What motivated the CS soldier of the CW

[johan_steele]

I think I got the gist of your argument Mobileboy; reasonable except that there was such a large number of eligible men in the South who weren't interested in serving, remember that the draft/conscription was resorted to by the CS about a year before that of the Union.

I'd be tempted to agree w/ your overall assesment; but my problem is that the only people I see trying to force their will on anybody in 1861 was the CS... It took Lincolns call for troops to put down the Rebellion before many saw any kind of coercian or at least enough to justify a fight.

[scone]

Originally Posted by johan_steele

I'm particularly inclined to agree w/ the premise that many men stayed in the ranks simply because their friends were still there and through little loyalty to the cause... especially after long periods w/ no pay and less respect..

That love / Bond that that soldiers build with each other. back then companies where formed from men in the general area / town or county many men new each other and at times many may have been related.. all that changed after the civil war but relatives could still serve with each other.. It was not until the end off of WWII if i remember correct that that relatives could not serve with each other.. The change came about after 5 brothers The Sullivan Brothers where killed on the navy ship Juneau that was sunk..
http://www.homeofheroes.com/brotherhood/sullivans2.html

Sorry i got a little side tracked

Steven

[johan_steele]

Steve the Sullivan brothers were from Waterloo, Iowa.

One of the questions I have always had is at what point does a man decide to desert the Army? THe worst desertion rates in the CS Army were in late 63 and 64 after a string of rather significant CS losses. I've read enough entreaties by loved ones for their husbands or fathers to "come running." But at what point did that need from family override the need from comrades? Do you have any idea?

[larry_cockerham]

Furloughs when available and short trips back home in the south were prevalent to some extent from the beginning. As the war grew weary lost of southern soldiers were kille and replaced by a new, younger, fresher to some extent, wave of young men. The older survivors grew weary physically and emotionally. Some perhaps grew less enthused about the war having survived such battles as Franklin and Gettysburg. One of my ancestors with four young sons at home in southwest Virginia simply chose to change sides in April 1864, leaving the 48th VA for the 3rd NC US in which he served the remainder of the war, but in a company with his brother and much closer to his family.

[Alabaman]

Shane,

Pride, pure and simple was the valued ideal which kept these men together in '63 through '65. The other causes in which the average Confederate soldier fought were numerous and varied. I'll add States Rights, invasion repulsion and adventure as the next three in order.

Alabaman (Rob Adams)

[scone]

Originally Posted by johan_steele

Steve the Sullivan brothers were from Waterloo, Iowa.

One of the questions I have always had is at what point does a man decide to desert the Army? THe worst desertion rates in the CS Army were in late 63 and 64 after a string of rather significant CS losses. I've read enough entreaties by loved ones for their husbands or fathers to "come running." But at what point did that need from family override the need from comrades? Do you have any idea?

Didnt know that about the brothers, I did a quick search get the web site i will have to go back and look through it.. I just rembered the story from the history channel.

Back to the orginal topic

Desertion is such a harsh word.. Its one thing to do it it the face of the enemy on a battlefield but I think term you are using it for is where they just went home because they had seen enough .. or as the war went on their belief in the cause change while others thought it was their duty till the end.

But to answer your question... I'm not sure at what point one would brake. It would vary from individual to individual.

steven

[ole]

Don't want to start a new thread for a simple question -- at least it bears somewhat on "recruitment" and desertion:

Read a comment by a historian who calls the "Partisan Ranger" act one of 10 "biggest blunders of the war. I think I can guess what it was, but I'd rather hear the actuality of it from someone who knows.

Ole

[ole]

Steve, you've said it better than I could. "I'm not sure at what point one would brake. It would vary from individual to individual."

Take 30 of our regulars. Put them all through the same stresses, discomfort, discouragement. I'm not sure any of us would last three years. Hang the motivation, everyone has a point at which they'll throw in the towel. When that point is reached is very much an individual decision.

Ole

[hawglips]

Originally Posted by johan_steele

I've got to write down the date, time and occasion... I thought you hated McPherson and seem to recall you saying he had nothing to contribute as an author because of his bias... or something along those lines. Did I misconstrue your position on the subject?

Yes, you certainly did, as usual.

Hal

[hawglips]

Originally Posted by johan_steele

...my problem is that the only people I see trying to force their will on anybody in 1861 was the CS...

Simply amazing.

Hal