Libby McNamee's Blog, page 4

General Washington’s Inoculation Initiative

At a time when we are all *still* discussing the best way to prevent the spread of Covid-19, it’s interesting to look back at how General George Washington handled the devastating smallpox epidemic within the Continental Army. Understanding the grave threat posed by smallpox, General Washington described it as “more destructive than the sword.” 

Fear of smallpox grew among the ranks in the northern division of the Continental Army. Wanting to protect themselves from the disease, soldiers began inoculating themselves without consulting a doctor. Unfortunately, they ignored a crucial component: quarantine. As a result, smallpox spread more rapidly throughout the Army. Then additional soldiers self-inoculated, furthering the disease. In February of 1776, Benedict Arnold forbade the practice of self-inoculation by penalty of death. Finally George Washington ordered mandatory inoculations for all troops as soon as possible. This was the first medical mandate in American history. Many believed it was much too risky. Even Washington himself wavered initially, though he remained firm in the end.To offset the temporary loss of soldiers, doctors inoculated the various divisions of the Continental Army in five-day intervals. The military used private homes and churches as isolation centers to prevent spread of the disease. However, it was crucial to keep these mass inoculations top-secret. If the British found out, they would attack the weakened Continental Army.

Though gaining support was a slow and difficult process, the procedure proved successful. By late 1777, the Continental Army had curtailed the rampant spread of the disease. While smallpox cases still occurred, there were no massive-scale outbreaks. As a result, the Continental Army saw a surge of new recruits in 1777. Despite its controversial origins in Colonial American society, the publicized success made mass inoculations a cultural norm.

Virtual Epic Patriot Summer Camp!

Please don’t miss this EPIC opportunity for the kids in your life to get one-on-one with my fellow children’s historical author, Jenny L. Cote, and myself for this online writing camp! We award-winning authors will lead two groups of 20 campers through a 4-week online writing course focused on writing the story of 1776. Campers will learn vital American history as well as how to research and write historical fiction. Camp includes fun workshops, surprise special guests, and complimentary copies of one of each author’s books. Campers will assume the identity of a Revolutionary character and each week will conduct research and complete writing assignments to send to the authors who will provide critiques. Campers will share their work with the group to gain feedback, encouragement and ideas. At the completion of Epic Patriot Camp, the group’s work will be compiled and published with a title the group develops, and will be available for sale on Amazon. Each camper will receive a copy of the published book, and be able to order additional copies if they wish.  ​

An ending celebration with optional colonial dress to share our work with families will top off this once in a lifetime experience. When your camper returns to class in the fall, they can proudly say that they became a published author over the summer!

Jenny and I hope this experience will foster friendships for kids that continue long after camp, and will serve as a launching pad for young people who are serious about pursuing a writing career. 

Space is limited and will fill quickly so reserve your spot today! We can’t wait to “see you” in June! HUZZAH!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please check out

https://www.epicorderoftheseven.net/special-events

“Dolley” Named Best in US Historical Fiction

“Dolley Madison and the War of 1812” has been named “Best in US Historical Fiction” by Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards of Fall 2021. Huzzah!

Recipe for Cornwallis Yams

Recipe of the Month: Cornwallis YamsHere’s a delicious side that Susanna and her mother served in  Susanna’s Midnight Ride  at General Cornwallis’ request while quartering at Bollingbrook Plantation.. A small effort to keep an enemy general happy, right? That’s especially true for Cornwallis, infamous for burning down family homesteads upon departure. This recipe comes straight from the North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission via a historic Colonial Inn in Hillsborough, NC.Serves 10
Ingredients6 medium North Carolina sweet potatoes1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg1/2 cup butter3 eggs1/2 cup crushed pineapple1 cup sugar1/2 cup grated coconut1 1/2 cups milkmore grated coconut for garnishDirectionsBoil sweet potatoes until softened. Peel and mash.Season with cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter.Beat eggs and add to potatoes.Combine with remaining ingredients.Pour into a greased 9×13-inch or 3-quart casserole.Bake in a 350 degree F. oven until light brown, about 1 hour.Top with a sprinkle of coconut. Nutrition Information per 1/2 Cup Serving: Calories 335; Protein 5g; Carbohydrates 45g; (53% calories from Carbs); Dietary Fiber 3g; Total Fat: 16g (41% calories from fat); Vitamin A 173 RE; Vitamin C 20mg.

Planning the Perfect Book Club With Dolley

Guest post by 

Huzzah! No one would love the intimacy of a book club gathering more than Dolley Madison! Renowned for her masterful entertaining, she treasured female friendships, loved sweet cakes, and often hosted the opposing political wives at her “Dove Parties.” When people finally left, she would say, “I am so sorry you have to go.” And she meant it!

In “Dolley Madison and the War of 1812,” Dolley Madison faced a bitterly divided Washington City when her husband, James Madison, became our fourth president. The prospect of war against Great Britain threatened to tear the fragile American Republic apart. In the age of duels, the “Presidentess” dared to host open parties in the newly decorated President’s House to unite political foes and cultivate an American identity. Soon everyone in Washington City squeezed in, so much that her parties became known as “squeezes.”

To set the mood of our Early Republic, I suggest you start off with this festive cocktail! Huzzah! 

DOLLEY MADISON’S FLIGHT

Perfect for when you need to escape!

Ingredients

Aged rum, blended lightly, 1.5 oz
Unaged rum, pot stilled, .5 oz
Lime juice, 1 oz
Orange juice, 1 oz
Pineapple juice, 2 oz
Guava syrup, .75 oz
Cinnamon syrup, .5 oz
Bitters, 3-4 dashes–or more. (This was an extremely bitter event after all.)

Directions

1. Shake over ice, open pour into glass. 
2. Garnish with lime and a cocktail sword as a salute to General Washington.

Then I suggest singing our National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner” written by Francis Scott Key during the Battle of Baltimore. Next ask Alexa to play “Music of the War of 1812” by David Hildebrand. Finish off with the highly entertaining “Battle of New Orleans” by Johnny Horton.  

A fun idea – guests can create their own Dolley-style turbans using a simple straw hat, cutting off the brim, and wrapping some lively fabric around it that matches their outfit. The more over-the-top, the better! And if you ladies have an empire-waist dress and some fancy slippers in the back of your closet, you are all set!

Next, I suggest serving Dolley’s Woodbury Cinnamon Tea Cakes and “iced creams,” one of Dolley’s trademark desserts. Set out some vanilla ice cream with some crazy mix-ins for people to experiment. Cheeto ice cream, anyone? Dolley loved to serve her favorite oyster as well as chestnut, parmesan and strawberry.

WOODBURY CINNAMON TEA CAKES

Cream 2 tablespoons butter with 1 cup sugar. Add 2 cups sifted flour mixed with 1 teaspoon baking powder and 2 tablespoons cinnamon. Add ½ cup milk and beat together thoroughly. Bake in a large pan in a medium (350 degrees F) oven for 30 minutes, or until done.

—The Presidents’ Cookbook (p. 91)

To Buy

Finally, it’s time to discuss the book! Huzzah! Here are some questions to guide you.

1.  What was your initial reaction to the book? Did it hook you immediately, or did it take some time?

2. Did the historical details add to the story? If so, how?

3. How did the characters evolve throughout the story? Did your opinion of them change? 

4. Which character did you relate to the most? What made you connect?

5. What was your favorite part of the book?

6. Do you think Dolley was a good wife to President Madison? Was she more than just a hostess?

7. Do you think you would have the courage to take action like Dolley?

8. Does the political division in America during the War of 1812 remind you of today’s political climate?

9. What did you learn about the War of 1812 from this book?

10. Do you agree that the War of 1812 is a forgotten war?

11. How do you feel about the conclusion of the war? Was it satisfying for you?

Libby McNamee is an author, lawyer, and US Army Veteran. Her second novel, “Dolley Madison and the War of 1812” published on the 207th anniversary of the burning of Washington City. Her first, “Susanna’s Midnight Ride: The Girl Who Won the Revolutionary War” was named #1 in Juvenile Fiction by the Independent Publisher Book Awards and Pinnacle Book Awards, and Finalist in Historical Fiction by the Best Book Awards. The General Assembly created “Susanna Bolling Day” on December 5 based upon Libby’s research.  

The Ghost of Dolley Madison

Have you ever taken a tour of the White House? According to local legend, it is the most haunted building in Washington, DC. It’s no wonder, especially when we reflect back on the tumultuous times that our presidents and their families have endured while living in this residence. Dolley Madison is perhaps the most dramatic example. After all, she had to flee for her life when the British army invaded and burned the “President’s House,” as it was then called, and the other Public Buildings during the disastrous War of 1812. Many historians credit Dolley Madison with planting the first Rose Garden on the muddy grounds of the original White House.

Over 100 years later, President Woodrow Wilson’s wife, Edith, asked some employees to move the garden to another location. Much to their horror, the angry ghost of Dolley Madison appeared to them, refusing to let them tear up her beloved garden. As a result, the Rose Garden remains in its original location to this day. The unexplained smell of roses often permeates the White House, which is attributed to Dolley’s ghost.




Lore has it that unnamed British soldier who perished during the War of 1812 also roams the grounds. In fact, he holds a torch aloft that looks suspiciously like those used to ignite the President’s House. Let’s hope he does not ever encounter Dolley’s feisty ghost or there might be quite a showdown! Despite establishing the Rose Garden, Dolley’s favorite flower was the lilac, and she was known for wearing her trademark lilac-scented perfume. After the burning of the President’s House in August 1814 during the disastrous War of 1812, Dolley and President Madison temporarily resided at the nearby Octagon House.

According to legend, the ghost of Dolley still holds occasional receptions there in the front hall and adjoining drawing room. It is also said that visitors often catch a whiff of lilac, indicating that Dolley’s spirit is present.And there’s more! Bystanders have spotted the ghost of the former First Lady on the front porch of the Cutts-Madison House where she spent her final years in poverty. Swaying back and forth in her rocking chair wearing a Colonial dress, she looks out at Lafayette Park and reflects on her life.


The Cutts-Madison House (also known as the “Dolley Madison House”) is an American colonial-style historic home, now used for offices located at 1520 H Street, NW, in Washington, D.C.

Happy 227th Anniversary!

Happy 227th Anniversary to Dolley and James MadisonThe Madisons tied the knot way back on September 15, 1794, choosing the same day as his parents. Many were quite shocked by their union. After all, Dolley was a gorgeous 25-year-old Quaker widow with a toddler and no formal education. In contrast, James was a dour 42-year-old bachelor with a degree from Princeton and an aristocratic background. He was an established Founding Father, Father of the Constitution, architect of the Bill of Rights, and a sitting Congressman from Virginia. Dolley stood four inches taller than him AND outweighed his hundred pounds by a generous amount. She was incredibly social and gregarious, while he was shy and awkward in groups. Despite their many differences, though, they had a remarkably strong marriage. In fact, they disliked being apart for any length of time. Dolley once declared, “Our hearts understand each other.” Happy anniversary to Washington City’s very first “Power Couple!”

Author Chat with Melissa Face

Bold and Strong: Coffee Chat with Author Libby McNamee

melissafacewrites

Libby McNamee, Author

This month I am thrilled to be chatting with my friend and fellow Bookish Road Trip administrator, Libby McNamee. Libby is the author of Susanna’s Midnight Ride: The Girl Who Won the Revolutionary War and the newly released Dolley Madison and the War of 1812. Join us as we chat about Libby’s writing life, research process, and plans for future writing projects! Huzzah!

Me: How often do you drink coffee? What is your favorite beverage?

Libby: I drink coffee every morning, but rarely ever finish a full cup.  Although I love the aroma, taste, and ritual itself, it bothers my stomach, so I’ve got to pace myself. My favorite drink is seltzer water, any flavor, but I especially love grapefruit. At night I love an oaky (is that a word?) chardonnay.

Me: What about Dolley Madison? Would she have had coffee with us?

Libby: Oh yes, absolutely! Dolley loved socializing more than anything else in the world and believed in “politics by people.” Back during the War of 1812, America boycotted British tea for years, the second time around after the American Revolution. That is how coffee became firmly established as our national drink of choice! Huzzah!

Me: Tell us a little about your new book and how this time around feels different from your debut. Or does it?

Libby: When I wrote Susanna’s Midnight Ride, information on 16-year-old Susanna Bolling was extremely limited. However, there were tons of books on the American Revolution. With Dolley, it was the exact opposite. There was lots of information about her and fewer resources about the War of 1812. It was much easier to learn about her and put her in the context of the era in which she lived. 

It feels easier in some ways because I am familiar with the process, but I find it just as anxiety-producing. Three years have passed, and things have shifted with the pandemic, so it’s been a much slower process, requiring a lot more planning and coordination. This time I am also releasing a Study Guide at the same time and including a number of blurbs at the front of the book, so that’s been a lot more to juggle. 

Me: What was the research process like for this book?

Libby: It was fascinating!  I never knew much about Dolley or the War of 1812, so it was quite eye-opening to learn about life in brand-new Washington City and the many challenges facing the Early Republic, only thirty years after the Battle of Yorktown. 

I loved reading about Dolley and the time period, but I also had a blast visiting many historical sites–Montpelier, the James Madison Museum, the White House, the Octagon House, Fort McHenry, the Daughters of the War of 1812 Headquarters, the Navy Yard, Fort Washington, Scotchtown, Riversdale, and the Flag House Museum, among others. 

Me: Why Dolley Madison? Why did you decide to write about her? What did you learn that surprised you? Is there anything you would still like to know about her?

Libby: I attended a lecture at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture on Dolley Madison given by the CEO of Montpelier, and I was hooked!  Of course, I had always heard about her legendary hospitality, but I never realized her brilliance in dealing with politics at a time when women’s roles were so limited. She was so much more than just a sociable wife. In fact, President Polk coined the term “First Lady” to describe her enormous role while giving her eulogy at her funeral.

Me: What age group are your books geared toward? What do you like about writing for younger readers?

Libby: My books were originally geared to upper middle grade (4th grade through 7thgrade), but I’ve found they appeal to history-loving adults just as well. I only discovered my love of history when I was in my 40s, so I write for younger readers to draw them in at an earlier age. I want to show them that history can be very exciting and suspenseful. It’s not all boring memorization of dates, places, and people’s names.

Me: Tell us a little about your earlier experiences with writing. What did you work on before Dolley and Susanna?

Libby: I’ve always loved to write! Before writing full-time, I was a practicing lawyer. I served in the US Army JAG Corps for six years, living in Seoul, Korea and Tacoma, WA, with a stint in Bosnia. Then I worked in a large firm, a small firm, and a corporation before becoming a freelance writer. I wrote a traveling-with-kids column, as well as humor and cooking columns, along with lots of feature articles.

Me: What are your favorite snacks to have when you are writing? Do you keep a regular writing schedule?

Libby: Great question! I usually drink water (preferably seltzer) or Gatorade and eat fruit. Then when I take a break, I raid the pantry! Watch out, chocolate, here I come!

Me: What is a time period or individual from history that you would like to know more about?

Libby: I would love to know more about Elizabeth Van Lew, a high-society woman from Richmond, Virginia, who operated an extensive spy ring for the Union Army, reporting directly to General Grant during the Civil War. She also helped Yankee prisoners escape the notoriously horrible conditions and even hid them in her home, losing her fortune and becoming an outcast. She will be the subject of my next book!

Me: What are your favorite genres to read?

Libby: Historical fiction is definitely my favorite genre, followed by contemporary women’s fiction and literary fiction. When I’m craving some lighter reading, I love to escape into cozy murder mysteries.

Me: How can readers learn more about you and your books?

Libby: The best way to keep in touch is through my newsletter, Libby’s Monthly Dispatch, which has historic tidbits, quotes, recipes and reading recommendations.  Please sign up on my website,  . I’m also on Facebook at “Libby McNamee Author” and on Instagram @LibbyMcNameeAuthor.

Order your copy of Dolley Madison.

Purchase I Love You More Than Coffee by Melissa Face. 

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Author Interview

Thank you for the great piece, Salisbury Life Magazine! And thanks for the excellent interview, Lex Bampton! Huzzah!

“Dolley Madison” Book Signing

A fin day signing books away!