"George I'm aware of the incident to supply Fort Sumter with a private vessel. The administration had made very clear that they would fight to keep remaining Federal property in the possession of the government. Should you and I and fifty of our friends take over or besiege a government building here in Columbus Ohio, let me assure you that when Federal marshals and the swat team show up to negotiate. No matter what their strategy is, everyone does you use strategy don't they? Rest assure that when they get the chance you and I will be faced down with the cuffs on us and spending time in prison with Bubba. They just would not tolerate that defiance of authority.

One other point on provocation. In the Mexican War. The US, led by a southern president in a war effort pushed by southern war hawks with the intention of some to add slave territory, sent an army into a disputed land area. The Mexicans claimed it as their own. Now when they fired the first shot, that was considered the start of the war by southern expansionist, not the sending in of troops. Different strokes for different folks? Might I add that there was a disproportion group of southern soldiers and officers compared to the north also. And Yes I realize that U S Grant was there and other yankees, though if you read his memories and other northern congressmen at the time, you will see that they felt themselves in the wrong.

I thank you for the private e-mail. I shall be glad to stand on the same side as you for a change George. That we are debating issues does not mean that I have an ill will against you whatsoever. In fact I like a lot of people that don't agree with me, I find other views interesting, so long as the person believes in them and is not using them to push his own agenda.

Chase."

Chase I moved us up here we were getting a bit close to tthe Atlantic.

You make some very good points forcing me to do more reserach. I admit I know little or nothing about the Mexican War. I'll have to read up a bit on it. I seem to remember david upton posting something about these newky won lands be neither slave or free.

"defiance of authority" Waco, Ruby Ridge, Wounded Knee, etc. etc

I see the point you are making about property etc., but I believe Lincoln could have avoided war if he so desired. The peace delegation was there to meet him and he refused. I believe that will always be a sticking point or at least one of them. By this statement do you mean numbers? "Might I add that there was a disproportion group of southern soldiers and officers compared to the north also." If so it was on Southrern soil and that would be expected. It should be pointed out that the Southern men were making noo agressive moves untill a forged letter, by Lincoln, arrived telling how was going to resupplly Fort Sumpter arrived. He offered up the first threat of arms.

I have Grant's memiors from Vicksburg. If possible I would like to have them from Sumpter. Can you help out there?

Glad you received my email in good order. I support this group all I can. Like you I hold no ill against anyone who doesn't agree with me as long as they remain civil. I believe I have stated my agenda beforeif you haven't read it it it is simple-- Truth In history. In rfinding the truth I hope to be able educate those who attack the symbolds of the South and have them banned or removed. To be honest in some cases I have had to defend the Yankee soldier too. Now ain't that something?? I offer you an invitation to visit the SHAPE board. Some time back we had a project to ID all of the unknown Union soldiers at Shiloh. I worked that project for a good while. See clickable link below, follow links to message board.

GP