"These men were of an age to have studied Rawle on secession, and were certainly capable of making up their own minds"

Exactly, I have transcribed a set of letters by Lt. Thomas Rankin of the 7th Miss. Jamie has posted them to the 7th Miss. website. By reading these letters you can tell Thomas Rankins was very well educated and smart. He states in a letter home something on the order of I had rather die before submiting to any Lincolism." He did die of pneumonia without ever going into battle.

On the other hand not all men had the benifit of an education as can be witnessed by my grandfathers letters. I am sure because of his lack of education he was not a dim witted fool who was easily convinced to fight and die for a cause he knew nothinmg about.

Your point is very valid.

GP