Recounting the dead

So, after two days of being unable to get on my computer, I finally jumped on and headed over the the Civil War Gaming site: MadMinute Games BBS and I saw there was a new post in the Civil War section. So, I went over there and there was a new topic called Recounting the Dead. The initial post from the author said this:

Interesting article on the possibility that the accepted number of deaths in the Civil War may be underestimated.

Listed was a link to an article written J. David Hacker associated professor of history at Binghamton University. In it he argues, with a strong argument, that the deal toll of the Civil War or directly related to it was actually between 750,000 to 850,000. High number right? Well, actually, he states that even when the 1870 census was created, it wasn't by no means accurate. Most of the Confederate records had been destroyed, and unlike the Union widows and orphans, southern women got no benefits from their loved ones pensions and didn't report the loss of family members. Also, the US population had increased 34-36% every decade. But, in 1870, the increase was only 21%, or three million less then it should have been.

Well, to make a long story short, I agree with the article. I think as a society we have accepted too low a number. Heck, most people are under the impression that the 620,000 was all losses, dismissing the 400,000 wounded that lived out their natural lives. Also, rebel troops were very ill-fed and ill-clothed. The mortality rate had to be higher. Makes logical sense.

Several months ago I read an article that claimed civilian losses were 80,000. Too high a number in my opinion. That probably included all deaths, natural or otherwise. But, many civilians were killed, and we know of 400 women in the South who disappeared when they were kidnapped by Union soldiers under Sherman's command. Also, hundreds, even thousands died during the guerrilla warfare wagged in the Border States. I myself estimate the total losses in deaths closer to 730,000 at least.

But, a link to the article is here, just click the name: Recounting the Dead.

Lincoln and Lee at Antietam: The Cost of Freedom

So, I recently purchased the documentary Lincoln and Lee at Antietam: The Cost of Freedom. I had been looking forward to since 2009. And finally, I got it off of iTunes and watched it on my iPod.

It was well written and well delivered by the historians. The reenactments were fun to watch on it.

And besides, my good friend James McPherson makes an appearance on the show. Not every day I get to see him doing his thing.

One thing that surprised me was the defense of Burnside delivered by one of the historians. How he was the only person to take his assigned target, clear the area out of enemies entirely, and almost cut off the escape of the Army of Northern Virginia. Only problem; he hadn't yet paid up his gambling debt to AP Hill, who also lost his girl to McClellan. So, Hill had a bone to pick with him.

But, I certainly say you should go out and get this show. Very nicely done.