(W. E. Socotra, left, with traveling companions on the SS Mesaba, 1903). You know what? I am going to throw you a curve this morning. We have been veering wildly through the saga of immigrants from Ireland caught up in the turmoil of the American Civil War, a conflict so vast and violent that it […]

(This is the fanciest document in the Service Record of my Great Grandfather. The Union Army thought the war would be over long before the three-year enlistments for Volunteer troops would be up. It wasn’t, and they needed veterans to re-enlist. James did, but had second thoughts a few months later). OK- this has been […]

There are flags coming down today, and this date will be remembered far into the future. It is eerie to be reading- and laboriously typing- ancient documents to get the context of the conflict, the ideas and determination that drove the determining events of the middle portion of the Republic’s life. I have a lot […]

(The diner on the grounds of the Gilmore Museum near Kalamazoo, MI. Amazing place). Upon return late yesterday from an extended journey on America’s crumbling infrastructure, I got a note from Senior Executive Jerry tinged with concern. He had not heard from me since the 4th, and thought I might be trapped in the seat […]

I am listening to the Weather and Traffic radio station from Washington, though I am a long ways away form the nation’s capital. Isn’t the internet wonderful? I am on the road for this Holiday, and it was a good decision. There is not reason as compelling as seeing a grandchild, and besides, there were […]

I was surprised to see Old Jim scrutinizing the fine beverage section of the Willow’s formidable wine list- the one in the rugged leather binder. “Special occasion?” I asked as I slid into my customary stool. Jim is normally a strict Budweiser man. A vodka and tonic with lime appeared in front of me, as […]

We saw some tantalizing stuff that went back to the very beginning of the institution that now is NSA yesterday. The memo purported to demonstrate that some people were setting things up to become very powerful in the Secret World. They had almost three years to get ready for the time of peace. Here is […]

(Navy Department Building (“Main Navy”), Washington, D.C. View of the building’s central entrance, on Constitution Avenue NW, across from the foot of 18th Street in Washington, DC.) I told you yesterday about the memo, found in a search by a comrade through the dusty archives of the greatest conflict in human history. Until the next […]

I am not going to get to the sort of robust and fully-developed story that discerning readers have come to expect form the Daily Socotra. Instead, I will give you a preview of what our editorial staff is hard at work on right now for the week to come. The declassified SECRET document was annotated […]

There was a hell of a string going on about our days in the Fleet. Having achieved full Geezerhood, I had the time to react and reflect as some shipmates swapped sea-stories from our Fleet days. Vince said: “Reminds me of my squadron days. I had a great mentor: the VA-56 Leading Chief Petty Officer, […]