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To: Nosterrex
"The term annihilation may be too strong, but the Union declared war against civilians, raped, pillaged, looted, and burned its way across the South."

Not even close.

The number of soldiers who died in the Civil War was somewhere around 600,000.

The number of innocent civilians accidentally killed was a few dozen. Typically these were spectators at battles.

Both armies "requisitioned" supplies from local sources. These normally involved "payment" with currency which may or may not have had any real value.

The charge of systematic rape is not documented, that I know of. Indeed, if I remember right, Union General Hooker had a solution to the problem of young soldiers' biological urges -- a solution that still bears his name today!

Yes, it's true that Sherman did burn some buildings in Georgia, but not nearly what was later claimed, and only after a Southern army had burned down Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.

Gen's Early & McCausland Burn Down Chambersburg, PA

For a recounting of what Sherman actually did, and a copy of his orders to his troops, see this link:

Sherman's March to the Sea

33 posted on 06/10/2009 7:19:53 AM PDT by BroJoeK (a little historical perspective...)
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To: BroJoeK

Well, sir, you and have a much different view of history and historical records. As much as I would like to discuss the issue, I do not see any room for persuasion, only disagreement.


36 posted on 06/10/2009 7:42:30 AM PDT by Nosterrex
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