Growing up in Appomattox, VA, I lived around history. Just putting in the yard for my folks new home we dug up numerous minnie balls, buttons with pieces of uniform still on them, bridle and bits, pieces of weaponry including a bayonet, and 2 unexploded cannon shells.
Every time I go back (not that often since my parents died), my best friends’ Dad asks me to join the SoCV. I put him off and joke that my dad was in WWII so I don’t qualify, but if it was GGoCV he could sign me up. In actuality, I have numerous Confederate ancestors (both Mom and Dads side of the family), and if you go back farther on my Dad’s side there was a Union General.
My second cousin three times removed was with Custer at the Little Big Horn recruited in Lincolnton, NC with other southern boys and Confederate veterans. He was in “C” Company and due to the first sergeant’s horse coming up lame, he was the first messenger Custer sent back with note to “bring up the pack train” and thus survived in Reno’s detachment while his Company was wiped out with Custer. An interesting historical note - it was Custer’s calvary that cut Lee’s retreat off at Appomattox.
it sounds like you have a wonderful family history. The SCV headquarters is in an ancestral family home of my family. I think both sides fought courageously for their land, their families and their honor and we should let them rest in peace.