2 responses to “The Confederate Way of War”

1. 

   Samuel Coy

   June 6, 2026 at 11:34 am

   In my lineage was a man named Asa. He came from Ireland in the 1840’s and settled in what is now S. Carolina. Dirt poor. Salt of the earth.
   He joined the S Carolina militia at the outbreak of hostilities, fighting for his homestead and his family.

   His platoon was ambushed by federal soldiers when he was out on patrol.
   The men in his platoon were ordered to be executed the following day. My ancestor wrote his last will and testament the night before his execution in his own blood.
   He spoke of tending to the farm, his unwavering faith in Jesus, his love for his wife and children.

   He and his men were shot and killed the following morning.

   The letter survived and has been archived.

   He also wrote if the circumstances of his capture. The federal soldiers thought he was part of a band of skirmishers who had harassed and killed several of their men. He was not.
   He owned no slaves, and was a godly man trying to protect his family from federal tyranny.

   Maybe I can live up to his courage and conviction one day. Asa, I have not forgotten you.

   Reply
   1. 

      Roth Harbard

      June 6, 2026 at 12:06 pm

      This is the way we honor our ancestors. We tell their stories. We remember them. So long as we do that, they’re immortal and continue to live with us in our hearts and minds. Too many have forgotten. You, Samuel, have not. Thank you!

      Cattle die, Friends die, So, too, must you die, Though one thing
      Never dies; The fair fame one has earned.

      Cattle die, Friends die, So, too, must you die, I know one That never dies; Judgment of a dead man’s life.

      Reply