Did All Confederate Soldiers Join the Army Voluntarily?
The question of whether all Confederate soldiers joined the army voluntarily is a complex one, with cases of both voluntary enlistment and forced recruitment intertwined.
Voluntary Enlistment
It is widely believed that many Confederate soldiers joined the army willingly, driven by a sense of duty, patriotism, or a desire to support the cause. Historically, the Confederate states encouraged volunteers to fill their ranks, emphasizing the virtue and necessity of their actions.
Many people, including those of Appalachian origin, joined the Confederate Army with enthusiasm. Accounts from the period indicate that individuals like my great-great-grandfathers, John Evrem, David Ebern, and Daniel Seagraves, initially signed enlistment rolls with a sense of voluntary participation.
Forced Induction
However, the reality was not always as straightforward. Cases exist where individuals, such as my great-great-grandfather John Evrem, were "forcibly induced" into the Confederate forces. This suggests that not every male within the Confederate conscription age range volunteered willingly.
Forced induction was a significant issue for many families, particularly those in rural areas or regions facing economic hardship. Stories of men being compelled to serve highlight the restrictive nature of conscription in certain areas.
John Evrem's Case: A Forced Recruit
John Evrem, along with his brothers David Ebern and Daniel Seagraves, found themselves in a situation where they were inducted into the Confederate forces against their will. They participated in campaigns such as the invasion of Kentucky and fought in battles like Perryville, which turned out to be part of a more complex military strategy.
Tragically, while serving in Kingston, Tennessee, John received news of his wife Lively, who had taken care of their children while he was away. Overwhelmed with guilt and concern for his family, John deserted the army and made his way home by crossing the southern part of the United States. His journey back was fraught with danger, as he had to dodge detection during the day and steal food left for him by Lively.
Other Confederate Enlistees
Not all Confederate soldiers were inducted involuntarily. Many individuals, such as my maternal great-great-grandfather Major John T. Jackie Butt Jr., played significant roles in the early days of the conflict. For instance, he led a group of riflemen in Florida to assist in the Seminole Wars in 1839-1840, demonstrating a willingness to serve and a sense of duty towards protecting the South.
Post-Civil War Military Service
After the Civil War, some Confederate veterans continued to serve the nation, although in different capacities. Notable figures such as Generals Wheeler, Fitzhugh Lee, Thomas Rosser, and Matthew Butler continued their military careers in subsequent conflicts and wars, demonstrating a lasting commitment to military service.
For example, some Confederate officers later joined the Indian Wars and were commissioned in the U.S. Army. Others served in the Spanish-American War, where they were appointed as Major Generals of Volunteers, although only Major General William Tecumseh Sherman Wheeler saw combat. This continued service marked a significant chapter in the post-war military history of these men.
Final Thoughts
While voluntary enlistment indeed characterized much of the Confederate military, the existence of forced inductions complicates the narrative. Understanding both the voluntary and involuntary service of Confederate soldiers provides a richer and more nuanced view of the conflict and its aftermath.
For anyone interested in delving deeper into this topic, research into primary sources and personal accounts can provide profound insights into the experiences of these soldiers and the broader context of the American Civil War.