Category: CSA – 1861-1865

The reasons for the Confederate States of America (1861-1865) stem from the first English colonies (circa late 15th century), the 1776 (American) Declaration of Independence, and the internal politics of the fledgling nation known as the “United States of America” (USA). The White colonisaltion of the Americas (which killed around 60 million natives by 1610) is premised on the “Genocide” of non-White people (White settlement killed so many that a mini-ice-age was felt across Europe).

When you read these clarifications of North American history – please do not forget these facts. I fully support the freedom of my Black, Yellow and Brown brethren without question or reservation. I also acknowledge the bravery of the 1.5 million (mostly “White”) peasants and workers (mostly men – but some women) who fought for the CSA. Black, Yellow, and Brown people also fought in the CSA – including Chinese people. I ask the inconvenient question “Why” was this the case…

How Great Britain Assisted the Formation of the Confederate Post Office [1861-1863]! (8.1.2025)

08/01/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

The internationally-known London, England printing firm of “Thomas De La Rue & Co.”, prepared plates and stamps for the CSA until a Southern firm was found to take over the work. That firm, Archer & Daly, began producing stamps in 1863. The US blockade of as many Confederate ports as possible often meant that British ships carrying supplies from London, the UK, or the British Empire to the Confederacy – were often intercepted via acts of piracy on the high seas by the US Navy – with the goods confiscated and/or destroyed. The US government was continuously irritated by the continuous (undeclared) British support for the Confederacy – which for at least two-years extended into the realms of Post Office support! Of course, many of the best weapons the Confederate Army possessed were supplied by the UK. The Postmaster General of the Confederate Post Office Department (POD) – John Reagan (whilst traveling with President Jefferson Davis) – was arrested on the 8th May 1865, and imprisoned at Fort Warren in Boston Harbor. Reagan was pardoned and released from prison almost two years later. Jefferson Davis “refused” a Pardon (on the grounds that he had done nothing wrong) – and was subsequently released anyway.

CSA: Uniforms Have Arrived from Richmond! (19.12.2024)

19/12/2024 Adrian (釋大道)

My colleagues and Comrades in the Southern States gifted me this T-Shirt for the Festive Season! Its narrative and inscription combine history and contemporary politics – with an injection of a little critical humour! Still, many different interpretations of the “American” Revolution are being played-out here.

Confederate General – George E Pickett [1825-1875] – Married a Native American Woman! (17.12.2024)

17/12/2024 Adrian (釋大道)

ostensibly to fight Native American Indians. By this time, George Pickett was already a widower – his first wife having died in childbirth when he was stationed in Texas. He was stationed at Fort Bellingham when, in 1857, he married a “royal” Native American “Haida” (teenage) woman. Such a mixed-race union was forbidden under the laws of Washington Territory – with the marriage ritual probably being Native American. Although no photographs of “Morning Mist” are known to exist – she did leave a Chinese Tea Chest to her son – James Tilton Pickett. When “Morning Mist” died – George Pickett ensured his wife was the first “indigenous” woman to be buried in a Cemetery designated for “White” Christian people only. This which would have caused a considerable public outcry at the time. The grave of “Morning Mist” has been lost to time.

Confederate States of America [1861-1865] – Evolution of Flags! (24.11.2024)

24/11/2024 Adrian (釋大道)

Flags, or “Banners” – have been used for thousands of years – in one form or another, to distinguish one group of humans from another. Each such entity conveys “difference” of intent and identity. Each flag is designed to gather together those who “belong” – and “push-away” those who do not. Like the tribal body-markings of the Celts and Picts, each piece of material containing pictures and coloured sections serve as an identifier of “sameness” and a marker of “difference”. As the “Confederate” States of America (CSA) viewed itself as the “true” and “genuine” conveyor of the authentic 1776 “Revolution” – the flags chosen to represent this reality were similar to – but different from – the “Stars and Stripes” as carried by the “United States” of America (USA). There were many “unofficial” flags flown by the citizens and military of the Confederacy – due to the democratic (free) nature of its society and culture. These popular flags were flown alongside (and parallel to) the “official” flags designed and adopted by the government of the CSA. Indeed, these “local” flags lasted throughout the entire war and influenced all the official designs.

How Confederate General “Stonewall” Jackson Overcame Disability! (20.11.2024)

20/11/2024 Adrian (釋大道)

The Ancient Greek idea of inner strength – mediated through a cultivated wisdom – was the Classical model Stonewall Jackson used to enhance his own health and social standing. Due to his honesty and humility, those who personally encountered his personality were always drawn toward his charisma. Although his family were not willing to “waste” money on a military education for their son, a friend of the family was made aware of an unusual Scholarship being offered which permitted “one” successful candidate to enter West Point to train as an “Officer” in the US Army. Around five very clever men competed for this Scholarship – and it was predictably won by an impoverished “Lawyer”. However, this “Lawyer” came from a privileged background and lasted just one-day when subjected to military discipline at West Point. The Scholarship was once again thrown open to the four remaining men – through another round of examinations – and Stonewall Jackson prevailed. This is how Stonewall Jackson gained access to West Point.

British Judah P. Benjamin [1811-1884] – “Jewish” Confederate Attorney General! (16.11.2024)

16/11/2024 Adrian (釋大道)

Many who knew Judah, however, have stated that his legal arguments and his personal views were two different things. In reality, Judah, his family, and his broader community in the South were generally in favour of slave-ownership. He believed that slaves were “property” and that a government had no right to interfere in the ownership of property. Particularly a “property” guaranteed in the 1776 Constitution. He thought that freeing slaves was impractical because this population had no idea of how to survive as free-functioning individuals. Such a transition, if it could happen at all, would take a very long time involving preparation. For those who supported slavery, these attitudes were common amongst the “White” community. Another justifying argument involved the idea that Biblical texts justified the enslavement of Africans – with slavery being god’s will. In 1862, Judah P. Benjamin was appointed Confederate Secretary of State, and he pursued the foreign policy of attempting to pursued Great Britain and France to recognise the Confederacy. In 1864, Confederate General Patrick Cleburne (of the Army of Tennessee) suggested that all the slaves in the South should be freed and immediately armed – to form “Black” Regiments in the Confederate Army. Jeferson Davis vettoed this idea (even though Judah P. Benjamin had been discussing this since 1863).

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