I've just read a new reference to "the Immortal 600" from a page on this site. I wonder if history has forgotten all these men because the North (who got to write Civil War history) was embarrassed at the treatment these officers received? 40 hours without any water?

I'd never heard of "starvation rations" issued as a retaliation for conditions of Union prisoners at Andersonville, Ga. and Salisbury, N.C.

"They became heroes throughout the South for their courage and for refusing to take the Oath of Allegiance before the War was over. Instead, as Joslyn put it, they chose death before dishonor."

LONGEST SIEGE IN WARFARE - 1863-1865

I had heard of this claim before, but never understood it. Thanks to the update on this page (587 days of constant shelling), now I get it.