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To: Dalberg-Acton
A lot of those weren’t fighting for what they thought was right, they were conscripted.

Several states resorted to a militia draft during our Revolution. Washington requested a national draft, which was ramping up when the French entered the war and removed the necessity.

The War of 1812 also saw preparations for a national draft when the end of the war got rid of the need.

The CSA passed a national conscription law in April, 1862. The Union only in March, 1863.

The vast majority of men who served in WWII were drafted.

So feel free to sneer at Union conscripts in the WBTS, who made up only a little more then 5% of Union forces, anyway. But keep in mind you're also sneering at those who fought for the United States in our Revolution, War of 1812, both World Wars, Korea and Vietnam.

Not to mention most who fought for the South. Were you aware that the Confederate Conscription Act of 1862 unilaterally extended the period of service of 12 month volunteers to 36 months, in essence conscripting every solder in the army? The Union Army never violated agreed terms of service in this way.

http://www.etymonline.com/cw/conscript.htm

76 posted on 01/26/2014 11:17:23 AM PST by Sherman Logan
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To: Sherman Logan

I was “sneering” at anyone. You are mistaken.


79 posted on 01/26/2014 11:41:54 AM PST by Dalberg-Acton
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