Here is our first letter from ex-marine dentist John H. Durst.

Dear Sir:

Yes I knew Mr. Bearss when he was a lowly part historian (GS-2.5) at the Vicksburg National Military Park. I knew him when he had only a long stick and a compass and was trying to find a boat. He must be some kind of nut. Historian? Hell, I had to locate a Confederate powder magazine for him and it wasn't over a few hundred yards from his desk in the park administration building in Vicksburg.

Mr. Bearss was not only a "jar head" but also a marine "raider"--now you know he is some kind of a nut and you want us to make him president? You've gotta be kidding.

You might want to visit my web-site at: http://www.homestead.com/durst/index.html. The best thing about this page is that is does not have a picture of Mr. Bearss.

Semper Fi!

John H. Durst DDS

But one week later, our pal John felt a pang of guilt. So he wrote again, this time endorsing Ed Bearss!

Hey, I was just kidding--I just might write Ed in for President--don't believe I am going to like my other choices.

On my web-site are some pictures of the "Cairo" which Ed has not seen.

John

Now, he didn't exactly ask to become a committee member, but the only way he could have gotten my e-mail address is by clicking on the "Become A Member Button". So now that John has joined our ranks and as he seems to know what he is talking about (a lot more so than any of us), I place this question before him: Would the slightly less eccentric Shelby Foote make a good running mate?