Many of you know that I am in the midst of writing a Civil War era historical fiction novel. Much of the novel follows a particular Illinois infantry unit that I have become intimately familiar with through much study.

One of the major plot points in the story involves a rather obscure, rarely spoken of battle that occurred at a location known as either Hatchie’s Bridge or Davis’ Bridge.

This “small” encounter between opposing armies essentially closed the doors to Confederate attempts to recapture Corinth, Mississippi.

I spent many long hours researching this battle and due to my distant location from the site, have only been able to do so through the internet and magazine articles. I had hoped one day to visit the site in person, but because of urban sprawl and other issues, the battlefield is becoming “endangered” of being gobbled up as real estate just as has happened to many other hallowed battlegrounds.

Let me be clear. 900 men (500 Union and 400 Confederate) gave their lives at this location. Regardless of anyone’s North and South passions, this is hallowed ground and I believe it is worth protecting, preserving and educating.

Yesterday I learned that the Civil War Preservation trust has launched an effort to purchase and preserve this precious piece of our history. They have discovered an opportunity to transform $166,400 into $1,812,600 in matching grant money to purchase 643 acres of the battlefield.

What they (and I) are asking for is for your help. Rarely in Civil War Preservation has it been possible to turn $1 in donations into $12 in matching grants. That means if you can help with a donation of $50, in essence you are “donating” $600 to this worthy mission. Donations in excess of $50 are a wonderful gift indeed and increase incrementally the size of available preservation dollars.

If you are able, and have a desire to help save this piece of hallowed American History, please visit their website and donate to this wonderful opportunity today!

link —> Help Save Davis Bridge Battlefield today

More information on the battle and battlefield:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Hatchie%27s_Bridge

http://www.civilwaralbum.com/misc2/davisbridge1.htm