Civil War letters historical society topic

A book based on Civil War letters of a Union soldier from Windham will be the author’s topic when Gorham Historical Society meets at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 9, at the Gorham Savings Bank Operations Center, 10 Wentworth Drive.

Carol Manchester will discuss her book, “Joseph K. Manchester, Northern Son in the South, 1861-1863, His Letters, Family, and Friends,” based on original Civil War letters. The letters were found in the 225- year old Windham family farmhouse where her husband, David, and his ancestral relative Joseph both grew up.

Joseph Manchester was a member of the Maine 9th Regiment, the next unit behind the Massachusetts 54th Colored Troops, recognized in recent years for their valor as depicted in the movie “Glory.”

“Joseph’s letters portray a picture of family life back home and of his military encounters, which began in Maine and concluded on the narrow, sandy, beach strip of land called Morris Island,” Carol Manchester said.

The book was awarded recognition as a 2014 National Indie Excellence Finalist.

Free income tax preparation

The AARP Foundation is sponsoring free income tax preparation from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Tuesdays, beginning Feb. 2 and continuing through April 14 at St. Anne’s Church, 299 Main St., in Gorham.

The preparation is available for all ages by IRS certified tax consultants. Other times and locations are also available. For an appointment, call 699-4280.

Cancer prayer group to meet

The Gorham Cancer Prayer and Support Group will meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at Cressey Road United Methodist Church, Cressey Road, Gorham.

For more information, call 321-1390.

U.S. taxpayer debt

The Bureau of the Fiscal Service reported on Jan. 22 that the U.S. public debt was $18,087,425,445,178.53.