Americans owe Confederate history respect

Columbia Tribune ^ | June 10, 2003 | Chris Edwards

[stainlessbanner]

After attending the Confederate Memorial Day service on June 1 in Higginsville, I found myself believing our nation should be ashamed for not giving more respect and recognition to our ancestors.

I understand that some find the Confederate flag offensive because they feel it represents slavery and oppression. Well, here are the facts: The Confederate flag flew over the South from 1861 to 1865. That's a total of four years. The U.S. Constitution was ratified in April 1789, and that document protected and condoned the institution of slavery from 1789 to 1861. In other words, if we denigrate the Confederate flag for representing slavery for four years, shouldn't we also vilify the U.S. flag for representing slavery for 72 years? Unless we're hypocrites, it is clear that one flag is no less pure than the other.

A fascinating aspect of studying the Civil War is researching the issues that led to the confrontation. The more you read, the less black-and-white the issues become. President Abraham Lincoln said he would do anything to save the union, even if that meant preserving the institution of slavery. Lincoln's focus was obviously on the union, not slavery.

In another case, historians William McFeely and Gene Smith write that Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant threatened to "throw down his sword" if he thought he was fighting to end slavery.

Closer to home, in 1864, Col. William Switzler, one of the most respected Union men in Boone County, purchased a slave named Dick for $126. What makes this transaction interesting is not only the fact that Switzler was a Union man but that he bought the slave one year after the issuance of the Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Of course, history students know the proclamation did not include slaves living in the North or in border states such as Missouri.

So if this war was fought strictly over slavery, why were so many Unionists reluctant to act like that was the issue?

In reviewing the motives that led to the Civil War, one should read the letters soldiers wrote home to their loved ones. Historian John Perry, who studied the soldier's correspondence, says in his three years of research, he failed to find one letter that referred to slavery from Confederate or Union soldiers.

Perry says that Yankees tended to write about preserving the Union and Confederates wrote about protecting their rights from a too-powerful federal government. The numerous letters failed to specifically say soldiers were fighting either to destroy or protect the institution of slavery. Shelby Foote, in his three-volume Civil War history, recounts an incident in which a Union soldier asks a Confederate prisoner captured in Tennessee why he was fighting. The rebel responded, "Because you're down here."

History tends to overlook the South's efforts to resolve the issue of slavery. For example, in 1863, because of a shortage of manpower, Lincoln permitted the enlistment of black soldiers into the Union Army. Battlefield documents bear out the fact that these units were composed of some of the finest fighting men in the war. Unfortunately for these brave soldiers, the Union used them as cannon fodder, preferring to sacrifice black lives instead of whites.

These courageous black Union soldiers experienced a Pyrrhic victory for their right to engage in combat. However, history has little to say about the South's same effort in 1865. The Confederacy, its own troop strength depleted, offered slaves freedom if they volunteered for the army.

We know that between 75,000 and 100,000 blacks responded to this call, causing Frederick Douglass to bemoan the fact that blacks were joining the Confederacy. But the assimilation of black slaves into the Confederate army was short-lived as the war came to an end before the government's policy could be fully implemented.

It's tragic that Missouri does not do more to recognize the bravery of the men who fought in the Missouri Confederate brigades who fought valiantly in every battle they were engaged in. To many Confederate generals, the Missouri brigades were considered the best fighting units in the South.

The courage these boys from Missouri demonstrated at Port Gibson and Champion Hill, Miss., Franklin, Tenn., and Fort Blakely, Ala., represent just a few of the incredible sacrifices they withstood on the battlefield. Missouri should celebrate their struggles instead of damning them.

For the real story about the Missouri Confederate brigades, one should read Phil Gottschalk and Philip Tucker's excellent books about these units. The amount of blood spilled by these Missouri boys on the field of battle will make you cry.

Our Confederate ancestors deserve better from this nation. They fought for what they believed in and lost. Most important, we should remember that when they surrendered, they gave up the fight completely. Defeated Confederate soldiers did not resort to guerrilla warfare or form renegade bands that refused to surrender. These men simply laid down their arms, went home and lived peacefully under the U.S. flag. When these ex-Confederates died, they died Americans.

During the postwar period, ex-Confederates overwhelmingly supported the Democratic Party. This party, led in Missouri by Rep. Dick Gephardt and Gov. Bob Holden, has chosen to turn its back on its fallen sons.

The act of pulling down Confederate flags at two obscure Confederate cemeteries for the sake of promoting Gephardt's hopeless quest for the presidency was a cowardly decision. I pray these men will rethink their decision.

The reality is, when it comes to slavery, the Confederate and United States flags drip with an equal amount of blood.

[mac_truck]

but you're still a Clintonista and I will continue to identify you as such for those that might not be aware of your agenda.

(yawn) and for the record, folks should be aware that you admitted not voting for Bush in 2000 either. Whats your excuse, GW too liberal for you?

[Godebert]

"This is my agenda: LONG LIVE THE UNITED STATES AND SUCCESS TO THE MARINES!"

Then why would you vote for Bill Clinton and Al Gore to lead this country?

[Godebert]

" (yawn) and for the record, folks should be aware that you admitted not voting for Bush in 2000 either. Whats your excuse, GW too liberal for you?"

Yes.

[Grand Old Partisan]

In northern Mississippi there was an instance of a Confederate conscription agent executing a family for not revealing where the man of the house had hidden to escape the rebel army. In retaliation, Unionist neighbors hammered the Confederate to a tree with a spike through his mouth.

[Monitor]

If more people would speak up, you wouldn't see this blizzard of laughably wrong neo-confederate crap posted all the time.

It happens on another board I frequent as well. There's a handfull of neo-confederates there that will circle-jerk their way to the conclusion that all the world's ills are due to two things: Yankees, and nigg*rs.

Considering what they're unashamed to say in public, it really makes you wonder what they'd have to say in private.

[Grand Old Partisan]

In northern Mississippi there was an instance of a Confederate conscription agent executing a family for not revealing where the man of the house had hidden to escape the rebel army. In retaliation, Unionist neighbors hammered the Confederate to a tree with a spike through his mouth and out the back of his head.

[FLAUSA]

"As you probably know, Marines are informally socialized that when they say "Semper Fidelis" it means to God, country and Corps.

That does not allow of any of this neo-confederate crap.

Walt

When I was in the Marine Corps (1964-1968), there were plenty of proudly displayed confederate battle flags. At that time, the confederate battle flag stood for a distinct part of America, the South-Eastern portion and represented everyone there, white, black, or purple. When I chose to defend this country, I chose to defend all of this country, including "neo-confederates" whoever they are. They have a right to their opinions just as you have a right to express your opinions.

Semper Fidelis means "always faithful" but faithful to what? God, country, and Corps? Yes. But niether one of us has had to make the tough decision on "What is my country?" But a country is composed of states which are composed of communities. Is my loyality to my country, to my state, or to my community? Am I willing to kill my nieghbors and relatives for my country? These are the tough decisions that people had to make in 1860. Local loyalities were much stronger then and most folks chose loyality to their communities and states. Does that make them traitors?

If I were alive during that time, I don't know how I would have chosen. But we do need to remember that counties are not perminant entities. Countries come and go. All we can do is act honorably in whatever situation we find ourselves. I believe that the vast majority of Confederate soldiers acted honorably given their situation. And because they acted honorably, I owe them respect.

[tet68]

Semper Fi MARINES!

[donmeaker]

I understand that there was a discussion of an attempt to take the high officers of the Army of Northern Virginia, and try them as traitors. I futher understand that it was quashed by Grant, as contrary to the terms by which the surrender was granted. My source is my memory of Grant's Memoirs, a primary source, but I can't look it up because my copy is on loan.

Walt, thanks for the correction above.

[Veracious Poet]

Too bad most of you missed the more effective arguments against Lincoln's hegemony that occurred a couple of years ago...seems most of those who gave Walt a run for his money either left FR or were banned for being anti-government...lol!

Personally, I'm no a neo-confederate, but I would have prefered to live in the remaining United States of America in the North than the behemoth that resulted from Lincoln's War (which killed over 550,000 of America's best men) and the resulting reconstruction of the South...

The reason the North couldn't let the South succession stand was more based on pride and cultural animus than any other factor...oh yeah, they couldn't stand to loose that tax base that had been leached for decades either!

The Civil War was the beginning of the end of the vision of the Founding Fathers and the Age of Reason...unfortunately most Americans applaud the end result of Lincoln's War, not knowing that as a result they have been deprived of their birthright, which has been translated from sovereign citizenship to a paid membership in a benign, velvet-gloved tyranny...

Ever wonder how the Federal Government became the largest employer in the USA?

[donmeaker]

I, for one, understand why someone would not vote for G.H.W. Bush. The "no new taxes" pledge, and the assualt weapons import ban were the two reasons that sprung to my mind. Although I held my nose, and voted for him, I can respect those who could not, and there ought to be a price to pay for the dishonesty that GHW Bush showed.

Dole had for long been "the tax collector for the welfare state. I also understand why a voter would not stomach that.

Quite a few americans were unhappy with both major parties, which is why Perot performed relatively well. Of course he was just another parasite, making millions off the government Dole (pun intended). Clinton was monumentally lucky in his running mates.

[WhiskeyPapa]

At that time, the confederate battle flag stood for a distinct part of America, the South-Eastern portion and represented everyone there, white, black, or purple.

Including the three voting activist/civil rights workers that were murdered in Mississippi in 1964? Or maybe just their murderers?

Did it represent Medger Evers? Or just Brian De La Beckwith, the man who shot him in the back in 1963?

I appreciate your comments, but I don't think you are on target here.

Walt

[WhiskeyPapa]

But niether one of us has had to make the tough decision on "What is my country?" But a country is composed of states which are composed of communities. Is my loyality to my country, to my state, or to my community?

It's a no-brainer. Upon your acceptance into the military, you took an oath. That oath is to the Constitution of the United States; further, when you took that oath you swore to obey the orders of the officers appointed over you.

Walt

[WhiskeyPapa]

I understand that there was a discussion of an attempt to take the high officers of the Army of Northern Virginia, and try them as traitors. I futher understand that it was quashed by Grant, as contrary to the terms by which the surrender was granted. My source is my memory of Grant's Memoirs, a primary source, but I can't look it up because my copy is on loan.

Yes, after Lincoln's death, President Johnson wanted a number of high ranking rebels tried for treason. In the case of Lee and his men, they were paroled by the surrender agreed to at Appomattox; Grant threatened to resign if that agreement were abrogated. Remember that Johnson was a self-made man; he hated the planter aristocracy with a passion.

President Lincoln discussed with Grant and Sherman in April, 1865 the measures he aimed to take to assuage the bad feelings of the war before Congress convened in December. He strongly urged both of them to deal softly with defeated rebels, and they did.

It's funny-- President Lincoln is often excoriated because he didn't call the Congress to session earlier in 1861. He called it to meet on July 4. Normally, it would have convened in December also. Why didn't he, according to some, call it sooner, despite the disruption caused by rioting and destruction of railways in Maryland?

Any way, Lincoln planned to have much accomplished to make a peace with "malice towards none, and charity for all", by December, 1865.

It didn't happen.

Walt

[donmeaker]

Thanks for your comments, Walt!

[Non-Sequitur]

Bottom line, the CSA didn't have the authority to free the slaves, but their owners did. Did they? Did some? Did any? How effective as a fighting man would a man be if he knew he was going back into slavery if he wins? Is a man still a slave once you arm him?

Since the confederates were not victorious and the soldier-slaves were freed by default at the end of the war then its hard to say. Had the south been victorious then in all probability the fate of the soldier-slaves would have been mixed. Some, I'm sure, would have been freed and others returned to bondage.

[Non-Sequitur]

Ever wonder how the Federal Government became the largest employer in the USA?

The million and a half men and women in uniform?

[Veracious Poet]

http://www.americaspromise.org/about/factsheets/publicsector.cfm

Mobilizing the Public Sector

"The federal government, the nation's largest employer, is rich in both human resources and programs that work to improve the lives of citizens in every state, county, parish, city and town in America. It also continues to be a powerful force in mobilizing Americans to create a brighter future for children and youth by giving them access to the basic tools they need to succeed. Currently, more than 30 public sector organizations are in partnership with America's Promise, running more than 75 programs structured around the Five Promises.

Here are examples of how organizations in the public sector are providing much needed resources to our nation's youth:


• As part of the USA Freedom Corps, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) provides funds for the 486 active-duty Americorps Promise Fellows serving in national, state, and local not-for-profits, schools, and government agencies to fulfill the Five Promises. Through Americorps, Learn & Serve America, the National Senior Service Corps, and other initiatives, CNCS provides more than $600 million to support more than two million Americans serving their communities and youth.

• In 2001, more than 35,000 students participated in community service projects as a direct result of Job Corps' commitment to America's Promise. As a participant in Groundhog Job Shadow Day 2001, Job Corps provided opportunities for 11,000 students to shadow mentors at nearly 1,800 workplaces nationwide. In addition, local Job Corps centers partner with Communities of Promise across the country.

• Through its Promise Passport Youth Community Service program, the U.S. Army encourages Installation Youth Services Programs to promote community service among youth. Partnering with Communities In Schools, Community Anti-Drug Coalition and Quest International, the U.S. Army engages more than 100,000 cadets in community service annually.

• The Department of Justice has supported the development and dissemination of the Five Promises Checklist through a $200,000 grant. Providing age- and action-specific youth development activities, the 5 Promises Checklist helps communities identify the needs of local youth and matches those needs with adults and organizations within the community that possess both the desire and resources to help.

• The Department of Education, through its 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) program, collaborates with community-based organizations and school-based initiatives to expand services for youth in areas such as reading, math, science, technology and the arts. Centers now operate in 6,800 inner city and rural public schools and serve more than 1.2 million children annually. Several Communities of Promise, including those in Caroline County, Va. and Cedar Valley, Iowa run programs funded by 21st CLCC grants.

• In 2001, more than 120 foreign and civil service officers from the Department of State visited schools across the nation, including numerous Schools of Promise. They met with K-12 and college students as part of the Department's Hometown Diplomats Program. In addition, more than 100 State Department employees hosted students from 26 Washington Metropolitan Area schools for Groundhog Job Shadow Day."

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I understand that the Federal Government dominating employment may be deemed a 'good thing' by statist and socialists alike (i.e. Clinton/Gore supporters), but personally I'm nauseous from those so-called Americans, who take for granted the American patriots sacrifices to fight for personal freedom, freedom from over-taxation and self-determination free of the tenacles of government bureaucracy...

Have fun in your Utopian government society/culture, it seems it's here to stay.

[Veracious Poet]

Another proof that the Federal Government has smashed of the vision of limited government espoused by the Founding Fathers:

http://federaljobs.net/

Are you considering a government job? The federal government employs more than 2,704,000 workers and hires hundreds of thousands each year to replace civil service workers that transfer to other federal jobs, retire, or stop working for other reasons. Average annual salary of all full-time employees now exceeds $52,000. The U.S Government is the largest employer in the United States, hiring 2.0 percent of the nation's civilian work force. Federal government jobs can be found in every state and large metropolitan areas throughout America and overseas in over 200 countries.

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Just in case you didn't know, Lincoln is undisputably the Father of BIG Federal Government.

[Grand Old Partisan]

There was no attempt to arrest the high officers of the Army of Northenr Virginia, though it was being discussed by many leaders in Washington including President Johnson. Grant did indeed quash it, though nothing would probably not have been any arrests anyway as Lincoln had made federal policy on this point crystal clear.