On Fri, 31 Aug 2001, Jarl K. Jackson wrote: > There is a letter written by John S. Mosby to a friend after the war > in which he explains how though opposed to slavery, he and many others > could go with, and fight for Virginia. Many would condemn the likes of Not being familiar with the letter in question, I may simply be repeating what Mosby said, but: I suspect in some cases at least the decision had little to do with loyalty to a nation or state, or to a cause, and much to do with loyalty towards neighbours and friends, as well as with opposition to soldiers marching through and occupying their lands and your own. It's not unlike the instinct to protect a friend or relative who has fallen foul of the law: you may not approve of what he's done, but he's one of yours ... And, like you, I hope I'll never have to choose. Mario Rups [log in to unmask] To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html