Our Free Lecture Series continues with Civil War expert and author, Jeff Toalson, speaking about the Battle of Williamsburg in 1862. “Ma, Wee Got Nuthin Here But Mud and Muskeeters” - A composite diary of journals and letters from the 1862 Peninsula Campaign:  Yorktown to Seven Pines. 

Mud & Muskeeters is a first person history of war on the lower Virginia Peninsula from June, 1861 to June, 1862.   Mr. Toalson uses the voices of 65 soldiers, sailors, artillerymen, doctors, farmers, nurses, watermen, naval constructors, signalmen, and clerks to tell the story of these 12 months quoting from their diaries, letters and journals.  These voices are both Union and Confederate and they are personal letters to loved ones conveying their thoughts and experiences.  These are not generals and politicians.  This is not a study of battles and strategy.  Mr. Toalson will share 25 of the more than 400 stories from Mud & Muskeeters and he will also share some back stories about the writers and events they discuss.  Come join us to hear stories from a collection of voices who have been silent for 163 years as they tell you about war in our backyard.

About Jeff Toelson:

Jeff is a 38 year resident of Williamsburg.   He is the author of five books on the American Civil War including his two best sellers:  No Soap, No Pay, Diarrhea, Dysentery & Desertion and his edited collection of 300 plus letters of a Confederate cavalry officer and his wife; Send Me A Pair of Old Boots & Kiss My Little Girls – The Civil War Letters of Richard and Mary Watkins, 1861-1864.

Jeff is a regular speaker at National Parks, Civil War Museums, Historical Societies, Civil War Roundtables and many other organizations. 

Seating is first come, first served. Cocktails, flights and small plates available for purchase.