i had no idea that the duPonts were on the RIGHT side.
free dixie,sw
Not all of them, but many were.
PLEASE post such evidence. i'd be DELIGHTED to see the data;you will make your name as a scholar of history if you are able to come up with REAL proof of this. i'm dead serious!.
Don't be silly. This isn't original research. But if you want just one example, read the following letter. Freepmail me for an address to send an apologetic bouquet and basket of fresh fruit.
Source: "Charles DuPont Byrd (Baltimore, MD) to Gen. Robert E Lee" Official Records of the War of the Rebellion
Loyola College, Baltimore, April 25, 1861
A strong feeling in the two lower counties of Delaware is aroused in favor of Delaware joining the Southern Confederacy. With a man or two from you to give directions and a hint that arms and men would come if necessary, the people of Sussex themselves would destroy the Delaware railroad terminating at Seaford, on the Nanticoke. This railroad, I am confident, the General Government of Lincoln wish to secure, that they may transport troops by the Nanticoke River to the Chesapeake, and thence to Washington by the Potomac River. A vessel or two sunk in the Nanticoke will hinder this design. There is considerable trestling work on the Delaware railroad near Dover which would retard that road if it were broken. The arms that Delaware owns are in the hands of the secessionists. The powder mills on the Brandywine (owned by relations of mine) should be secured at all hazards. With a not very large force, if we cannot hold them, they should be destroyed. Some of the Du Ponts are friendly to the South. If it is possible to guard these works for a few weeks the stock of powder for the Southern Confederacy would be largely increased. Information is received this a.m. that 8,000 Northern troops are at Annapolis. Do not wait for our Legislature to invite you. Start up the bay at once. If haste is not made, by Saturday night 25,000 troops will be in Washington. The Legislature meets at Frederick to-morrow. Nine thousand one hundred and thirty-five was the vote polled in Baltimore for secession candidates. No opposition being made, the vote was small. Come to our help. We need force at the Susquehanna to stop the hordes of the North.
Respectfully, yours, and every moment waiting your orders, I am,
Charles du Pont Byrd