Black History Month – American and Proud

Nathan Bedford Forrest

By Robert | February 7, 2012

Another in a series of historical figures.

Nathan Bedford Forrest (1821-1877)

With no formal military training, Nathan Bedford Forrest became one of the leading cavalry figures of the Civil War. The native Tennesseean had amassed a fortune, which he estimated at $1,500,000, as a slave trader and plantation owner before enlisting in the Confederate army as a private in Josiah H. White’s cavalry company on June 14, 1861. Tapped by the governor, he then raised a mounted battalion at his own expense.

His assignments included: lieutenant colonel, Forrest’s Tennessee Cavalry Battalion (October 1861); colonel, 3rd Tennessee Cavalry (March 1862); brigadier general, CSA July 21, 1862); commanding cavalry brigade, Army of the Mississippi (summer-November 20, 1862); commanding cavalry brigade, Army of Tennessee (November 20, 1862 Summer 1863); commanding cavalry division, Army of Tennessee (summer 1863); commanding cavalry corps, Army of Tennessee (ca. August -September 29, 1863); commanding West Tennessee, (probably in) Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana (November 14, 1863 – January 11, 1864); major general, CSA (December 4, 1863); commanding cavalry corps, Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana January 11 – 28, 1864); commanding District of Mississippi and East Louisiana, Department of Alabama, Mississippi and East Louisiana January 27 – May 4, 1865); also commanding cavalry corps, Department of Alabama, Mississippi and East Louisiana January 28 – May 4, 1865); and lieutenant general, CSA (February 28, 1865).

When the mass Confederate breakout attempt at Fort Donelson failed, Forrest led most of his own men, and some other troops, through the besieging lines and then directed the rear guard during the retreat from Nashville. At Shiloh there was little opportunity for the effective use of the mounted troops and his command again formed the rear guard on the retreat. The day after the close of the battle Forrest was wounded. After serving during the Corinth siege he was promoted to brigadier general, and he raised a brigade with which he captured Murfreesboro, its garrison and supplies. (Source)

Paying tribute to those who stood in the time of hardship and struggle. Our nation experienced growing pains and the men I honor here gave all.

Black Confederate Soldiers

By Robert | February 4, 2012

The ~~Black~~ American history month here at A&P continues with Black Confederate Soldiers:

There’s a memorial for the UNION soldiers of color who helped defeat the confederate army. But you scarcely hear about the Confederate Black Soldiers. While the story’s of the union Black soldiers are more “Colorful” and serve the purpose of defining a very rough time in our history for Blacks. The facts show a bit of a different take:

ALL Blacks didn’t fight against the Confederacy. In Fact there were many black soldiers fighting under the stars and bars. The Confederate flag was held by Blacks as well as whites in the war. Take for instance the Petersburg Black Confederates

“We are willing to aid Virginia’s cause to the utmost of our ability. There is not an unwilling heart among us, not a hand but will tell in the work before us, and we promise unhesitating obedience to all orders that may be given us.”

— Charles Tinsley, Free Black, Pocahontas, Petersburg, Va.

And that my friends is about it according to the “Whitewashed” stories of confederate soldiers. However; There are many stories passed down from generation to generation about Blacks fighting for the southern states in the Civil War. The history has been virtually rewritten as to the memory of the Black Soldier in confederate garb.

There’s a handful of stories and newspaper accounts that can be found. There’s a few books out there. But for the most part. The established truth (Written by the victor of the war) is that the Black soldier only fought for the Union. False on it’s face, but it’s accepted.

The families of the Black Confederate Soldier know, the families of those who fought with them know. The fact is we owe it to their memory to acknowledge them as playing an important role in our history. We seem to have no problem acknowledging the role they played for the Union. Time to honor all soldiers in that war of all colors.

History Month post… Robert E Lee.

By Robert | February 3, 2012

For those of you who may or may not be offended by the black history month concept. I have decided to honor all history related to AMERICANS… Regardless of status of residence, feelings about our beginnings as a nation. We must recognize the men/women that I honor this month played a huge role in shaping our nation. I will start with the Civil War era. (Yes I could start at the very beginnings but I chose to start with the civil war because that time has been so thoroughly rewritten from the facts it’s laughable) Since Abraham Lincoln already has at the very least a day set aside for remembrance. (Although it’s lumped in with ALL and not given a day to himself such as MLK day) I’ll begin with one of my favorite historical figures. Gen Robert E Lee:

Originally opposed to Confederacy, considering the dissolution of the Union a calamity, Lee turned down an offer to lead the Union army and joined the Confederacy when his home state of Virginia seceded. A brilliant tactician, Lee exhibited success against Union forces but lost the overall strategic battle and surrendered to General Grant at Appomattox on April 9, 1865.

(born Jan. 19, 1807, Stratford, Westmoreland county, Va., U.S.—died Oct. 12, 1870, Lexington, Va.) Confederate general, commander of the Army of Northern Virginia, the most successful of the Southern armies during the American Civil War (1861–65). In February 1865 he was given command of all the Southern armies. His surrender at Appomattox Courthouse April 9, 1865, is commonly viewed as signifying the end of the Civil War.

One of the most recognizable of all confederate era leaders. Robert E Lee was a man of honor, character and southern virtue. He believed with all his heart the rights of the state outweighed the rights of the federal government.

I’ve often had discussions about the reasons for the civil war. My opinion of the reasons are best summed up by looking at today’s issues;

In the days of Robert E Lee, slavery was the way of the world. It was as common as the internet now. America was a fledgling nation, Europe, Africa and in large part the entire world used slaves as a means to create wealth and better the status of men (If you were a slave it was tough luck..) Slavery made many rich, including BLACK people in the south as well in Africa.

The Federal Government basically decided that ALL states must abide by this new law stating slavery was to be abolished in the nation, without a plan to replace it. This was ONE reason not the only reason. But we’ll give the benefit of the doubt to the racist implication since it’s black history month:

Today’s issues: We’ll use Illegal Immigration as the issue: Lets say that the Federal Government decided to open the borders with Mexico and allow unfettered access, to increase the labor pool of the nation. AZ, Tex, NM, All decided to fight this action and they battle in courts. The states lose in courts and decide to leave the union and create their own nations which will BLOCK all Illegal immigration to the America from the south.

Many states join AZ, Tex and NM against the federal government…. Well, the fight lasts years and many die. But the federal government wins and the states aligned against the feds surrender. What will history say about the rebels? They were racists and wanted to keep poor Mexicans from coming to America and bettering their lives…This is what happened to the Confederates. Those who win the fight write the history.

Robert E Lee picked a side, left a comfortable existence and instead chose to fight for what he believed in. States have the right to make their own decisions on governing their citizens. He fought gallantly, he showed courage and compassion during his time and should be remembered for his efforts to STAND against all odds with like minded men.