Author Note: After being inspired by the great story To Live And Die In Dixie by Volga, and some great Mods from CSA Badass, I decided to try my hand at an AAR involving the Confederacy. I intend to follow the history of the CSA, and the personal history of a 19 year old soldier who's part of the Army of Northern Virginia (as he experiences both war and peace in the CSA). In addition, I hope to feature vignettes that introduce you to some of the movers and shakers of the CSA (and maybe even a couple citizens of the good ole' USA will make an appearance from time to time) as history progresses.This first update is in the form of letters and newspaper articles. That's mainly due to the fact that I'm not confident in my ability to chronicle extended battle scenes. A note about the letters here in this first part: The letters are supposed to have been written by a 19 year old Virginia farmboy. That's what led me to spell words like "Your" as "Yoor," and "Kentucky" as "Kentuckee." Don't worry, I'm not illiterate.
Excerpt From Richmond Dispatch
January 6, 1862
Excerpts of Letter From Abraham Lincoln To Senator Orville Browning*
Excerpt From Richmond Dispatch
March 7, 1862
*The Lincoln letter was actually written by President Lincoln. Not me.
Deer Ma,
We hav been sittin here in Staunton for a few weeks now. Marse Robert wants the yanks to come to us instead of the other way around. Pa says he don’t think it will be long before the yankees come down here to Stanton and try and drive us out. We both look forward to the fight. Pa says hi to. Give owr luv to Billy and Mary.
Yoor son,
Virgil
1st Richmond Rifles
Army of Northern Virginia
Deer Ma,
We got our first taste of combat. The bluebellies came down from Manassas and tried to take Staunton. We gave em hell! I know that I keeled at least 6 or 7 my ownself. The Yankees retreated back to Manassas and we might chase after em and drive them out of the state compleetle. I heer that General Forrest and General Johnston have captured southern Kentuckee. Have you herd anything about it? Pa says hi. He wishes he new his letters so as he could write to you to. He keeled a hole mess of yankees too. Hows the farm? Hows Billy and Mary? Give em our love.
Yoor son,
Virgil
1st Richmond Rifles
Army of Northern Virginia
Excerpt From Richmond Dispatch
January 6, 1862
With the recent victory of General Nathan Bedford Forrest outside of Lexington, the Confederate Army occupies the whole of Kentucky. Although the state has officially remained neutral in this conflict, fierce debate has begun about whether or not to join the Southern cause. Kentucky Governor Beriah Magoffin, and Senator John C. Breckinridge are said to be working in support of secession…..
Excerpts of Letter From Abraham Lincoln To Senator Orville Browning*
I think to lose Kentucky is nearly the same as to lose the whole game. ... We would as well consent to separation at once, including the surrender of the capital.
Excerpt From Richmond Dispatch
March 7, 1862
KENTUCKY SECEDES!
The people of the state of Kentucky have voted to secede from the United States of America and officially become the 13 state of the Confederacy. The whole of the state has been occupied by the Army of Tennessee and General Forrest’s 2nd Corps since January. The news led to violence in some towns that support the Union cause, and some opponents of secession have promised violent revolts…..
*The Lincoln letter was actually written by President Lincoln. Not me.