MO-CW-L Archives

Archiver > MO-CW > 2004-09 > 1096328522


From: Arleigh Birchler <>
Subject: Re: [MO-CW] Quantrill
Date: Mon, 27 Sep 2004 16:42:05 -0700 (PDT)
In-Reply-To: <158.406c6d9b.2e89d4db@aol.com>


Claiborne,

A lot of this thread started with you and I discussing Quantrill. While I try not to judge historical people, I do draw a large distinction between things that are done by common people, and what is done by folks with political interests. Most of the folks who rode with the Partisan Rangers, whether it be Claiborne's Partisan Rangers in North Carolina and Southern Virginia, Mosby's Partisan Rangers in Western Virginia, Porter's Partisan Rangers in Northeast Missouri, or Quantrill's group along the Kansas border, had their own private reasons.

One of the big arguments is how slavery ties in with the Civil War. That depends a whole lot on what segment of people you are talking about. I don't know if you have read Sam Watkins' "Company Aytch", but I think his book tells a lot more then all the accounts of the Generals who say they charged the enemy. I also think Joseph A Mudd's "With Porter in North Missouri" and his short article, "The Confederate Negro", give a very personal view from a person who was in the ranks.

Arleigh

wrote:
Despite what MajEdwards opinion of "Quantrill Of Missouri" is, I sujest
reading it. Book by Paul Peterson, has much credible research and thought put into
it. A book published with in the past year, a very thoughtful and provockitive
entery for discussion, rather than how MajEdwards blew it off. I read the
book, and all the others in discussion more than once. I think the new
information made available in Peterson's book is worth the cost to buy it and spend the
time reading it. It only gives another side of the story, not able to be told
previously and is very creditable. Peterson's book doesn't try to exonerate
anyone, but explains who and how in a light previously not explored. I think it
is a great book. I happen to have met the Author and believe he took no short
cuts in reporting new facts and presented them all in a fair and balanced
mannor.
Those who have not read the other books, should...If you are truely
interested in that era, you will find these and new enteries valuable in your research
and understanding of that time in Missouri History.
Claiborne Scholl Nappier




Arleigh Birchler, MDiv, BSN
Bram's Addition Life&Choice
1718 Fisher St #2
Madison WI 53713
608-251-4437

Musick/Porter Fan Club
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MusickPorter/

This thread: