[rustbucket]

Sorry, that won't wash. The Confederate leader initially demanded a ransom not to burn the town. When the townsfolks couldn't get the money up in the short allotted time, then the fires were started.

An act of a brigand, not a soldier.

See my post 85 for Confederate General Early's explanation of the money demand. It was compensation for the destruction of Southern propery by Union General Hunter. At least the Chambersburg people had a choice -- the Southerners whose houses were burned didn't.

[curmudgeonII]

At least the Chambersburg people had a choice -- the Southerners whose houses were burned didn't.They certainly had more choice than the people living in the hotels in New York City when Confederate agents attempted to incinerate them [with the occupants still inside]. Even a quick scan of the literature reveals acts of vandalism commtted by both sides.