They said shooting pickets (scouts) is a dirty trick of the Confederates?
You are supposed to kill enemy soldiers in a war. I guess the New York Times was stupid then too.
It wasn’t just the NYT. George Strong has is outraged by the same reports. I suspect views will become more realistic by this time next year.
“They said shooting pickets (scouts) is a dirty trick of the Confederates?”
The purpose of pickets was to see the enemy’s approach and draw his fire in time for the main force to judge his strength & react accordingly.
In his last battle my great grandfather was on picket duty the night before, so when the battle began pickets became skirmishers out in front of their regiment.
He was wounded drawing Confederate fire..
The wound itself was not so serious, but became infected and nearly killed him..
So, pickets & skirmishers could be interchangeable.
No doubt the Times will figure these things out in due time.
In the mean time their concerns should be conveyed to the young men posted on perimeters at night.