The Civil War Roundtable of the Merrimack invites you to our June 10, 2026 meeting at 7:30pm, at the Hilton Senior Center.

Our June meeting will feature Rick Cochran, who's written a Civil War novel, but based on his ancestor in the 10th Connecticut.

"True to His Country" tells the story of Charles and Charlotte Taylor of Bloomfield, CT. Charles was a four-year Union veteran of the Civil War and Charlotte was an orphaned Irish immigrant whose parents died on the ship to America. Based on letters, a diary, and family oral history, the novel details the heart-wrenching saga of life in war and on the home front.

Rick Cochran grew up in Wellfleet, Massachusetts on Cape Cod where his father was the principal of the local high school. He has degrees from Tufts and Northeastern and spent a career in education. Rick is the author of six books, two short story memoir collections - Wellfleet Tales and Wellfleet Tales II: Confessions of a Wash-Ashore- as well as the Bound Brook murder mystery trilogy. His most recent book is "True to His Country: A Civil War Novel" which is based on the lives of his great-grandparents during the Civil War. He has also published articles in Cape Cod Life Magazine and the Barnstable Patriot. Rick is a member of the Cape Cod Writers Center and previously served on its board of directors.

If you missed the May meeting, we had a great lesson on Culp's Hill by Dan Welch. 

We also heard the news of the resignation of Richard Elliott, who's moving out of the area. We all wish him well and thank him for his help on the board.

However, this leaves us needing another slot on the board - a TREASURER! With the lack of volunteers stepping up and the vacant treasurer slot, we have to face facts. Liz Hallett also stated in no uncertain terms that the facts show we need people on the board to run this group, or we may cease to be. PLEASE consider stepping up if you enjoy learning Civil War history and solcial time with others.

Before the meeting, local man Ray Champagne informed us of efforts underway to bring a Parrott Gun (replic and non-firing) to the Salsibury Square.

As we have met in Salisbury for over 25 years, we feel it is an important endeavor and offered to donate money (amount TBD after we sort out treasurer duties).

If you wish to donate to the fund, checks can be written out to SBBA (Salisbury Beach Betterment Association), PO Box 5508, Salisbury, MA 01952, or go online : www.sbba.us/memorial . For questions, call Ray at: 978-771-9990 or email: memorial@sbba.us . 

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The CWRT of the Merrimack also voted to forego the August meeting. After the June meeting, we'll break until September.

PLEASE feel free to spread the word and bring a friend! 

We are free and open to the public.

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