American Civil War: Thoughts and Opinions of the Shenandoah Valley Inhabitants - Essay Example

?American Civil War: Thoughts and Opinions of the Shenandoah Valley Inhabitants Several factors motivated the American civil war. For one, economic differences between the Northern and Southern regions inevitably led to bitter differences between individuals and groups from these areas. Secondly, there was a spread in the anti-slavery movement. This was unfavorable to many states in the South. In addition to this, Abraham Lincoln became president of the United States around the same time. This put pressure on the states that were for slavery due to his strong stance against the practice. In summary, all the causes of the war seem to have originated from slavery. The strain felt given the differences in opinions and ideologies eventually translated into a war that lasted from the year 1861 to 1865 and left more than half a million casualties: The civil war. Even though the war achieved some results that altered the course of history, it is not possible to ignore the loss felt during and after the war. This paper discusses the variation of opinions and thoughts on the war among different categories of people, particularly in the Shenandoah Valley. In Virginia, as pointed out in an article by Rickard on the American Civil War (2006), the Shenandoah Valley was one of the hardest hit regions during the war.1 It was an area dotted with beautiful mountains, known for its fertility and for having developed transport systems, especially the railway. Its strategic situation rendered it one of the best routes to accessing both the Southern and Northern regions. All this, according to the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation website2 turned out to be a disadvantage during the war since both the Northern and Southern areas took a keen interest in gaining control of the region. The two regions subsequently fought their wars in the valley itself, disturbing the stability that was the norm previously. Over the period of the war, Shenandoah Valley was conquered many times and was the epicenter for many major campaigns that kicked off during that time. In Ayn Rand’s famous words, “Every major horror of history was committed in the name of an altruistic motive” (Winokur 1992, 14)3 The same was true for the civil war, which was felt to be a worthy cause against slavery in the years between 1861 and 1865. For many in the Shenandoah area, the war achieved what it set out to do effectively. On the other hand, there are those who after the war felt that the losses incurred were not worth the gains felt. The region was at the time composed of people from various age groups, genders, and races. There are those who were soldiers that fought in the civil war, and on the other hand were civilians. This was the case for both Franklin and Augusta counties. In available 1863 wartime and pre-war accounts from Augusta County, it is clear that some felt that the war was in their favor. This seemed to encourage those in the Southern region to fight for a course that they felt was moral. Newspapers, for example, urged the public to fight for their ‘worthy’ cause, rather than allow the ‘Yankees’- a derogatory term used by the Confederates to refer to Federal troops during the civil war or by Southerners to refer to the Northerners 4 (Kwok 2001) - to succeed in pushing forward their agenda. An example of this is this extract from the Staunton Spectator. “From the West we hear of schemes designed by the desperate and disaffected--conspiracies tending to fresh ruptures and the final overthrow of the Republic. Wicked men, even at the North are beginning openly and shamelessly to dally with disunion, and propose, since dislocation has come into fashion, to multiply the fragments of our institutions. All this is terrible. We can better afford to lose fifty fights than thus to weaken the morality of our cause. We can better afford to submit to invasion than thus to make disintegration familiar to our constituencies. We can better afford to let the slaveholding soldier bivouac in the Capitol than to be betrayed into negotiations, which are full of danger, or to dally with compromises, which, with their adoption, must precipitate us into unmitigated anarchy. Already we begin to hear of Western Confederacies. Already we have hints of new and tempting combinations, aiming at safe and convenient boundaries and the monopoly of internal navigation.” (Staunton Spectator 1863, 2)5 The newspaper also dismissed the Northerners as being hypocritical in their cause, since in their demolition of Southern property, they equally ended up destroying structures erected for the “colored population,” like the churches. In addition to this, according to the Southerners, by encouraging slaves to obtain weapons and fight for their rights, they were misleading them (Staunton Spectator 1863)6, given that there was legislation against black men bearing arms for the army, a crime punishable by hanging (The Black Man in The Civil War).7 In Franklin County held more or less the same beliefs as Augusta County. The newspapers in Franklin County vehemently opposed any efforts to promote the status of the blacks, just like in Augusta County. As war began to erupt in the Shenandoah area, there are calls to “restore, and bring back peace, fraternity and prosperity; the other is to destroy, and inaugurate interminable civil war.” (Valley Spirit 1862)8 This implies that even though they were not willing to accommodate any changes to the constitution, they preferred to preserve the peace. As the war progressed however, the newspapers and public encouraged young men in the county to volunteer themselves for the war instead of having to be drafted, terming it as “patriotic and noble” (Valley Spirit 1862)9. On the other hand, even though the consensus in the South was that, the constitution should remain unchanged to allow slavery to continue, there were a few individuals residing around the Shenandoah area who felt differently. Joseph Waddell, living in Augusta County during the civil war was one of the very few that were for the opinion that slavery should be extinguished. He felt that slavery was an injustice to the black population. Despite his attitude towards slavery, he, like other residents around the Shenandoah area, had to deal with the uncertainty brought about by the war. In his diary10, he describes the sadness brought about by the loss of loved ones due to the war. Studying diary entries, letters, and newspaper articles paints a clear picture of the position of the whites that lived around Shenandoah area during the civil war. It especially applies to majority of the white population living in Augusta and Franklin Counties to point out that they were against any anti-slavery movement. In fact, some of the white citizens based their beliefs in scripture, maintaining that God would punish the Yankees (Northerners) for going against His will. Again, it comes out strongly that the Southerners felt that the right thing to do was to keep the constitution as it was, and at all costs. In the extract from Nancy Emerson’s diary, she expresses her support for the civil war. It is worth noting that she was a resident in Augusta County around during the war. “…Pity, pity, that the Northern people should have been made the dupes of such a set of knaves. I seldom think of it without remembering the lying spirit, which was permitted to take possession of Ahab's prophets, that he might be persuaded to go to R--& fall. This judgment from God has fallen upon the North because of their declension from him. Its effects, [added: it is true,] have come upon us, & more heavily thus far [added: than upon them,] but the end is not yet. We too have cause for deep humiliation, but we shall achieve our independence, & if guided aright, shall fulfill a high destiny & be far more prosperous than ever before. Never for one moment since this struggle commenced, has my mind wavered as to the final result. Never could I for one moment believe that a righteous God would suffer us to be trodden down…” (Nancy Emerson Diary entry July 4, 1862)11 Nancy Emerson’s thoughts represent the thoughts of many women, particularly white women, living within Augusta and Franklin Counties during the civil war. Many women found themselves affected either directly or indirectly by the events of the war. For some women, they had friends and neighbors that lost their lives fighting in the war. Other women, for example Rachel Cormany, living in Franklin County, had husbands serving in the war. Because of this, they raised their children by themselves, not knowing what surprises and shocks lay in waiting for them each day. Rachel Cormany in a diary entry on June 186312 talks wishes that she had news of her husband’s safety. In this entry, she also discusses the widespread terror felt by herself and those around her. “This morning pretty early Gen Milroys wagon train (so we were told) came. Contrabands on ahead coming as fast as they could on all & any kind of horses, their eyes fairly protruding with fear--teams coming at the same rate--some with the covers half off--some lost--men without hats or coats--some lost their coats as they were flying, one darky woman astride of a horse going what she could. There really was a real panic…--Many have packed nearly all of their packable goods--I have packed nothing. I do not think that we will be disturbed even should they come. I will trust in God even in the midst of flying shells--but of course shall seek the safest place possible in that case--which I hope will not come to us…” (Rachel Cormany diary entry June 15, 1863)13 The war forced women to take up roles initially fulfilled by their spouses. This is because it was a requirement that all men aged seventeen and above volunteer or be forcefully drafted to serve in the Confederate army that was fighting troops from the Union (North). Even though these women believed in the cause that the civil war set out to achieve, there was definitely some worry among them, some women lost husbands and sons. Those who went a day without any news were not sure what to expect the following day. Therefore, in summary, many women around Franklin and Augusta supported the war but not the harsh prospects of becoming widows or losing their children. Soldiers, both white and black, fought in the civil war. Initially, there was legislation in place barring the freed black men from bearing weaponry of any sort even in the name of defending one’s own country. This meant rejection for those of them who attempted to enlist. However, a shortage in white volunteers and the rising demand for personnel for both the North and Southern regions saw to the lifting of the ban in 1862. This allowed black soldiers to serve in the war. Despite the ban, freed men, the blacks still faced harsher treatment than their white counterparts did (The Black Man in the Civil War).14 Job Christy was one of the black men from Franklin County serving as a soldier in the civil war. For black men, as is the example in his letter to his sister, the war was about improving their living conditions. In a section of the letter, he points out to her that he is aware of the fact that the whites in are not for promoting the rights of the blacks. Even so, he is willing to fight to the end for those liberties. “…We have been fighting as brave as ever [unclear: thay] was any soldiers fought I know if every regiment that are out and have been out would have done as well as we have the war would be over I do really think that it's God will that this war Shall not end till the Colored people get their rights it goes very hard for the White people to think of it But by gods will and power they will have their rights us that are living know may not live to see it I shall die a trying for our rights so that other that are born hereafter may live and enjoy a happy life.” (Jacob Christy to Mary Jane Demus, May 13, 1864)15 All the soldiers operated under very unstable and unpredictable conditions. The war claimed the lives of not less than six hundred million of them. Of these, some died of natural causes, diseases and epidemics that plagued them in them battle fields, dehydration, among other causes. In his book, Robson (1998),16 a black soldier in the civil war, paints a picture of the conditions endured by the Confederates in the battlefields. He talks of the difficulty in getting enough food while they were away from home, and proceeds to add that the “Contrabands” (blacks) had an even lower supply of food. All these hardships, he points out, gave the soldiers from the south even more reason to fight and win the war. Despite all the death, injury and suffering faced by the soldiers, they got hope and strength to fight from the belief that the cause they were defending was worthy. For the white soldiers, they wanted to ensure that the constitution remained as it was; with very few privileges for the black population. The black soldiers, on the other hand, fought for their rights, both within the army and back at home. Both races, black and white, believed in what they were fighting to achieve. In 1864, a series of battles, famously known as the Valley Campaigns of 1964, took place in Shenandoah Valley from May to October. These Campaigns consisted of three separate battles that finally ended the war in the year 1865, in March. By the end of the war, the Confederates suffered defeat by the North. The loss made a difference in the Southern atmosphere. This, however, was inevitable even in the event that the Confederation had won. This is because there was a high number of casualties and fatalities. Newspapers in Augusta County, for example the Valley Virginian reported that the South conceded defeat in the war. In addition, the South accepted the terms laid out by the North (instructions to put an end to slavery). From this, it is visible that the general attitude immediately after the war was one of acceptance. As the Valley Virginian reports on the 31st January 188617 “When the armies of the Confederacy surrendered …They accepted, in good faith, the results of the war; gave up slavery and were prepared to work out the problem of free negro labor, as best they could”. For the Southerners, they expected their acceptance of the outcome of the war to yield positive results. In the newspapers, there was a lot of talk about having the Southern areas restored as full members of the United States. This is because this was promised to them when the Confederation army surrendered towards the end of the war. There was disappointment that the Federal government did not immediately fulfill its promises. On May 16, 1866, the Valley Virginian reports: “If President Johnson's policy had been carried out by Congress, our Country, the South, would have now been on the high road to prosperity and some hope of repairing the devastation of war could be entertained. It has not been carried out, but, has been opposed by the Radicals with consummate ability and spite. When the armies of the Confederacy surrendered and our people accepted the pledges of Andrew Johnson and Gen. Grant, they expected to be restored to all rights and privileges of citizens of the United States, to which they renewed their allegiance…. and we are told that our oaths to support the Constitution are false and we are not to be trusted. They declare us out of the United States and demand new guarantees before the "Territories of the South" can be admitted to full representation, as States of the United States.” (Valley Virginian 1866, 2)18 The South conceded defeat in the Civil War but this did not change the views of individuals regarding the position of the black man. In fact, the whites who appeared to be on the black’s side supporting them received harsh treatment from the community around the Franklin and Augusta Counties. It was wrong to say anything encouraging blacks to be happy with the surrender of the Confederates. An example of harsh treatment received for this act is outlined in a post war article written in a local newspaper (the Valley Virginian April 4, 1866). In this article titled ‘An Incendiary Scoundrel’19, the conversation between a white man and a black man was recorded. The white man, in a futile effort, attempted to get the black man to join other blacks in marking the day when the Confederates lost to the Union army. Because of this, the newspaper described the white man as ‘despicable’ while the black man suddenly became the ‘Respectable Negro’. “Despicable White-- "And so you colored people intend to celebrate the 3d of April, in spite of the damned secessionists?" Respectable Negro-- "I've nothing to do with it, sir; but I believe the colored folks think of something of the sort. I see no use in it; it can't do any good." Despicable White-- "No use! It will show these infernal rebels that they are down, and that you know it, and that you intend to keep them down. Gen. Grant has rejoiced over them--why shouldn't you?" Respectable Negro-- "I wish to do nothing of the kind. I have no such feelings." Despicable White-- "Ah, but you should have. You and every other colored person in the city should join in the proceedings, and use every effort to make them as humiliating as possible to these insolent traitors." Respectable Negro-- "I don't think so, sir, and I mean to keep away." Despicable White-- "That is cowardly. These damn secessionists have been whipped, but not half enough. By--, half of them need to have their cursed necks broken. I want to see them crushed into the dust and the negroes triumphing over them. You have got them now where you can manage them if you choose, and I want to see you do it.” (Valley Virginian 1866, 2) Going through postwar accounts from Franklin and Augusta Counties leaves the impression that the perspectives of people in the South on slavery and provisions of constitution remained unaltered. The white population in general still felt they had a moral obligation to prevent the blacks from becoming equals with them. With the North’s win, the black population was grateful about the rescue from slavery. There was hope for a justice in the future among the blacks and their voices were more audible. The women (and some men) had to deal with the losses incurred during the war since many of their spouses either did not return home, because they were dead or locked away in war prisons in the north. Back at home, the Southerners in the Shenandoah region buried their dead and worked towards repairing the shattered economy. The Southern states lost Civil War in the Shenandoah Valley in many ways. For one, there was disregard for the cause they were so committed to upholding even with their blood. In the end, the constitution changed to accommodate the terms of the Federation only. Secondly, there were a large number of deaths from the war that could not be overlooked. Another way in which the South lost is despite agreeing to the terms of the North after the surrender, it took a long time for the South to be considered part of the U.S. again. Lastly, the Southern areas suffered a major blow to their economy, which took a while to recover. The Civil War did not favor the South, and because of this, slavery ended. The outlooks of those living in the Shenandoah area during and after the war may vary, even so, one this stands true; all the bloodshed was pointless. BIBLIOGRAPHY Primary Sources “’Encouraging Signs’ in the Staunton Spectator, February 3, 1863,” http://valley.lib.virginia.edu/news/ss1863/va.au.ss.1863.02.03.xml#02 (accessed November 30, 2012) “Civil War-Era Newspapers: Valley Virginian May 16, 1866.” http://valley.lib.virginia.edu/news/vv1866/va.au.vv.1866.05.16.xml#02 (Accessed December 1, 2012) ““Concerning the Valley’ Staunton Spectator, February 3, 1863,” http://valley.lib.virginia.edu/news/ss1863/va.au.ss.1863.02.03.xml#02 (accessed November 30, 2012). “Diary of Joseph Wandell,” Virginia Center for Digital History. http://valley.lib.virginia.edu/papers/AD1500 The Valley of the Shadow Project, “Civil War-Era Newspapers: Valley Virginian January 31, 1866.” http://valley.lib.virginia.edu/news/vv1866/va.au.vv.1866.01.31.xml#02 (Accessed December 1, 2012) The Valley of the Shadow Project. “Diary of Nancy Emerson,” Virginia Center for Digital History. http://valley.lib.virginia.edu/papers/EmeDiar (accessed November 30, 2012). The Valley of the Shadow Project, “Diary of Rachel Cormany,” Virginia Center for Digital History. http://valley.lib.virginia.edu/papers/FD1006 (accessed December 1, 2012). The Valley of the Shadow Project. “Franklin County: Jacob Christy to Mary Jane Demus in May 13, 1864” http://valley.lib.virginia.edu/VoS/personalpapers/collections/franklin/demus.html (accessed November 30, 2012). Valley Project. “Letters by George W. Brewer (1867-1869)” http://valley.lib.virginia.edu/VoS/personalpapers/browse/p3franklin.html (accessed December 1, 2012). Valley Project “’Stand Together’ in the Valley Spirit, July 30, 1862,” http://valley.lib.virginia.edu/news/vs1862/pa.fr.vs.1862.07.30.xml#04 Secondary sources Kalamu, S. Y. "The Black Arts Movement." The Oxford Companion to African-America Literature. New York: Oxford University Press, 1997. Kwok, Gordon. Google Sites, https://sites.google.com/site/mycwessays/yankee (accessed November 30, 2012). McDonald, Cornelia P. A Woman’s Civil War: A Diary with Reminiscences of the War, from March 1862. Wisconsin: The University of Wisconsin Press, 1992. Pond, George E. The Shenandoah Valley In 1864: Campaigns of the Civil War, Vol. 11, Volume 11. New York: Wildside Press LLC, 2010. Rickard, J (1 May 2006), American Civil War: The Shenandoah Valley, http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/wars_american_civil_war04_shenandoah.html (accessed November 30, 2012) Robson, John S. How a One-Legged Rebel Lives: Reminiscences of the Civil War Durham: The Educator Co. Printers and Binders, 1898. “The Black man in the Civil War.” tripod.com. Tripod, n.d. http://dburgin.tripod.com/blackman.html (accessed November 30, 2012) Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1996. Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, “Shenandoah Valley Battlefields: Preserving the Valley’s Historic Civil War Landscapes” shenandoahatwar website http://www.shenandoahatwar.org/The-History/The-Stories (accessed November 30, 2012) Winokur, Jon. The Portable Curmudgeon New York: Plume, 1992. Read More