Stein, Celtic boss and later Scotland's National Manager, died in Cardise in 1985 just as his side was about to qualify for the World Cup play-off. All wear the Stephenson Tartan.

The Appalachian St. Andrew's Society Pipe Band offers free instructions in Regimental drumming and the Great Highland Bag Pipe. Appalachian St. Andrew's Society Pipe Band meets twice weekly, for the season, on Tuesday 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM and Saturday 10:00 AM till Noon at St. Clare's Episcopal Church in Blairsville, lower lobby.