Happy reminiscences

Donald Abbott has been in touch with some happy reminiscences: “When in Virginia and Philadelphia, my wife Jean and I were in Williamsburg, but I was not aware that Frederick Abbot had been there as a prisoner or else research there would have followed.

“Old Williamsburg had British Union flags of the pattern used in the reign of King William of Orange at the front doors of each of their homes.

“On our travels, one of the hotels in which we stayed had a huge Confederate redoubt in its grounds which we scrambled over (legs worked then.)

“A highlight was a visit to the battlefield of Gettysburg, Philadelphia, which is rightly claimed to be the turning point in that bloody Civil War.

“We climbed Little Round Top at this battlefield which was held successfully by Union forces despite several attempts by Confederate troop to capture same.

“Some of the heavy field guns we saw in situ were of British manufacture.

“A wonderful experience for anyone with an interest in that awful American Civil War with brilliant exposition by guides and a wonderful museum.

“When on that trip, we also visited the first English settlement at Jamestown, Virginia, near Williamsburg, with its replica town in place, as well as a couple of replacement period ships on the water nearby. We fitted in a trip to Washington, as well as having a meal with the Amish people. A wonderful experience, but now just a fond memory.”