Obviously, I’ve not been writing a great deal over the past few weeks. For one, I’ve been struggling with a bout of writer’s block. On top of that I’m battling with content… what I want to put in a blog, and what I want to put in a book. Yup, a book is in the works, and frankly, after over six years, it’s about time. I’ll reveal more info when I have more significant info to pass along. Anyway…
While the writing seems to have been hampered lately, I have continued compiling raw data. Over the past two days for example, I’ve been putting together info on African-Americans (26 men so far) from my home county who served in U.S. Colored Troop units. After all, these men had significant reason to believe in the Union and are most deserving of the title “Southern Unionists”. Some of the data has proven quite interesting. Consider occupations for example… one was even listed as a “slave”, while a few others were listed as “field hand”, “house servant”, laborer, and farmer. As I went through the list, I wondered who was actually in the county at the beginning of the war and who had either been freed, escaped, or been sold deeper south. Some, however, did volunteer additional information when enlisting, revealing that they were married or had family who still lived in Page County… even naming the exact town from which they came in the county.
I think what strikes me most… and I know I’ve said this before… is how, in considering local men in the Civil War, these men have been totally forgotten. I have no doubt that these men, as few as they are, fought for a much higher purpose than those who donned gray uniforms (or, at least those who donned them, meant to do so, and remained on the course on which they embarked at the beginning).
Speaking of the struggle to be free, I have another story that I look forward to passing it along. It’s about a man buried nearby, in Clarke County, and his role in… the American Revolution. I know… off topic, but I do that from time to time. Look for the post in a day or two.
Jeffry Burden
October 25, 2012
Let’s hear about the book!
Robert Moore
October 26, 2012
Hi Jeffry,
The focus is on Southern Unionists in the Shenandoah Valley. Essentially, cross sections of each of the different types that can be identified. I’ve moved it ahead of my work on a book about Cole’s Cavalry, and for good reason… there’s hardly a week that goes by that I’m not either writing about or researching Southern Unionists in the Valley. My intent is for a Fall, 2014 release… hopefully.
Jim Schmidt
October 26, 2012
Robert – That’s the BEST news I have heard all week! Congratulations! I can;t wait to see it! Your blog and other writing has inspired me to look at the war in ways I had never thought of before and influenced my own interests.
Robert Moore
October 27, 2012
Thanks, Jim! I’m glad you found my work an inspirational influence. I’m humbled and appreciate the compliment. Also looking forward to getting the info “out there” on a larger scale.
Janet
October 27, 2012
Here is one document that stuck in my mind, showing a glimpse of the unfolding drama of the times.
PORT ROYAL, S. C., May 12, 1862. Hon. S. P. CHASE:
… an order from General Hunter requiring all able-bodied… to be sent… to Beaufort… to Hilton Head, where they were to be armed…
…they are to be told that they were to receive free papers at Hilton Head, and then return if they desired…
The arming… by entirely voluntary enlistments is well, but this mode of violent seizure and transportation even to Hilton Head alone, spreading dismay and fright, is repugnant…
The subtraction of so large a field force leaves but a few more than are necessary to cultivate the pro- vision crop. What shall be done with the 5,000 acres of cotton planted, most of which is up and growing?…
EDWARD L. PIERCE, Special Agent Treasury Department.
Official Army Records, Series III, Vol. 2, p. 52