Home Again

30 March 2008 by Published in: General News 5 comments

I’m home after a long and exhausting weekend. I will post details about it tomorrow evening, after I’ve had a chance to rest a bit.

As to anyone who was disappointed by my having to back out of the program at Liberty University, I want to apologize. Unfortunately, the decision to back out of the program was the result of an irreconcilable scheduling conflict. Over a year ago, I agreed to do a program on Custer in the Civil War for Ted Alexander’s Chambersburg Civil War Seminars series. I told Ted sure, and knew that he was planning on doing the program this year, but didn’t know when. Then came the invitation to speak at Liberty, which I accepted. And then, after I accepted the invitation from Liberty, I learned that Ted’s Custer program was to be the same weekend. I tried hard to find some way to do both programs, but it couldn’t be done.

Because I’ve done Ted’s programs for years, because it was the engagement accepted first, and because I didn’t feel that I could pass up the opportunity to lead tours with Ed Bearss, I elected to keep my commitment to Ted and to back out of the Liberty program. I deeply regretted doing so, but it could not be helped. I’ve since had a discussion with Ted about being quite certain that I am provided with the dates of programs as soon as they are selected, so as to avoid a problem like this from arising again.

So, to anyone who was disappointed by my not being there, I apologize and hope that I may be forgiven. Ethan Rafuse, I was especially looking forward to meeting you, since I’m the reason why you were invited to be part of the Liberty program. We will find another opportunity, and I hope that the program went well.

Scridb filter

Comments

  1. billy
    Mon 31st Mar 2008 at 11:49 am

    Eric, I will not say that I drove 680 miles roundtrip to Liberty University simply to see you, but I was very disappointed that you were not there. Even today on the web site for the seminar, they show you as a speaker. It was only after I was there that that I learned that you would not be on the program. I was very disappointed because hearing your presentation was a major factor why I decided to drive up there.

    Even so, the seminar was a very good presentation of the Gettysburg battle, its reasons and aftermath. All the speakers did a credible job. I definitley felt that I had my money’s worth as the $55 fee included a dinner and a lunch which were both ample and tasty. Those folks up there did an excellent job of organizing and carrying out the seminar.
    Billy

  2. The General
    Mon 31st Mar 2008 at 2:22 pm

    Billy,

    I regret that a great deal. However, I gave them several weeks’ advance notice, so I can’t be responsible for their failure to remove references to me from their promotional material. I am glad to know that you found the trip worthwhile, but as I said, I do regret that your going was in part motivated by the belief I was going to be there.

    Eric

  3. billy
    Mon 31st Mar 2008 at 5:41 pm

    Eric,

    I agree that it was their responsibility to have an accurate promotional website and I did not mean to imply that you were at fault.

    Billy

  4. Ethan Rafuse
    Fri 04th Apr 2008 at 11:50 am

    Needless to say, I was also disappointed that you were not there. I was really hoping to continue the dialogue we had regarding cavalry earlier this year. There will be other days, I am sure.

  5. The General
    Fri 04th Apr 2008 at 1:05 pm

    Ethan,

    Missing seeing you there was the thing that I most regretted about having to miss the conference. As you say, there will be other days, hopefully sooner than later.

    Eric

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