Hi Bruce,
I never claimed to be an expert in COIN I do enjoy reading about it and talking to folks that have done it. People enjoy reading about say celeberties of hunting in Africa that doesn't mean there experts. I have arrested a few folks and hit some with a baton but I wouldn't qualify has say a police academy instructor. Howard Cosel commented on boxing but has far has I know he never was a pro boxer. Even people who have fought has guerrillas don't always succed in fighting other guerrillas. Like you studying the CW is a non drug way to relax.

Has to the question were Confederate irregulars insurgents? If a US Citizen fires upon forces representing the US Govt then yes. After all Linclon and the Senate and Congress were elected legally and had the right under the US Counstitution to suppress rebellion.

Respectfully Yours,
Leonard