Rather timely, the SCV Gen. John C. Vaughn Camp #2089 in their August 3, 2007 Newsletter, has an article re this subject:

"Skirmishs and Battles - Skirmish-1. A brief fight between small groups. 2. Any sight unimportant conflict. By Hawk Hawkins, Adjt/Treasurer

"These two definitions are according to Mr. Webster. The work skirmish just doesn't have the same impact as the word battle to many people. Nonetheless, those brave men who died in skirmishes were just as dead as those who died in battles.

"Those who suffered wounds as a result of a skirmish were just as wounded as any man wounded in battle. There were probably many more skirmishes than could be counted during the War Between the States. In some instances the gunfire of a skirmish were the opening volleys of a battle. Perhaps a skirmish provided a General with information that determined his decision whether or not to commit more troops at that time and place. The outcome of a skirmish may have helped him to decide on strategy. Skirmishes may be brief, involve few, but none are unimportant! Men caught up in them were just as endangered as those in battle, and many determined outcomes!"

George Martin