Alexandria became a staging area for Union activities, while public buildings and private homes were converted to offices, military headquarters, and hospitals. Once captured, the city of Alexandria was held under martial law for the rest of the Civil War, making it the Confederacy’s longest-occupied city. This is what I found:īecause Alexandria was vital to protect Washington, D.C., Union troops moved across the Potomac River into northern Virginia to secure the area. Maria tells her that they didn’t “take” the city but merely occupied it. On page 120, Oscie refers to the city of Alexandria as being “taken” by the Yankees. And when I knew that, like she said, our time together would be finished.”īesides totally reminding me of a deleted scene from “Mary Poppins” :), I really liked the way that the author makes me want to read on and find out what is going to transpire within this relationship. In the last paragraph, Oscie says, “It would be years before I knew that it was an inner light. It goes on to say that Oscie briefly recognizes a light in Miss Buttonworth’s eyes… It’s up to you.” (I think that we all need a Miss Buttonworth in our life!) We can have fun doing this or it can be a chore. I’ll also teach you to sew, swim, and recognize a fool when you see one. I’m here to teach you languages, grammar, mathematics, history, and geography.

“I know you don’t like me.” She set her cup down carefully. I really liked the transactions that were taking place between Oscie and Miss Buttonworth on page 51.

In My Father's House by Ann Rinaldi