Stan,
I know exactly what you're saying. My relatives in North Georgian felt the same way. While the institution of slavery was seemingly vital to those wealthy owners in the south, there were a lot of poor people in the mountains who had never seen a black man, I would guess. They fought because they felt the North was invading their homes. On the other hand there were a lot of folks in those mountains who favored the Union because they felt that the Union government had been less intrusive than the Confederate government on their way of life. Basically they just wanted to be left alone. Though still ridiculed and called hillbillies and what not (not only by Yankees but their own fellow flat land southerners).I'm very proud of these people. In the main they are religious, courteous, kind and hardworking. Though when aroused they can be and are the meanest S.O.B.'s around. My apologies to the ladies. I think it was Frank James ( one of your Confederate partisans) who said..." there is nothing as dangerous as a 19 year old American boy.) I would concur with that. By the way Stan, I didn't feel like you were throwing off on me. You have always been polite and acted as a gentleman on this board. I consider you a friend and colleague. Do I agree with all your view? No. That's what makes this board so interesting.
Cump.