Ada's Journal and Emma's Letters

"Ada's Journal is a treasury of 19th century American history. This book, beginning just before the Civil War and progressing throughout the 19th century, would be a vibrant addition to the library of any American history scholar." ~Sarah Angell (Homeschool Educator)Ada's Journal provides a window into history. Ada Louise Peck was a well-loved little girl who traveled back and forth between Mossy Creek, Tennessee and East Carroll Parish, Louisiana, starting in 1853. She experienced...
More Description

"Ada's Journal is a treasury of 19th century American history. This book, beginning just before the Civil War and progressing throughout the 19th century, would be a vibrant addition to the library of any American history scholar." ~Sarah Angell (Homeschool Educator)Ada's Journal provides a window into history. Ada Louise Peck was a well-loved little girl who traveled back and forth between Mossy Creek, Tennessee and East Carroll Parish, Louisiana, starting in 1853. She experienced trials, health problems, and travel by railroad, steamboat, and stagecoach. Her grandpa Jacob was Tennessee Supreme Court Judge Jacob Peck, and her grandpa William Henderson ran one of the largest cotton plantations in the South. This journal, recorded from Ada's perspective by her mom Emma, records the first two years of her short life. Edited by Andy Peck, over 70 photographs, maps, and historical references bring this true story to life in a powerful way. Journey with little Ada on a Mississippi River steamboat; keep your hands inside the train as you pass through the half-mile Cumberland Mountain Tunnel on the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad; and enjoy the mountain hospitality at the Wolf Creek Inn as Ada visits with Mrs. Emma Allen, Peck family friend and hostess to hundreds along the French Broad River.Emma's Letters chronicles friendship, heartache, longing for connection, and the intense feelings and opinions surrounding our nation's Civil War. With originals held by the University of Tennessee Knoxville in the ""Wolf Creek Papers,"" Andy Peck has carefully transcribed these letters written by Emma Peck to her great friend Emma Allen. You will learn how the Peck family decided to build their mountain home in Wolf Creek called Glen Ada; mourn with them as they lose young family members to diseases like cholera and typhoid; and celebrate with them as they write about mid-1800s Christmas traditions including Santa Claus. Emma's brother-in-law was Confederate General William Raine Peck, known as the largest Civil War General. Learn of his request for a pardon from President Andrew Johnson, and his brother Wiley Peck's acquittal after killing a man in New Orleans with a knife."