After Gettysburg, a Union POW Meets JEB Stuart

[@Patriotacd]

I did a little digging and found that his second wife's name (married in 1860) was named "Pearlie Schermerhorn". There is one record that lists her name as "Pearlie R. Schermerhorn". I wonder if that could have been the "PR" in question?

[@reset-xs9ql]

wow. interesting find. good job. that makes sense!

[@mylesjordan9970]

Boudrye became the regimental historian for the Fifth New York Volunteer Cavalry and it’s fascinating to read his book.

[@dadsongs]

..."Because they don't sell me." My jaw dropped. Thanks so much.

[@frederickschwarz3883]

What a welcome respite from the razzle dazzle of most youtube content !!! Beautiful rough hewn Americana shared. Thank You Kindly

[@lifeonthecivilwarresearchtrail]

"Rough hewn Americana." Great expression!

[@susanschaffner4422]

Wonderful letter and insight. Thanks for the read.

[@MichaelSmith-990]

What an interesting and uplifting story! I thoroughly enjoyed very much.

[@frankofva8803]

Excellent story. Thanks for sharing this. History at its best.

[@odysseusrex5908]

I'm curious, was the good chaplain able to mail his letter from prison, or did he manage to keep it with him? Was he ever exchanged, or did he have to wait for the fall of Richmond to be released? I am surprised that the Confederates were able to take 4000 prisoners. I am guessing most of them were taken on the first day.

[@lifeonthecivilwarresearchtrail]

I do not know if he ever mailed or kept the letter. I suspect he kept it. Boudrye wound up in Libby Prison, where he edited a handwritten weekly prison journal, the Libby Chronicle. Both of his Civil War books are digitized and available online. Search for "Historic Records of the Fifth New York Cavalry" and "The Libby Chronicle."

[@groussac]

Thanks Ron. The letter peaked my curiosity. Abner Doubleday in his 'Reminiscences of Forts Sumter and Moultrie in 1860-'61' gave me the impression that in the initial months of the war, the Rebs had taken over all federal installations EXCEPT the postal service, that letters were still being sent between North and South. I know this had to have changed during the war, but still, I wonder, was there any form of communication between the two sides, letters from or to POWs perhaps? After the war, how quickly was mail service restored? Was this a priority? Sorry if these sound like test questions. No test here, and no grade if you don't answer. All of us graduated from school a long time ago (thank God). I'm just curious...

[@lifeonthecivilwarresearchtrail]

Thanks for the pop quiz! Letters were exchanged and disrupted mail service restored, but it really depends on where and when. As far as POWs are concerned, officers had a better communications with home due to their status and support groups. Also worthy of note is the U.S. Sanitary and Christian Commissions, who assisted in communications. Also, the medical corps, especially nurses, kept the news and information coming and going. Then there was the Dead Letter office in Washington, D.C., an entire department that assisted in delivering mail when the address could not be located. Here's an example of a Dead Letter Image: www.flickr.com/photos/8026096@N04/6260414616/in/photolist-5YUye1-2kVVkwU-axdga3

[@kwm123123]

Great story and video. Thank you for posting this.

[@cognomenunknown2144]

There’s a great strain of marijuana called “General Bongstreet” lol

[@pcbacklash_3261]

I realize it's a petty complaint, but every time I hear someone pronounce "cavalry" as "caLVary," it drives me bonkers!! Interesting video nonetheless.

[@michaelalbertson7457]

As a former atheist who was into war history, who became a Christian, knew the word cavalry very well, but when Calvary came to my attention, I had to think when talking about either subject, so that I didn't say the wrong word. It is very possible there were Roman cavalry members at Calvary. God is good. Praise Him. 🙌👏🙏

[@pcbacklash_3261]

@@michaelalbertson7457 But we're not talking about "Calvary" here. We're talking about CAVALRY in the U.S. Civil War. As for the "god" of the Bible, everything in that book suggests that he's a genocidal sociopath, not worthy of praise, but of disgust, revulsion and condemnation. Time to grow up, my friend.

[@Stiglr]

Fantastic letter, and great anecdotes!!!

[@marvmattison5248]

Love your videos. I understand the capture of surgeons, but it seems odd to me the capture of a chaplain. If he couldn't prove he was a chaplain I understand it, or if he was armed.

[@yisroelkatz-xj6pq]

Chaplins improve moral of the troops! I guess they didn't want this chaplain to inspire the Union troops!

[@stevekaczynski3793]

Chaplains can be taken prisoner - they are there to maintain the morale of their own troops. They are usually officers and the enemy might choose to treat them as officers in the army they are fighting against. For example Catholic chaplain Emil Kapaun was captured by Chinese troops in Korea in late 1950, and died in a POW camp the following year.

[@KennethMachnica-vj3hf]

He had no business, down there, regardless. Nobody invited that barn burner. His "chaplaining" didn't seem to do the union soldiers any good, what with all the whorehouse building and stealing. Not to mention the murdering.

[@susanschaffner4422]

Civil War letters really bring life to the daily trials of the soldiers. Thanks for reading this one.

[@garycates9911]

Rebel Private Front and Rear was written by W.A.Fletcher ; a rebel private , after the war. A great book .

[@jay-zeelterbilinsky3977]

Don't assume 21st century ideology on 19th century people

[@454FatJack]

Washington Spring’s? Near Winchester?? I coud not find. Jordan Springs and Resort only.

[@ericscottstevens]

PR Precious R? Pastor R? Lack of romantic interlude or remembrance......writing a letter to a cousin or possibly a peer.

[@bethbartlett5692]

When will the masses think to observe History and gather the Point of what they can do to lift themselves up and avoid future like-circumstances>. It is a matter of being "Conscious in Thought" + "Applying Higher Mind" ie Mature Mind. All Thought Energies of waring are found in the Lower Mind aka Ego Mind, where fear based thoughts, and all negative Thought Energies reside. Evolve your Mind and experience Harmony within and your life experiences will follow accordingly. Beth Bartlett Sociologist/Behavioralist and Historian Tennessee, USA

[@richiephillips1541]

It's nice to see some CW history without having my Southern nose rubbed in the shame and guilt pile that is so popular to do these days. We can all enjoy the history, warts and all, without the holier than thou angle. Thank you.

[@FakeMailElection]

The North had 5 slave states, never letem off the hook.

[@jeffersonmanchild9271]

I family member of mine in 1864 Nov he heard that the federals and the army of tennessee both were moving up the Columbia Pike not far from him at lepers fork. He and a cousin wandered there to the road around noon on Nov 30th only to almost immediately be conscripted in the rebel army and forced marched a short distance to Franklin Tennessee. Just 3 hours before the battle. They were placed in browns division with little instruction and told if they runaway and not stay with the assigned regiment they would be shot. They were given a cartridge box with a few rounds a rifle and bayonet. Told to follow with the whole division as it advanced late in the afternoon. Both were killed and are recorded as unknown for there are no enlistment papers for them as forced conscripted men. 588 are buried at Franklin. From Corinth miss to Nashville in that campaign the rebels grabbed all able body locals into service. Including some 500 men of the village of Brentwood that the regular troops beat and took there shoes from. They had to fight during the retreat in Brentwood barefoot vs Wilson's cavalry.

[@sharontaylor1211]

I wish someone would be able to put together a Civil War History of the soldiers. I had 3 Great Great Uncles, a Great Grandfather and by marriage more g.g. Uncle. Grandfather Mordechai was invalided out early in war and two great uncles were in the 19th Indiana Company K 1st Corp !st Division also known as the Iron Brigade or the Black Hats. Both David and Franklin died in 1864 one at Weldon Railroad and the Other in a prisoner of war camp. There was also a 3rd brother who was in the 20th Indiana who died at Laurel Hill. Mordechai was married to Eliza Orr who had a brother in the 19th Indiana. I have always felt the Whitney family made quite a sacrifice as did Selma,, Indiana a small farming town.

[@dougreid2351]

Alas, it took the blood of battle to stop the lash.

[@franward-jones7496]

What an amazing story. Can you imagine how many amazing stories we will never get to hear

[@model-man7802]

Harper's Ferry was a good place to see alot of Generals on both sides.

[@yisroelkatz-xj6pq]

Excellent video! I enjoyed it very.much! Thank you!

[@KennethMachnica-vj3hf]

What a lucky man! He had a brush with greatness. Stuart was one of the best participants in the war. He used to hang out with Stonewall Jackson, too.

[@WonderfulEagle-mm1vj]

He certainly had a lot of respect and awe from both sides

[@Weesel71]

Interesting. unpolished insight. Good presentation. No frills. "Just the facts, ma'm." 😁

[@DraganIlich-r1s]

Thank you to share the story with us. 🎉

[@toronadogofast7868]

My great great great grand Father, Tice Lester, was J.E.B. Stuart's personal scout. He was from the Cherokee nation from West Virginia. His grand father was George Washington personal scout.

[@mcgibblets78]

Hmmmmm....be interesting to see the history backing this up.

[@anncorsaro224]

I just found your channel. Thank you so much for your work. The reality of those years goes so much deeper than those awful battles. The hearts of every soldier (both sides) and every civilian was precious; to hear their thoughts from the letters/diaries you read is good for us to consider. We’re so spoiled. We’re so used to battles being fought “over there”. Your channel reminds us of the blood spilt and the hearts broken right here. 🇺🇸✝️

[@jackgilley7425]

Interesting to see what people years ago thought or said honestly or not about things they knew or imagined when they were free to still change their minds as they went along.

[@lifeonthecivilwarresearchtrail]

First draft of history!

[@dougreid2351]

Thanks. Subscribed. DOUG out

[@charleskeefer3043]

Head lice, I think I need to be emancipated from those.

[@robertanvilrm]

he look like the guy from handtool rescue

[@DanielLehan]

I love all history,and these are never seen in history books!!!

[@KevinCave-rj8eq]

Ron that was an amazing story 👍🍀🍀🍀

[@brianniegemann4788]

"Because they don't sell me". A 12 year old boy. Wonder how many times he'd been sold in his young life. How may times he'd been beaten. And what his fate was, if he was unlucky enough to remain in the south after the war.

[@eze8970]

TY 🙏🙏

[@Zarastro54]

The answer from the enslaved boy puts into sobering perspective how deluded most of the slaveholding population was. Many of them had tricked themselves into believing that enslaved people honestly _liked_ being enslaved, as evidenced by the fact that they asked such an absurd question to begin with and more so that they were surprised by the answer. You can see this corroborated in other accounts and diaries of slaveholders expressing bewilderment at some of their slaves escaping, having thought up to that point that they had a “good” relationship with them. The Confederacy thought that slavery wasn’t only an economic good and necessity, but a MORAL one as well.

[@CraigSummers-ci7nt]

Surprised that boy was not immediately punished by his owners.

[@carlcushmanhybels8159]

Yes. I'm sure slaves for their own protection downplayed how difficult and horrific it was when they talked with their 'masters' and 'masters' family. --So the 'masters' underrecognized... And in the 1980's my dad, a retired sociology and US History teacher, taught Elderhostels including in the South. He shared It was surprising how many Southerners he met in the '80's wanted to call slaves "Their Servants," rather than openly say slave. And In a family preserved 1927 encyclopedia, generally excellent, there is a paragraph where Slave life, while acknowledged to be very difficult and profoundly unfair claimed it was nonetheless better than their lives in Africa. --I.e., that supposition, usually false, was still in 1927 used as an excusing excuse.

[@carlcushmanhybels8159]

In a family preserved 1927 encyclopedia, generally excellent, there is a paragraph where Slave life, while acknowledged to be very difficult and profoundly unfair claimed it was nonetheless better than their lives in Africa. --I.e., that supposition, usually false, was still in 1927 used as an excusing excuse.

[@rudel451]

well done thanks

[@Bocajef134]

The Chaplains letter says it all. For those that still believe the Rebels cause was righteous, need to understand the truth of this letter. Thanks for presenting.

[@bullhead900]

I will need a little more convincing than a yankee letter.

[@willmartin7293]

I find it bewildering that anyone can look around at how the US evolved over the last 158 years and conclude that the success of the Union's brutal invasion of the Confederacy was a good thing.

[@flatcat6676]

@@willmartin7293 The heirs of Lincoln's revolution against the original constitutional republic have a vested interest in maintaining the myth that the Union began and continued the war in order destroy the chattel slave system. Never mind that the primary stated goal of the Lincoln administration was to continue to extract tariff money from the seceded states, or that it was well understood that the federal government, as a creation of the states, had no moral or legal authority to coerce states to remain in the union when they had chosen to resume the powers they had let out to the federal government when they had ratified the US Constitution. The maintenance & reinforcement of US troops in strategic military forts within the territories of the seceded states, as well as the plan to use the navy to establish floating tariff collection points in the waters of those states should those forts be surrendered, were by any measure calculated, hostile acts designed to provoke an armed response so that Lincoln and his government could claim casus belli. To be fair, I do believe that Lincoln and his party were operating under the assumption that the secessions were illegal and no more than acts of rebellion against the legitimate constitutional authority of the government across a large part of the country. However, just because many were acting in good faith according to their convictions does not mean they were correct or justified in pursuing the most devastating war in our history.

[@carlcushmanhybels8159]

@@willmartin7293 So you're in favor of Slavery?

[@willmartin7293]

No, I am not in favor of an oppressive federal government under the control of apparatchiks who think of themselves as a "ruling class" over a nation of serfs.@@carlcushmanhybels8159

[@SusanTaft-o2x]

Jr start died at yellow tavern before gettsburg believe

[@patrimarti]

Nope, badly wounded at Yellow Tavern, dies in Richmond 1864. He was late arriving at Gettysburg earning him the dreaded “frosty glare” from General Lee.

[@garyhoover9983]

Making treason seem noble.

[@jamesmooney8933]

Treason is an interpretation. First before the Constitution, the United States was a Confederation of States. Each State was its own sovereign country. States put terriff for goods be sold for other states. The Constitution was written to make the country a Union. Inside the Constitution was written article 10, which any rights not listed as belongings to the Federal Government are the Rights of the States. So the South believed that laws under slavery were that of the State. This is why the South called the Civil War a battle for States Rights. You have understand the nature of America in the 1850's. People consider themselves to be a Pennsylvanian, Virginian or a New Yorkers. (Today only Texan identify with their state) Armies were raised by the States. There was The Army of Northern Virginia, The Army of Pennsylvania, and so on this continued up until WWI. So when the people of Appalachian, who were poor farmers and had no slaves, heard that the North had invaded Virginia at Bull Run. Since they believed that their state was a sovereign country, they were fighting for their state. Concerning the Appalachian poor. The Appalachian Mountains stretch from Vermont to Alabama. Lincoln was born in Kentucky to a poor farmer. His father moved to Illinois, because Kentucky became a slave state, and the poor farmers could not compete with the Slave Plantation. The Civil War is a complex subject and treason does not apply to the South.

[@jamesmooney8933]

Treason is an interpretation. First before the Constitution, the United States was a Confederation of States. Each State was its own sovereign country. States voted to be in the Union. The 10th Amendment provides States Rights authority over anything that is not covered in the Constitution. The Civil War was a dispute over States Rights. So the Southern States considered it their right to make laws concerning Slavery. The entire South was not for Slavery. The poor farmers in Appalachian were against Slavery. Lincoln was born in Kentucky, but move to Illinois when Kentucky became a slave state. The reason the poor White farmers from Appalachian fought in the Civil War was not for Slavery. These poor farmers fought to defend their State. Before the Civil War, people identified with their State, like Pennsylvanian, Virginian and New Yorkers. States raised Armies, like the Army of Northern Virginia, or the Pennsylvania Army during War. This continued up until WWI. Today most people identify as Americans, except Texans. Because Appalachian poor Southerners identified with their state. When the Union Army fought at Bull's Run, the poor Appalachian farmers considered this an invasion of their home. So the Civil War was not treason, but a Constitutional Crisis.

[@garyhoover9983]

@@jamesmooney8933 your argument was adjucated 1861-1865 and lost. Sorry.

[@jamesmooney8933]

@@garyhoover9983 Treason was not proven against the Confederacy. The War was about States Rights not Treason. John Brown was convicted of Treason, and hung, but neither Davis or Lee were convinced of Treason. The War was fought over States Rights. The South contend that they could withdraw from the Union.

[@jamesmooney8933]

LOL,

[@tommyvanbecelaere1561]

Love hearing an officer whine about not being treated better. Oh, you’re a man of god? We got enough a them.

[@CraigSummers-ci7nt]

Remember that there was no Geneva convention at that time. One who was captured was left to the complete mercy of their captors.

[@robertreed4299]

The union should have lost!!!

[@nightrunner1456]

The war could have been prevented.

[@carywest9256]

@@nightrunner1456 Only if Lincoln was captured before reaching Washington City. Just think of Hannibal Hamlin as President. So many unanswered questions!

[@nightrunner1456]

@@carywest9256 No way before that even needed to occur, a 12-year-old boy could figure it out.

[@CraigSummers-ci7nt]

Why?

[@jongamber6985]

But they didn't! Sometimes fate gets it right.