I believe that slavery was a contributing factor at the beginning. And not
the threat of removal, but the effort on the Union to stop the extention of
slavery, where the south wanted each state to decide. I cannot sit here in the
21st century and throw stones at a people who lived almost 150 years ago. They
lived in a society based on slavery, which was common throughout history and
still continues today, but irregardless, slavery was a way of life for some
back then.

   I believe that slavery didn't become a major political issue until 1863, 2
years into the war. Even then the Emancipation Proclamation only served to
stave off France & England, when tied to the Gettysburg & Anteitam victories of
the north. It was a worthless document, as it freed no slaves where Lincoln
had authority , but held no weight where Lincoln had no control. Heck , slavery
didn't end until months after the end of the war...

 I study the history of the war, the Sons of Confederate Veterans , and their
forebears, the United Confederate Veterans. The flag - even up until 1952 in
Norfolk Virginia when the final Confederate Grand Reunion was held with 3 very
old and feeble Confederate Veterans, was the symbol of bravery & valor. Those
great old men would meet and parade and celebrate with the flags they used in
battles. Many shared reunions with the Grand Army of the Republic were
cordial. The handshake at the angle in Gettysburg for one.

  I reckon you are aware of the original 13th amendment? The one where
slavery would as an amendment never be touched. If this was the only reason for
secession, why would the south leave? Certainly tariiffs and the issue of states
versus the Feds were at the forefront in 1860. If slavery abolition was the
sole reason, why did 4 northern states continue with slavery during the war? Why
was West Virginia admitted as a slave state? Why didn't Virginia seceed at
first - but waited until after Lincoln called for 75,000 troops to invade the
cotton states? No, slavery was not the sole reason.

 I also read actual letters from the soldiers. I have yet to read where some
soldier wrote his poor mother and told her he was proud to fight to keep
blacks in bondage. Even General Patrick Cleburne stated slavery was not the issue
why they were fighting just months before his death in Tennessee.

 I hope this is what you were looking for.
Thanks & God Bless
Bill Bearden
Georgia



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