Here's something that will wake us all up, crossposted from H-SHEAR.

HW

  Date: Mon, 15 May 2006 20:52:48 -0400
    From: "Kirsten M. Schultz" <[log in to unmask]>

Dear Colleagues,

While studying a manuscript book of song lyrics (1864-1865) at the Virginia
Historical Society, I came across a couple lines of writing in a strange,
watery ink ("The Firm of Beck, Kizz & Kit.} August 4 1865."), followed by a
faint line in pencil.  I could not read that line, so the senior archivist
generously agreed to examine it.  His reading of the words was surprising to
both of us: "This is written with my blood."  After looking at the line of
pencil again, I agreed with his interpretation.  Neither of us had heard of
writing in blood in manuscripts.  Has anyone here encountered blood used as
ink?  If so, were you able to find any clues indicating the motivations
behind its use?

I should add that the author/compiler of the manuscript, Gilmer W.
Crutchfield (b. 1845), also uses what appears to be a code and has a
fondness for word games involving the names of young women.

I would be grateful for any assistance in this matter,

Kirsten M. Schultz, Ph. D.

Toronto, Ontario

E-mail: [log in to unmask]





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