NATCHEZ CHOCTAW INDIAN CHIEF OKAH TUBBEE

As I've said before, one never knows what will turn up here in the historic old town of Vicksburg, Mississippi. This small 43-page "book" is a good example. It's an 1848 first edition of Chief Okah Tubbee's autobiography. That said, I have to admit that Tubbee's background raises questions as to whether or not he was really a Native American. If you're interested in reading a quick summary of the book, go here: http://docsouth.unc.edu/neh/tubbee/summary.html. What a wild ride this fellow had in his life! Read it and you'll be fascinated.

MY FAVORITE DUG BUTTON

This is my favorite. It doesn't look like much, but when you consider the conditions under which it was probably made, this small object takes on a whole new meaning.

I dug it from a Confederate camp many years ago. Though not supported by fact, its story is almost certain: Short of supplies and with no means of replacing even common everyday items, a Confederate soldier who lost one of the simple overcoat flower buttons that he and his comrades used in lieu of regulation state or government-issued CS buttons was forced to be resourceful. The soldier removed one of his remaining buttons and used it to make a mold. The only metal available to him was the lead in his bullets, so he melted a bullet or two and poured the molten metal into his mold. He was no artist, but the crude fastener, manufactured in the field, probably served its intended purpose. I suppose the soldier went on to fight the invaders from the northern states, ever devoted to his country and his state. I only wish I knew his name.

And that, my friend, is why this small, crude button is my favorite.

ART NOUVEAU LAMP FROM VICKSBURG'S PAST

This gorgeous old lamp once resided in the lobby of the Carroll Hotel. It interested me because the Carroll was located directly across the street from where I now live. The lamp is of heavy brass and features a "halo" of flowers and tiny bulbs that surround the nearly-nude body of the buxom young lady. It's one of my favorite pieces; I consider myself fortunate to have made its purchase.