THE STRUGGLES OF SECESSION

by

Jim Butler

         It is October, 1863 in a small, rural, working-class town in the Lower Chattahoochee Valley of Georgia.  The days of hearts beating to the sounds of war drums is gone. Gone are the lavish suppers and barbeques. Forgotten are the long winded speeches advocating secession from the Union. The call to duty to defend home and hearth is quickly replaced by the cries of the Yeoman dying on the fields of Virginia and Pennsylvania and the pleas of their dear ones at home.  Vacant as the call to arms to defend Southern Rights are the vacant bellies of the soldier’s loved ones on their own homestead.  Too greedy and craven to fight for their own peculiar institutions, the wealthy, Planter class sends their poor brethren to do their bidding. While some men sit home with exemptions seemingly only procured by those of means, the poor Yeoman must join or be conscripted.  Even more overwhelming is the fact that the desire for cotton profits replaces the rational and obvious urgency to grow produce for the people and soldiers protecting the South and her industries. Prior to the war the Yeoman seemed content with their lot in life. Yeomen knew they would never own slaves nor hold political office due to the caste they were born to, yet seemed happy with this status quo.  But, now, in late 1863, the Yeoman caste grows weary of fighting, starving and dying for the privileged class of the South.  They turn out in droves to vote and cast out the pro-Davis Democrats by a five to one margin. Replacing them with Mechanics and Workers Organization’s candidates. Half of the Confederate army is gone without leave. Inflation, taxes, impressments, conscription, corruption, starvation and death are on the doorsteps of the home front. The war is clearly not just lost on the battlefield, but in the hearts and the minds of its People as well. Setbacks at Gettysburg and Vicksburg seem to sink many hopes, but a recent victory at Chickamauga and siege at Chattanooga is buoying some spirits. But, it seems that this may all be too late as the fate of the South may already be sealed at home and on the battlefield.

This is a very controversial painting by Eastman Johnson, circa 1859.

Religious views on Christianity differed between the North and South before and during the Civil War. These differences on Theological matters clearly helped fuel Secession.

The North was clearly more progressive and liberal in their religious views. These views driven by an influx of many non-Reformed, German immigrants. Thus diluting the previously Reformed views. In the North, 15% were active in the church versus the 25% in the South.

“The largely rural South that maintained traditional, orthodox doctrines aligned with the teachings of John Calvin.”3

The Ladies Aid Society of Westville will be hosting a
"Night at the Theater"
to raise money for our brave men on the front fighting for our State. 

Time: Friday and Saturday evening at 7 pm-9 pm, Oct 22 & 23, 1864
Location: Stewart Academy
Tickets: $5 each and can be bought at sign-in or at the door by the Ladies Aid Society.

The show begins with an amateur hour of skits, music, tableaxs and readings. Please contact Jim Butler at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you are interested in taking part. Performances should be limited to 10 minutes max. 
The main show is "The Caudells" who will entartian you with their musical skills.  See their webpage at:  http://caudellmusic.tripod.com/ 
We also hope to add one more professional act (please contact Jim if you are interested).
Refreshements will be sold and served courtesy of Knuckols Tavern (before the show and at intermission only)
The Ladies Aid Society will also be selling raffle tickets for a prize.