mr Unger, I have read your contributions with some interest. What has become apparent to me is that you are at a disadvantage in understanding the conflict as it existed in the Missouri and Arkansas during and before The War Between the States. This perceived disadvantage is based upon my belief that you are not from the area and that your ancestors did not participate in the conflict. Please correct me if I am mistaken. That conclusion does not suggest that you and others like you are incapable of a true understanding of the isssues, only that I believe that you are at a disadvantage. As has been discussed adnauseam, the facts and circumstances surronding this theater of the struggle were and are complex. In an effort to simplify for you, what I believe to be the truth, the Yankees were usually the bad guys. The Southern boys were usually retaliating for the atrocities commited against their families and property. Not always, but more often than not. This opinion is based upon my approximatly 25 years of research into the many incidents that occured in the area. Do not consider this posting as a criiticism of your postings, only an observation.