A Twist of Tobacco

I met with a distant cousin yesterday who had some interesting information for me.  (Incidentally I had a couple of surprises for me.)  First but not least in the info was a transcription of The Tennessee Civil War Veterans Questionnaire, Confederate Soldiers compiled by Gustaus W. Dyer and John Trotwood.  They sent the questionnaire to both Confederate and Union soldier and compiled the study around 1920. I found the questions condescending and the answers very enlightening. (misspellings are as originally written) These excerpt were from the form filled out by Samuel Mortimer Ownby, Woodbury, TN. State your full name.   Samuel Mortimore Ownby. State your age.   76 In what state and county were you born.?   Tenn. Marshall Co Were you confederate or federal soldier? Confederate Name of your company: Company I Reg 14 nixon's Cavlary What was the occupation of your father? Farming Give full name of your father.   Ely Cr...

A Band of Brothers All Civil War buffs and most Movie fans are familiar with the rousing tune and lyrics of The Bonnie Blue Flag.  It chronicles the struggle of the south's determination to maintain states rights and the pride they had for their country. It doesn't matter if you agree with the political aspect or if you disagree.  The song is rousing in tune and the lyrics carry a major impact. We are a band of brothers, Native to the soil Fighting for the property We gained by honest toil. And when our rights were threatened, The cry rose near and far; Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag That bears a single star! chorus: Hurrah! Hurrah! For Southern rights, Hurrah! Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag That bears a single star! As long as the Union Was faithful to her trust, Like friends and brethren, kind were we, and just; But now, when Northern treachery Attempts our rights to mar, We hoist on high the Bonnie Blue flag That bea...