Patriotism, Confederate Style

Gen. Waterhouse says “We have but two things to choose in this conflict, infamy or death, in the event we are not victorious.”

 Richard Waterhouse was a Confederate general from Texas who served under Kirby Smith in the Trans-Mississippi sector. Autograph Letter Signed, Delhi, La., July 11, 1863 to his wife. “You have doubtless heard ere this of the fall of Vicksburg which surrendered on the 4th inst. for want of provisions.  We surrendered 20,000 men at that point which is a dire calamity to our cause, though it will only have the effect to make the Confederate forces more determined.  We have but two things to choose in this conflict, infamy or death, in the event we are not victorious. Therefore I think every true man, old & young, should rally to the standard at once & in driving the invader from our soil. We learn from the paroled officers from Vicksburg that Genl. Johnson & Grant are fighting on big black [river] and that Johnson has a strong force.  We imagine this div. will leave from this point in a few days, probably for the Ouchitya River or Red River.  I am unable to say what our line of defence will be on this side of the river, but I think it will be our policy to concentrate our forces as soon as possible & strengthen our lines as much as possible with the militia so as to be able to repel invasion on this side of the Mississippi.  If we can succeed in concentrating our forces we surely can repel any force likely to invade Texas. Much depends on the active and energetic action of the entire population.  Every man should respond at once with alacrity to the call of the country for assistance…should we remain here on the river and the prospect is not imminent for immediate service I may come home on a short leave to see you & the children if only for a few days.” The writing legible though somewhat faded.                 

General Ransom on the Peninsula: “The excitement of course is intense, for we expect an attack every moment.”

In early March, 1862, McClellan began leading his massive Union army into Maryland and Virginia, and Joseph Johnston, realizing his forces were not as large, moved back. Gen. Matthew General Ransom describes the situation. Autograph Letter Signed, Camp Price, Va., March 14, 1862 to his wife.  “…The whole army excepting my brigade has fallen back behind the Rappahannock. Times are very exciting. The enemy is landing all along the river and we are here protecting the retreat. I wish dearest angel that I had leisure to write you but the excitement of course is intense, for we expect an attack every moment, tho I think the battle yet sometime off. Every one here though regards it as imminent.  Do not be too anxious for me.  Under all circumstances I will do my whole duty and trust our merciful Father to protect and preserve us all. Kiss the dear boys for me & tell them to be good and mind you.  I have only time, my sweetest, noblest wife to tell you again of my perfect love for you and to ask you to be as happy as you can.”