The Natural Right of Revolution

[trice]

Originally Posted by M E Wolf

Dear Trice, Timewalker and List Members;

I agree with the last two postings.

I further add, that it is extremely difficult to admit to the mistake and or fail to fully justify something; such as the events leading into the Rebellion, such as firing on Ft. Sumter. This was also allegedly said by General Longstreet in a discussion with Col. Freemantle [UK observer]

Slavery had not been an issue; as far as I can tell when then, Colonel Robert E. Lee was issued a commission as Major-General of the US Army; when Francis Blair offered it. Blair acting as agent/representative for Lincoln and the War Department; spoke only of preserving the Union and to address the threats of rebellion through the acts of coercion; of firing on Ft. Sumter--an US Fort, Government property.

The unfortunate thing was 'state's rights' were tethered with economics, to which tethered with slavery. Southern expansion had already been pressed onto the North and regected; so this swirl begain well in the Buchannan Administration. Ft. Sumter was the lid that popped off which had been covering a festering political infection of which citizens were caught up into.

Virginia resisting secession buckled; feeling that raising volunteers and marching through Virginia was coercion; in of its own self. The 'exclusive' rights of Virginia and her sovereignty were then being coerced. I think this is when Virginia voted to secession; as to give weight to independence from Federal coercion. And, I can understand Virginia seeing it as an invasion of Virginia wasn't treated like a nation of her own; with Federal forces crossing in uninvited. Being polite; always asked permission to enter a home was normal. I can only assume; if the Lincoln Administration 'asked' permission to pass through; things may have been a bit different but--we'll never know. And, I am sure being 'told' to raise forces in the defence by the Lincoln Administration didn't sit well either. Assuming if things were worded differently; Virginia would have seen it as a request and not a command.

That said, I feel that Virginia became indignant for all the wrong reasons. But, I can understand it.

Now having the Rebellion closed; I am sure everybody had to struggle to make ends meet. The war had bankrupted most households and or fortunes. The currency was only good for lighting fires with. I cannot fault any Confederate that put their energy in saving their family and providing for them; regardless of other's ridicule. I think about General Longstreet's ordeal; being handicapped from the neck wound--he had little choice. The same with General Hood; a useless arm and amputated leg, Ewell and so many others. They did not have the independent wealth as General Lee did.

The war might have been over but, the feelings were not. And, if there were losses of loved ones the emotions could cause more grief; e.g. murder, criminal acts, etc.

Just some thoughts.

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf

It is always good to hear and think about how the other side saw things. But lest we forget: many Southerners disagreed with all this. Southern men died for the Union as well, were torn asunder and crippled, suffered invasion and suppression as much as any "Southerner" ever did at Yankee hands. The difference is that it was Confederate hands that held those guns, that imprisoned some and took rights away.

People always have a choice, although sometimes the choice is so difficult as to be near unbearable. While I can honor Robert E. Lee's struggle with his feelings and his commitment to Virginia above all else, let us remember George Thomas as well, who suffered for his loyalty. Who can say, between them, who was the better man, the more loyal son of his country? Who would believe that either felt anything but anguish at the choice he had to make?

Tim

[unionblue]

trice, M E Wolf, & timewalker,

What an excellent series of posts and replies!

Thank you all, as this is the reason I come to this forum, to learn.

Your gifts are appreciated.

Sincerely,
Unionblue

[M E Wolf]

Dear Trice/Tim;

Agreed. I do think there is still a tendency of overlooking the wrenching choices that those of the South made; to remain loyal to the Union.

Oh good General George Thomas--such sadness and such price. He suffered dearly.

Vice-President Andrew Johnson; started out as a Brig. General but was a Southerner and also stubbornly kept his Congressional seat.

General John Buford and his half-brother Napoleon B. Buford remained loyal to the Union, both serving dutifully while their cousin went to the CSA. He became a Brig. General there--his name Abraham Buford.

Even close to the President--his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln had relatives who went and served in the Confederate military. Some perished. Indeed, many houses were divided.

These Southern Generals fighting for the North; seemingly had their honor and intentions under the microscope for the entire Civil War; as did those Northerners who fought for the South. This no doubt also affected officers on down to the basic rank and file and; perhaps were subjected to treatment much different than other comrades. How many were executed out of assumptions and or suspicions?

Countless others will never be known as family history fades in time. How many of these loyal individuals lost family, fortunes, property and above all--their lives; will never be totally known.

The inclusion to these losses might be those women to whom joined under male aliases as to fight for their side. Suffering in that regard, as well as the public judgment of which would be lower than the gutter. Not seen as good soldiers. They lost also.

Southerners did often disagree. In the case of the Commonwealth of Virginia; a portion of it immediately went into secession and became West Virginia. Further; the "Loudoun Rifles" which was not in the portion of the Commonwealth of Virginia that seceded to become West Virginia, and in the northern fringes of Manassas; joined the Union and fought with Union forces. These men were the only recognized group of Virginia as a Union army group, according to Fox's Compiling of facts.

As I read and explore local history in the northeastern portion of Northern Virginia; the Confederacy abandoned her and left it to the Union to invade. Only real damage inflicted was several raids by Col. Mosby. The only real effort to retake Virginia back was made by General Longstreet, assisted by General JEB Stuart; shortly after the First Battle of Manassas/Bull Run; however, he was ordered back by Beauregard. Thus, the Defenses of Washington and Alexandria, Virginia were erected and Virginia occupied. But, all this happened after Virginia formally joined the Confederacy and had generous time to evacuate.

I agree--we, (in general) must not forget those little known aspects to which tore lives apart beyond the physical--but, the spiritual and or emotional side as well.

Just some thoughts.

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf

[.Ol'WarHorse]

But, M E Wolf, what about those who had the hard choice of joining the Confederacy, especially the boys of the 1st Kentucky, whose state (as you all know) remained loyal to the Union. Lincoln's brother in law, Benjamin Hardin Helm, commanded the 1st Kentucky, or the Orphan Brigade. One can only imagine how this affected Lincoln and Helm. His decision, and his death at the Battle of Chickamauga left Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln in a depression of spirits.

[M E Wolf]

Dear Ol'WarHorse;

GMTA - Reference to Helm and Mary Todd Lincoln and the President.

I am sure both were full of pain and this carried over as to cause Capt. Lincoln to commit his Mom to St. Elizabeth -- a mental health hospital; as she was so depressed and filled with much suffering.

Just some thoughts.

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf

[.Ol'WarHorse]

Originally Posted by M E Wolf

Dear Ol'WarHorse;

GMTA - Reference to Helm and Mary Todd Lincoln and the President.

I am sure both were full of pain and this carried over as to cause Capt. Lincoln to commit his Mom to St. Elizabeth -- a mental health hospital; as she was so depressed and filled with much suffering.

Just some thoughts.

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf

Heh, thanks for the complement ME Wolf. Though I really wouldn't consider myself a great mind. I mean, I had to look up what that acronym ment and everything :P