4 Confederate Veterans

[DaveBrt]

I've never had Popeyes or KFC.

Skip those and have yourself Bojangles -- Famous Chicken and Biscuits

 

[DaveBrt]

Ranks ascribed to Confederate veterans are very dicey, for a couple of reasons. First, there was a tendency use military rank as a title of respect for prominent or older men with any military service, regardless of the nature of that service or the rank held at the time. Second, there were ranks associated with holding office within the UCV. "General" Harry Rene Lee, for example, eventually became Commander-in-Chief of the UCV in 1935-36. He died in March 1938, at the age of 92. Even his Tennessee death certificate gives his title as "General," although his wartime rank in Co. K. of the 34th Mississippi was Sergeant.

I have an ancestor which was very active in UCV and Hood's Brigade Association activities in his later years, and known universally as "Colonel." His wartime rank, start to finish, was Private.

Almost a hundred years ago, an old Texas veteran with the improbable name of Valerius Cincinnatus Giles passed away, leaving a sprawling, fragmentary memoir of his Civil War service. A half-century and a lot of editing later, it was finally compiled and published as Rags and Hope, a volume that has since become a classic among Civil War enlisted soldiers' autobiographies. In closing Giles wrote:

It is over, and we are all officers now!​

It's General That and Colonel This​

And Captain So and So.​

There's not a private in the list​

No matter where you go.​

​

The men who fought the battles then,​

Who burned the powder and lead,​

And lived on hardtack made of beans​

Are promoted now—or dead.​

I imagine that the GAR had a similar problem, though I know less about them than the UCV.

There was also the problem the American labor gave "ranks" to job positions. The man running a job site was called Captain; one running a smallish company was Major; someone running a major company (Bank or Railroad) was a Colonel.

 

[rhp6033]

I've never had Popeyes or KFC.

I'm wary of creating a "food" post here (although the Confederates in the picture seem to be peculiarly well-fed). But I've never had Popeyes, and KFC has gone so far downhill we've quit buying it altogether. Tiny chickens where the breasts are smaller than thighs, and the drumsticks belong on a chicken wing, and mashed potatoes that are obviously made from instant powder.

And to top it off, Safeway was advertising this weekend "Country Fried Chicken" using a new recipie - but it's the same old deep fried chicken that was cooked at lunchtime and was still around as their deli was closing for the evening.

(Sigh) I miss my mother's REAL country fried chicken - fried in a cast-iron skillet using years of practice to know just when to add the chicken so the temperature of the oil remains just right.

 

[Zuzah]

I'm wary of creating a "food" post here (although the Confederates in the picture seem to be peculiarly well-fed). But I've never had Popeyes, and KFC has gone so far downhill we've quit buying it altogether. Tiny chidens where the breasts are smaller than thighs and the drumsticks belong on a chicken wing, and mashed potatoes that are obviously made from instande powder.

And to top it off, Safeway was advertising this weekend "Country Fried Chicken" using a new recipie - but it's the same old deep fried chicken that was cooked at lunchtime and was still around as their deli was closing for the evening.

(Sigh) I miss my mother's REAL country fried chicken - fried in a cast-iron skillet using years of practice to know just when to add the chicken so the temperature of the oil remains just right.

God I hate you, I am so hungry right now.

 

[TerryB]

Thanks for doing those old Nashville boys. They look right smart!

 

[RebelCause]

An absolute masterpiece. Thanks so much.

 

[civilwarincolor]

I can't stand the product -- I'm strictly a Popeye's man -- but I find the story behind KFC fascinating.

I worked for Church's Fried Chicken for a time after High School. Was even a store manager at one point. Personally I like El Pollo Loco for chicken better than the three others. Not sure if they have those in your neck of the woods though.

 

[civilwarincolor]

I've never had Popeyes or KFC.

Just chicken. Come to the U.S. there are lots of chains here you probably never heard of. See how many different ways you can sell the same item.

On the other hand I'm sure you know where to get a good aebleskiver.

 

[Zuzah]

Just chicken. Come to the U.S. there are lots of chains here you probably never heard of. See how many different ways you can sell the same item.

On the other hand I'm sure you know where to get a good aebleskiver.

Have some in the freezer, actually - love those little balls of fun.

 

[civilwarincolor]

Have some in the freezer, actually - love those little balls of fun.

Never had them frozen. Only place around here to get them makes them fresh.

 

[Mike Serpa]

Z, quit messing with me. I mean it. Every time I think I've seen your best work you come along and do something better. Awesome! This is now my new favorite of yours.

 

[Zuzah]

Z, quit messing with me. I mean it. Every time I think I've seen your best work you come along and do something better. Awesome! This is now my new favorite of yours.

You're too kind; Practice makes perfect is all I can say, and I keep finding awesome pictures.

 

[honeybeeisme]

OH, my GRACIOUS!!!!!! This is an AMAZING photo to begin w/... and then you, Zuzah came along and made it just POP!!!! Amazing!!!! Love it!!!! I'm a "Union girl" but I admire all veterans, and this photo just touches my heart! Thank you soooo much for introducing me to this photo and for your fine artwork.

Honeybee
P.S. mmmm... Popeye's Chicken... all that grease and fat... mercy. Thank goodness they closed my local eatery!

 

[Barrycdog]

If I didn't know better I would have sworn you got a group of reenactors to pose for that photo. Very sharp look.

 

[whitworth]

Now there are four serious, elderly United States citizens for you. Even their uniforms got nice.

 

[TinCan]

I agree with rhp. My old favorite KFC has gone downhill a bit so that is why years ago I switched to my true favorite, TACO BELL. Hope they don't ever start sellin chicken!

 

[Union_Buff]

Amazing work Zuzah

Is the veteran on the left wearing the Southern Cross of Honor?

 

[Zuzah]

Amazing work Zuzah

Is the veteran on the left wearing the Southern Cross of Honor?

Indeed he is.

Thanks man.

 

[ErnieMac]

It appears that the man on the right is as well.

 

[TinCan]

Ranks ascribed to Confederate veterans are very dicey, for a couple of reasons. First, there was a tendency use military rank as a title of respect for prominent or older men with any military service, regardless of the nature of that service or the rank held at the time. Second, there were ranks associated with holding office within the UCV. "General" Harry Rene Lee, for example, eventually became Commander-in-Chief of the UCV in 1935-36. He died in March 1938, at the age of 92. Even his Tennessee death certificate gives his title as "General," although his wartime rank in Co. K. of the 34th Mississippi was Sergeant.

I have an ancestor which was very active in UCV and Hood's Brigade Association activities in his later years, and known universally as "Colonel." His wartime rank, start to finish, was Private.

Almost a hundred years ago, an old Texas veteran with the improbable name of Valerius Cincinnatus Giles passed away, leaving a sprawling, fragmentary memoir of his Civil War service. A half-century and a lot of editing later, it was finally compiled and published as Rags and Hope, a volume that has since become a classic among Civil War enlisted soldiers' autobiographies. In closing Giles wrote:

It is over, and we are all officers now!​

It's General That and Colonel This​

And Captain So and So.​

There's not a private in the list​

No matter where you go.​

​

The men who fought the battles then,​

Who burned the powder and lead,​

And lived on hardtack made of beans​

Are promoted now—or dead.​

I imagine that the GAR had a similar problem, though I know less about them than the UCV.

It has been 42 years since I left the Navy. I must be an Admiral by now. Besides, Admiral has a much nicer ring to it than Radarman 3rd class, don't you think!