Four Years Together in the Army of Northern Virginia
kevinmlevin.substack.com
The Confederate rank and file said goodbye to many things in and around Appomattox Court House in the days following the surrender of Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia on April 9, 1865. Three days following the formal surrender Lee's men were separated from the weapons they carried over the previous four years through Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania.
It would be nice to think Porter and Charley were friends - as much as one can be friends with somebody who can beat, sell or kill one at will. The many accounts of slaveholders complaining about the "ingratitude" of freedpeople, who could now do what they wished to a much greater degree, casts some doubt, however. Nevetheless, a very interesting story - too bad Charley's account is not available.
Excellent article. I wonder what Charley did with that gold piece? I can imagine there being doubt by whites that he’d come by it honestly. But I can also imagine him using it as a strong foundation for a new life. I sincerely hope that was the case for him.
Superb piece! You will be pleased to learn that I just finished reading a batch of student designed interpretive plans covering aspects of the Gettysburg battlefield. This assignment was not intended for public use or to guide/inform the NPS (They know what they are doing). This was an intellectual exercise, and the students created tours that presented a range of stories (We did not go beyond the battlefield, which is a trope that I don't believe is very useful). The African American experience was widely discussed among the students, and two students did a brilliant job of integrating the story of Charley and Alexander on the battlefield. Your post and what I have read this weekend in my student papers convinces me that tactical history will not be lost if we bring a diverse cast of historical actors to our interpretive programs.
It would be nice to think Porter and Charley were friends - as much as one can be friends with somebody who can beat, sell or kill one at will. The many accounts of slaveholders complaining about the "ingratitude" of freedpeople, who could now do what they wished to a much greater degree, casts some doubt, however. Nevetheless, a very interesting story - too bad Charley's account is not available.
The was an excellent read. The book is interest as well. One of the better collections of Civil War diaries.
Excellent article. I wonder what Charley did with that gold piece? I can imagine there being doubt by whites that he’d come by it honestly. But I can also imagine him using it as a strong foundation for a new life. I sincerely hope that was the case for him.
Superb piece! You will be pleased to learn that I just finished reading a batch of student designed interpretive plans covering aspects of the Gettysburg battlefield. This assignment was not intended for public use or to guide/inform the NPS (They know what they are doing). This was an intellectual exercise, and the students created tours that presented a range of stories (We did not go beyond the battlefield, which is a trope that I don't believe is very useful). The African American experience was widely discussed among the students, and two students did a brilliant job of integrating the story of Charley and Alexander on the battlefield. Your post and what I have read this weekend in my student papers convinces me that tactical history will not be lost if we bring a diverse cast of historical actors to our interpretive programs.
Any record of Charlie after April 1865??