Blessings

According to tradition, this “Unspoken Prayer” was found on A Confederate corpse at Pickett’s Charge. In its simplicity, it contains a vivid approach to dealing with depression and self-doubt.

I asked for strength that I might achieve;
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy;
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I had asked for,
but eveything that I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered;
I am, among all men, most richly blessed.

With the release of, Stand to It And Give Them Hell I take pause to count my many blessings and say “Thank you,” to those individuals who, over the last thirty years, have made it possible for me to pursue this dream of writing history and being published.

My mother: Rita Marie Priest, who taught me to love books and reading, and who always wanted to write.

My wife of 45 years: Rhonda, who though she is not a history person, never stopped believing in me and who tolerated the long, long hours I spent ignoring her so I could do my work.

Our children: none of whom are really into history who, when they were younger, traveled with my wife and I to Duke, and Chapel Hill, and who patiently slept in the libraries while I researched dead people.

Harold Collier (White Mane), Martin Gordon (White Mane), Ted Alexander (Antietam National Battlefield), John Heiser (Gettysburg National Battlefield), Dr. Richard Sommers (formerly from USAHEC), and Ted Savas (Savas Beatie) and their staffs for their encouragement, and professional support.

Critics: both fair and unfair for making rethink what I have asserted and spurring me to improve my research skills.

My father: Ira Lee Priest, who despite his tremendous personal flaws, instilled in me a respect for the combat veterans and the need to understand the trials, which they endured.

God: for the gifts of writing, and storytelling.

“I am among all men most richly blessed