Nicole has dysentery.

May 22nd
On this day in 1843 a large wagon train left Independence, Missouri on its way to Oregon. After 5 months and nearly 2000 miles these settlers, 1000 strong, would start their new lives in Oregon. This great migration along the Oregon Trail would inspire many future settlers to follow and be popularized for generations with books, movies, tv shows, and video games.

On this day in 1455 the opening battle of the War of the Roses took place at St. Albans, north of London. The War of the Roses was one  between the house of York (white rose) and the house of Lancaster (red rose) over who would be the king of England. The succession to the throne was muddled when King Henry VI (house of Lancaster) went insane and left his wife in charge of ruling the country. An aide, Richard, the Duke of York was also given the title of Protectorate whilst the King recovered. Both sides amassed armies and the first battle of this civil war took place. The end result of the War of the Roses was the direct line to the throne being skewed and the eventual rise of the Tudors to the throne.

On this day in 1856 South Carolina congressman Preston Brooks beat Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner with his cane while he was at his desk. Sumner was an ardent abolitionist, and had a habit of speaking against the evils of slavery and those who supported it. Brooks was not the target of Sumner's latest verbal barrage, but his cousin was, so he took it upon himself to defend the family name. Brooks instantly became a hero in the south and Sumner became a martyr for the cause in the north.