Magruder’s ostentatious movement of troops back and forth convinced the Federals that his works were strongly held. His amateur acting talents were enough to spook McClellan.
Summer of 1863 was the turning of the tide in the War.
So much material, so little time...
Time Line of The Civil War
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/cwphtml/tl1861.html
I have found 1st cousins four times removed in the 11th NC Infantry, the famed “Bethel Regiment”.
And if you want some very interesting reading and to get an insight of what it was like day to day for a Confederate Private, check out this diary. The writer was in the Bethel Regiment until it changed from the 1st to the 11th.
Diary of a Tar Heel Confederate Soldier.
Charlotte, N.C.: Stone Publishing Co., c1913.
On May 22, 1863, Jefferson H. Walker (19 yrs. old) was killed in the rear of Vicksburg. He was reportedly shot by a rebel sharp shooter. He enlisted February 5th 1862 in Co. K 18th Reg Wisconsin Volunteer.
He was one of three children. His brother died at 25 of Scarlet fever in California and his sister kept Jeff’s letters. He was anxious for the war to end, so he could return to farming. Through his letters it seems, he spent much time with the injured who were his friends and fellow soldiers.