The Revenge of the Confederacy Part 1

The following article was forwarded by Dragoon Tyrone Crowley.  This article was published in "Chronicles, A Magazine of American Culture" on December 12, 2014, authored by Chilton Williamson Jr.

The Revenge of the Confederacy

THE AMERICAN POLITICAL DIVIDE is no longer between Republicans and Democrats, conservatives and liberals, religionists and secularists. It is between roughly two halves of the country, each of which would be perfectly happy to see the other wiped, by violence if necessary, from the face of the earth.

That was not how the North and the South felt about each other when President Lincoln ordered the
invasion of Virginia by Union troops in 1861, and perhaps not four years later when Lee surrendered his sword to Grant at Appomattox. Politics in America is no longer political, or even ideological. It is
existential, the existence of one side having become a moral and personal affront to the other. Each
can no longer tolerate the sight, sound, smell, or thought of the other.

Civil war would certainly occur today, should the lines of political opposition correspond more or less with the nation’s internal boundaries, as they did in 1861 when pro-Confederates and pro-Unionists had the benefit of geographical representation. The American nation was “polarized” then as it is today, but in a way that was plainly and simply manageable by unilateral secession, or by amicable agreement between the two regions of the country. If the United States were ever to separate, then was the logical moment. And indeed they did separate and remain separated for four torturous years, following which they were forcibly reunited by the victors led by a determinedly ideological commander in chief for whom the concept, more even than the fact, of union prevailed over history, the Constitution, and social and political common sense. Abraham Lincoln compelled American unity where there was no unity by forcing two fundamentally dissimilar and incompatible civilizations together again, while making one effectively subservient to the other “in perpetuity.” His was an error characteristic of a lawyer with a bat in his stovepipe hat, an error no careful and imaginative historian could ever have made, and one whose consequences America has been suffering these past 150 years.

The peculiar institution, as Lincoln well knew, was merely an aspect of the far broader institution that
was Southern civilization. The South was of a traditional mind; the North of a revolutionary one. The
South was deferential; the North egalitarian. The South was pious; the North transcendentalist, or
nothing. The South was agricultural; the North industrial. Finally, the South, politically speaking, was
strictly constitutionalist; the North latitudinarian and expansionist. These differences had existed from the beginning, but they had grown much wider between 1789 and 1861, as honest men over that period had observed. With or without slavery, the South did not wish to live in the future as the North
contemplated it, while the North was determined to drag the South along, as a distinctly junior partner, with it into that future. Northern politicians, men of business, and public men generally saw in victory no more than the chance to convert the South to its way of thinking, as a foolish person contemplating marriage expects confidently to bend the prospective spouse into someone more conformable to his own way of thinking. It never occurred to them to recognize a God-given opportunity to ditch the unsuitable partner by legally sanctioned divorce and go their own way unburdened by backwardness, superstition, and sloth. An aristocratic lady, a close friend of my parents, often expressed regret that the South had lost the war, since, had it won, “Southerners would need visas to come North.” Mrs. Potter, who in many respects was a very wise woman despite being an enthusiastic supporter of the United Nations and a liberal, in retrospect imagined an opportunity that never occurred to the besotted Lincoln, his admiring contemporaries, and his subsequent apologists.

History has proved the insistence of the North in reuniting the South to itself in 1865 to have been an
unanticipated disaster for America north of the Mason-Dixon Line as well as America south of it, in two decisive ways. The first is that the reconstituted United States deprived herself of a safety valve for internal discontent by assuring herself the advantage of a neighboring territory that could have served her in precisely the same way that the Americas had historically served the Old World: as a magnet and a dumping ground for social and political revolutionaries, general troublemakers, religious dissenters, and intellectual eccentrics. The second is that by vanquishing a traditional society whose values to some degree still survived in the North and rededicating itself to progressivism, materialism, industrialism, and Wall Street finance, it developed in a manner that left no possibility for the survival on its native ground of other interests, viewpoints, activities, and values, and therefore no social and political space in which traditionalists and other dissenters might take a stand.

The Revenge of the Confederacy - Part 2

The following article was forwarded by Dragoon Tyrone Crowley.  This article was published in "Chronicles, A Magazine of American Culture" on December 12, 2014, authored by Chilton Williamson Jr.

The Revenge of the Confederacy

Today, Americans display a tendency to segregate themselves according to their political, social,

economic, and racial and ethnic differences, as indeed they have always done but now more

consciously and deliberately. So we have the Blue Northeast and the Blue West Coast, the Red South

and the Red Mountain West. But not only are these color-correspondent regions separated from one

another by wide distances and geographic obstacles, they are also subdivided by in-holdings of

intruding colors, often in complicated patterns. People who consciously wish to live and work with

people who look, think, and vote like them increasingly accommodate their lives to segregationist

purposes, but national residential patterns have not yet arranged themselves to the degree that the

majority are able to realize their aspirations. Hence they may find themselves living in a Red Ward in a Blue City in a Red State, or a Blue Township in a Red County in a Blue State. They have no means of combining geographically into broader, territorially adjacent areas in order to leverage their social and political power, a situation they quite naturally find frustrating and a provocative cause for discontent, resentment, and anger. Futurists have speculated in recent years on the possibility that the United States may split into separate republics defined by regional geography—Northwest, Mountain West, Northeast, Southwest, etc.—but self-segregation is very far from having proceeded enough to make these regions sufficiently homogenous to allow such partitions to function successfully. If, on the other hand, the Confederates States of America still flourished south of the Union, Union citizens who preferred to live in a traditional culture would be free to move there, while Confederates longing for a liberal society could move north. South of the border, Confederate citizens would enjoy their republican freedoms, together with the satisfactions of a traditional, religious, and deferential society, from which the gods of commercialism and progressivism had been banished. In these circumstances, the sole losers would be imperially minded politicians deprived of a chance at the vast power that rule over a continental nation, as compared to half a continental one, confers. Yet their loss, being more than compensated for by the absolute ideological control they would exercise over their contentedly blue subjects, happy and at ease at last in their chosen people’s republic, would be illusory. 

Unfortunately for Americans of every persuasion, the possibilities for this scenario were forfeited—perhaps forever—a century and a half ago by the forebears of modern American politicians, who failed to seize the opportunity when it was extended to them and thereby condemned their distant successors to frustration, gridlock, seething impotence, and a deep-seated hatred of the other half of the citizenry— precisely what Barack Obama is feeling now.

So the Unionists in 1865 deprived their country of the opportunity to rid itself forever of that geographic half of it that bitterly resisted its character and its agenda. But they did something else as well. They made certain that Northern society would continue to develop in the materialist direction in which it had been moving for decades, unchallenged by a vision of an alternate civilization grounded in nature and tradition, and by effective dissent on behalf of these things. The result a century later was a country so culturally and politically grotesque that the New Left that developed subsequently in the vacuum created by the defeated traditionalist party was able to attack the United States from the left and establish itself as the sole effective opposition to the American political and cultural establishment that the unconditional surrender of 1865 had ensured. The rise of the New Left made the traditionalist critique of modern American society more irrelevant than ever, but it also challenged the settled arrangement between industrial business, the national political establishment, and American liberalism that Washington and Wall Street together had managed since Reconstruction. So the victorious North has been reduced to a shadow of its former self since the 60’s by the people Obama and his friends refer to in private as “the ones we’ve been waiting for”—which is “we.”

The self-co-opted radicals run the show today, and they have adopted as their allies the scores of

millions of angry and resentful foreigners, and the descendants of foreigners, admitted to the United

States under the irresponsible immigration policies institutionalized by Congress at the behest of

Northern industrialists in the second half of the 19th century and maintained ever since (save for a

decade or so following World War I) by a powerful combination comprising ruthless entrepreneurs, the soft-minded churches and the charities, and the more or less vicious ethnic lobbies. The vast majority of immigrants, after 1965 especially, have come to this country from strictly economic motives or because, as Mencken said in another context, there is a warrant out for them somewhere else. They have no other interest in American civilization, such as it exists today, than a job and the pleasures of life in an affluent society, and they have no intention of renouncing their previous identities and allegiances.

Thus, the “Melting Pot” the North boasted of a century ago has come to resemble the brew being busily stirred by the witches Macbeth encountered on the heath, a writhing stew of snakes, toads, and eels, many of them poisonous and most of them an ecological threat to the native American habitat into which they have been thoughtlessly—and sometimes malevolently—introduced.

America as she exists in 2015 is the creation of the Union states that won the Civil War, a country the

former Confederacy has had virtually no hand in making. The descendants of the former Unionists need to remind themselves of this fact as they, along with a majority of Americans, deplore what their country has since become. For people whose hearts pump Confederate blood, a certain smugness is

understandable, and even pardonable. Though their ancestors failed 150 years ago, Goliath has

succeeded in destroying himself.

Wow, What an Event - the AL Division Robert E. Lee Commemorative Program

The Alabama Division Sons of Confederate Veterans held their annual Robert E. Lee Day birthday commemorative program on Saturday January 24th at the Alabama State Archives in downtown Montgomery. It was a fabulous program, called perhaps the best ever by past Prattville Dragoons camp Commander Larry Spears.   The program was held mostly indoors, inside the Archives, but the beautiful clear crisp January morning apparently brought out a great crowd.  The formal program was conducted in the Archives auditorium and it was standing room only, filled by a crowd numbering probably 300.  An adjacent overspill room was set up which provided a closed circuit audio video display of the program on a large movie screen where another 50-60 people watched the program.  The Dragoons were well represented with eight members in attendance including Brigade Commander David Brantley, Commander Stuart Waldo, Communications Officer Larry Spears, 1st Lt Harold Grooms, Chaplain Tom Snowden, Quartermaster Bill Myrick, Danny Smyth and Jeff Jones.

The event was kicked off with songs by the Tallassee Camp 1921 String Band.  The colors were posted by a reenactment unit and Dr. Charles Baker, Division Chaplain provided an invocation.  AL Division Commander Gary Carlyle welcomed everyone including the Presidents of the Alabama United Daughters of the Confederacy, Order of the Confederate Rose and Children of the Confederacy.  Dr. John Killian of the Military Order of the Stars and Bars gave a rousing short speech proclaiming the superior moral foundation our Southern heritage imparts to us, our laudable Confederate forebears and the relevance today of these fundamental beliefs and ideals.  Commander Carlyle made a presentation of a check for $5200 from the SCV to Bob Bradley, Chief Curator of the Archives for the historical flag conservation.

Virginia Davis gave an incredible reenactment of Mrs. Mary Custis Lee, wife of R.E. Lee including a recollection of his upbringing and early military career.  She posed her address as of the year 1871 so she included an account of Lee's decision to resign his US Army commission and assume command of the Army of Northern Virginia but, as she spent most of the War in Richmond, she couldn't provide much insight into Lee's campaigns and life in the camps of the ANV. After the War, Lee assumed the Presidency of Washington College and expanded the university's curriculum and implemented the same tradition he had as Commander at West Point, inviting each student to his residence so that he and Mary could get to know each student.

After the performance of Mrs. Mary Custis Lee, the Camp 1921 String Band led everyone in Dixie and Dr. Baker closed the program with a Benediction.  Following, many walked across the state capitol grounds to the Confederate monument where reenactors gave a musket salute and others followed Bob Bradley on a tour of the flag conservation room.  Bob gave amazing details on the methods of flag preservation and the history of the many flags in the Archives.  A thoroughly enjoyable morning commemorating one of the great Americans in our history and honoring our Southern ancestors and heritage with fellow compatriots.

Dragoons at the Alabama State Archives for the Robert E. Lee Day Program

Danny Smyth, Bill Myrick, and Jeff Jones (L-R)

Commander Carlyle with Bob Bradley

Lt Jimmy Hill Listens to Bob Bradley in the Flag Conservation Room

Virginia Davis as Mrs. Mary Custis Lee

Dr, Killian of the MOSB

Attendees Watch the Program from the Overflow Room

Posting of the Colors in the Auditorium

Commemorating Robert E. Lee's Birthday, Address to the Army of Northern Virginia

The following was offered by Dragoon's Communication Larry Spears on Lee's Birthday, January 19th.

Robert Edward Lee was born on this date in 1807. I do not need to tell you of his strength of character, his strong Christian beliefs, his devotion to duty, his love for his family and the South, nor his military accomplishments. You know them as well as any other good Southerner who appreciates the Confederacy and the South. However I do recommend his biography by Douglas Southall Freeman, simply entitled “LEE”, which is in 4 volumes but there is an abridged version in 1 volume that is available (follow this link http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/932370.Lee ).

One of his outstanding quotes, made to one of his sons, is, "Duty is the sublimest word in the English language. Do your duty in all things. You can never do more; you should never wish to do less.”  A good guide for our young men of today.

After meeting General Grant at Appomattox (which he said he would rather die a thousand deaths than do), he returned to his men and with his staff wrote General Order # 9. Read these words as if you were a soldier in the Army of Northern Virginia, gentlemen, and notice that he said “compelled to yield”. He did not say “surrender”. 

After four years of arduous service, marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude, the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources.

I need not tell the survivors of so many hard-fought battles who have remained steadfast to the last that I have consented to this result from no distrust of them; but feeling that valor and devotion could accomplish nothing that could compensate for the loss that would have attended the continuance of the contest, I determined to avoid the useless sacrifice of those whose past services have endeared them to their countrymen. By the terms of the agreement, officers and men can return to their homes and remain until exchanged.

You may take with you the satisfaction that proceeds from the consciousness of duty faithfully performed, and I earnestly pray that a merciful God will extend to you his blessing and protection. With an unceasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to your country, and a grateful remembrance of your kind and generous consideration of myself, I bid you all an affectionate farewell.

God Bless the South and thank you God for Robert Edward Lee.

Lee-Jackson Banquet in Montgomery

The Prattville Dragoons, SCV Camp 1524, was well represented Friday night, January 16 at the Henry Semple Camp’s Lee/ Jackson Banquet held at the Dalraida Methodist Church.  Attendees included Chaplain Tom Snowden, Communications Officer Larry Spears, 1st Lt Harold Grooms, Color Sgt Brent Jenks and his father George, Treasurer Billy Leverette, Karl Wade, and Tyrone Crowley.  Compatriot Crowley read the poem “Lee at Jacksonville" which he had previously presented to at the Dragoon's January camp meeting, Mrs Anne Tidmore, Regent of the First White House of the Confederacy in Montgomery made a presentation about the First White House leading up to Lee's Birthday celebration there on the 18th. Good food including a steak dinner and wonderful Confederate fellowship were in abundant supply. 

Mrs. Tidmore of the First White House of the Confederacy

Dragoons at the Lee-Jackson Banquet

Indian Hills Cemetery Clean-up Day for January 2015

The Prattville Dragoons renewed their efforts of the continuing clean up of Indian Hills cemetery on Saturday January 10th. A very special thanks to all who contributed their time and efforts for this worthy project and furthering the Cause including Benny Harris who is leading the project for the camp, Stuart Waldo, Harold Grooms,Bill Branch, Allen Herrod, Tom Crowley, Tyrone Crowley, Skip Ward and Paul Whaley.  Benny wanted to concentrate on the southwest corner of the cemetery and great progress was made clearing the scrub and underbrush on this corner which fronts Autauga County Road 86.  The day was cold with highs only in the mid-40s and the morning temperature was in the 20s.  But the sun shone bright, the wind stayed down and Benny started a nice brush/debris fire which warmed everyone up. The plans call for three more workdays before a rededication the last of April.  Much work has been done but much work remains on this great camp and community initiative. 

Skip and Allen After a Good Day's Work

Part of the Crew for the Indian Hills Cemetery Workday

Paul Whaley Deep in the Underbrush

Stalwarts - Harold Foreground, Tom and Benny at the Fire

First White House in Montgomery Celebrates Robert E. Lee's Birthday

Ms Anne Tidmore, Regent of the First White House of the Confederacy in Montgomery AL sent the following invitation to all Confederate compatriots.

You are cordially invited to attend

The First White House of the Confederacy Annual

Robert E. Lee Birthday Party

Monday, January 19, at 11:00 at the First White House

Guest speaker will be  Judge Mark Anderson

Please join us as we honor gallant Confederate General and Statesman,   General Robert E. Lee.

Birthday cake will be served.

The public is invited.

Please note:

The First White House is now OPEN ON SATURDAYS FROM 9-4 & weekdays from 8-4:30.

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