What percentage of Southerners served in the Union Army?
My understanding was that non slave holding areas like West Va. and East Tn. were more inclined to the union economy than the Southern plantation economy, so there were union troops from those areas.
Any Union regiments from Mississippi, Al, or deep south were of token numbers, it they existed at all, IMO.
Please show me if I am wrong.
Please show me if I am wrong.
The 1st Alabama Cavalry, Sherman's personal escorts on his march to the sea. "During the war over two thousand loyal Southerners served in the 1st Alabama: farmers, mechanics, traders and others, from 35 counties of Alabama and eight other Confederate states. "
http://www.swannco.net/1st_Ala_Cav/first_cavalry.htmlhttp://www.swannco.net/1st_Ala_Cav/first_cavalry.html
And a more general discussion...
http://www.rootsweb.com/~arcivwar/loyal.htm
My understanding was that non slave holding areas like West Va. and East Tn. were more inclined to the union economy than the Southern plantation economy, so there were union troops from those areas.
Any Union regiments from Mississippi, Al, or deep south were of token numbers, it they existed at all, IMO.
Good observation that does bring to light the issue of slavery (or more precisely, economic interests) being a deciding factor in "choosing sides". Most Unionists were from areas of confederate states, and not just the border states, with little slavery. There were also many old-line Whigs from slave districts, especially in coastal North Carolina, who also formed regiments. Overall, something on the order of 100,000 whites from confederate states served in the Union Army, many in formally organized regiments. Many more were unwilling Confederate conscripts (literally enlisted at the point of a rifle) who deserted to Union lines at the first opportunity, and changed uniforms becoming members of whatever Union regiment they happened to find.
To say that the common sentiment in those days was state before nation is simply not true. There were many who put nation first. Here's an interesting first hand account of the attitudes and conditions faced by Southern Unionists written by a Union Army veteran from Georgia.
All more than happy to show you southron boys the error of your ways: