To A Gallant Gentleman

[Tobus]

America's bloodiest war ended with grace and honor.

I'm trying to be very careful of Beedee's warning here, but I think anyone who takes a careful look at history would probably come to a different conclusion. The facts are pretty plain. This war did not end with anything remotely resembling grace or honor, and I'll leave it at that.

[ForresterModern]

Wow, the war has been over for 145 years and it is still considered a political hotbed issue?

[Steve Ashton]

This thread has now been reported to the Forum Moderators for a possible violation of Rule #5.

[macwilkin]

I worked at a battlefield where 537 Americans gave the ultimate sacrifice on August 10, 1861 -- note that I did not say which side they fought on, as both sides were Americans. Let's remember that, please.

And please do not politicize or make snide remarks on a thread that was intended to remember a day when respect was shown to a gallant foe -- The story of Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain saluting the forces of Confederate General Gordon, and having that salute returned, should say enough. If that's not grace and honour, then I don't know it.

Instructions had been given; and when the head of each division column comes opposite our group, our bugle sounds the signal and instantly our whole line from right to left, regiment by regiment in succession, gives the soldiers salutation, from the "order arms" to the old "carry"--the marching salute. Gordon at the head of the column, riding with heavy spirit and. downcast face, catches the sound of shifting arms, looks up, and, taking the meaning, wheels superbly, making with himself and his horse one uplifted figure, with profound salutation as he drops the point of his sword to the boot toe; then facing to his own command, gives word for his successive brigades to pass us with the same position of the manual,--honor answering honor. On our part not a sound of trumpet more, nor roll of drum; not a cheer, nor word nor whisper of vain-glorying, nor motion of man standing again at the order, but an awed stillness rather, and breath-holding, as if it were the passing of the dead!

-- Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, Colonel Commanding, 20th US Maine Vols.

http://www.civilwarhome.com/Chamberlainappomattomax.htm

http://www.assonetart.com/TroianiTheLastSalute.jpg

Proud to be AMERICAN,

Todd

[piperdbh]

I wish people still wrote like the late Col. Chamberlain.

[BoldHighlander]

Depends on which side of the fence you were on

Please - keep this thread non-partisan so that it does not fall foul of the no politics rule.

Brian

Mine was not meant as a partisan remark, merely an observation, (hence the smiley w/ shades -- this ol' Reb' is cool w/ it ).

Perhaps I should've closed with "drinks all around" instead?

[Ozark Ridge Rider]

I wish people still wrote like the late Col. Chamberlain.

I wish more people still executed their duty like he did.

[macwilkin]

Post deleted. I've said my peace above.

[Lachlan09]

I wish people still wrote like the late Col. Chamberlain.

Wasn't Joshua Chamberlain a Professor of Rhetoric and then Prof of Modern languages at Bowdoin College before the war ?

[macwilkin]

Wasn't Joshua Chamberlain a Professor of Rhetoric and then Prof of Modern languages at Bowdoin College before the war ?

Yes. And Governor of Maine after.

T.