An anonymous North Carolina Confederate soldier, stationed in that state’s Camp Gatlin, writes to a Baptist newspaper, under the pen name of “Khan,” of his experience in camp this winter (such pseudonymous correspondence directed to public consumption is not uncommon during the war). Acknowledging that he and his fellow soldiers “are accused of forgetting the refinements and fashions of civil life, and submitting in their stead, ruffianism and military habits,” he offers a qualified defense: “yet it is impossible to erase from our natures the finer sensibilities of the mind and the warm emotions of the heart.”
Noting that he and his fellow soldiers are “quietly enjoying ourselves as best we could” in “quite comfortable winter quarters,” the writer reports that no “yankees” are lurking in the area. Enterprising opportunists, however, have made their presence known. “These detestable creatures, ‘army worms’ in form of tobacco traders, cutlass vendors, and others of similar character” were known to take advantage of the soldiers. One such peddler a few days prior had visited, passing himself off as a preacher.
Most of Khan’s discourse, however, focuses on a verbal defense of the Confederacy, echoing many common apologist themes. Referring to the history of America prior to the formation of the Confederate States as the “past age,” he declares:
Twelve months since we were north and south, a great and prosperous nation. Thirty millions of people were then living peaceably and enjoying the fruits of their labor. Since then a mighty nation, carrying right and might with it, has sprung up in the south, and now over a million of these people, clad in the armour of war, are arrayed against each other, ready at any moment to deluge a once happy land in blood, and rend the air, with the shrieks and moans of the wounded and dying. Already have we seen this exemplified on battle fields that will be remembered till time is no more, and the last page of history is crisped amid the flames of a consuming world. A Manassas, a Bull Run, a Bethel, a Lexington, and other equally bloody fields have contributed their portion to the existence and prosperous growth of a southern nation that will soon hold a place, in no respects the second, among the powers of the earth. — Already thirteen stars are proudly floating at the mast head, forming a constellation so knit together by mutual interest and kindred feelings that no external foe can rend or scatter them. And when our enemies at the North find that we have erased “submission” from our vocabulary, and are forced to give their assent to our action, then like the immortal thirteen of ’76, she will soon expand to a mighty domain reaching from ocean to ocean, enjoying all the commercial advantages and blessings which the world can afford. What we have already done as a nation, once required a life time or an age to accomplish. These great strides in our progress as a nation we can not attribute to men, but are the glorious manifestations of the presence and ruling power of the Maker and Ruler of all things. In Him we have found a help in our every time of need; in every battle and under all circumstances His arm has been laid bare for our support, and through Him have we thus far triumphed. May the fervent prayers of His people continue to bring down His blessings upon us, till victory, clothed in the habiliments of peace, and crowned with the cup of liberty, shall perch upon our standards, there to remain until the Messianic reign shall replace all earthly governments, and Christ shall sway the sceptre alone.
The South as a “once happy land” is a common phrase used by Confederates in the camps and on the home front. The truth, of course, is that African slaves, as well as most poor whites, were not living a “happy” existence prior to the war. In addition, the theme of liberty for whites only under girds the very existence of the Confederacy, while the appropriation of God willing and blessing the perpetual enslavement of Africans in his chosen southern nation is repeated countless times in Baptist circles, and writings and literature at large, in the South.
Many are the claims in the South, and among Southern Baptists, that the slave-based Confederacy is destined to be the greatest, holiest nation in the world.
Source: Biblical Recorder, December 8, 1862 (link)
