Directions Read The Complete Document Analysis 3 And Write A

Directionsread The Complete Document Analysis 3 And Write A Well Dev

Read The Complete Document Analysis 3 And Write A Well Dev

Directions: Read the complete Document Analysis #3 and write a well developed essay about the document. The assignment is worth a possible 100 points. The narrative should be one and a half to two pages in length. The paper should be written in Chicago Style (12 Inch font -- Times Roman -- one inch border -- page numbered with your last name). The document is a letter by Tally Simpson, a Confederate soldier, recounting the Battle of Gettysburg and reflecting on the Civil War's impact on the South. It discusses military events, hardships faced by soldiers, the fall of key Confederate cities, and includes Simpson's personal beliefs regarding divine providence and the moral implications of the war.

Paper For Above instruction

The letter penned by Tally Simpson provides a vivid and personal perspective on one of the most pivotal battles of the American Civil War—the Battle of Gettysburg—and offers insight into the mindset of a Confederate soldier during a period of significant adversity for the Confederacy. This document allows us to understand the emotional, military, and ideological struggles faced by those fighting for the South, as well as the broader socio-political context of the era.

Simpson begins his letter with an expression of personal longing and highlights the emotional tone that pervades wartime correspondence. His mention of receiving a letter from Carrie after a long absence underscores how communication served as a vital link between soldiers and their families, providing moral support amid the chaos of war. The letter then shifts to recounting the recent military setbacks experienced by the Confederacy, notably the fall of Vicksburg and Port Hudson, which were strategic victories for the Union forces controlling the Mississippi River. Simpson laments these losses, recognizing their importance in dividing the Confederacy and undermining Southern hopes for a swift victory. His acknowledgment of these defeats reflects the mounting despair among Confederate supporters and soldiers, as logistical and military hardships compounded.

Within his narrative, Simpson interweaves personal observations of military hardships, such as shortages of footwear and clothing among troops. His mention that nearly half his company was without shoes illustrates the resource scarcity and logistical failures that plagued the Confederate armies. He vividly describes the physical suffering endured during campaigns, highlighting his brother Harry's ordeal with shoes running out during their march, which personalizes the broader hardships faced by soldiers. Such details evoke a sense of the brutal reality of civil war combat and the human toll that was often overlooked in political or strategic analyses.

Simpson’s assessment of the military situation reflects a mixture of hope, resignation, and prophesy. While he recognizes the setbacks—such as the imminent fall of Charleston, Savannah, Mobile, and eventually Richmond—he advocates for resilience rooted in religious faith. His firm belief that divine providence guides the Confederacy underscores a central theme of moral justification that many Southerners invoked during the war. Simpson contends that God's hand is involved in the outcome of the conflict and that the South must trust in His plan. This perspective was common among Confederate supporters, who saw the war as a moral and divine trial designed to humble their pride and lead to moral renewal.

Simpson’s invocation of Christian faith as a source of hope amidst adversity reflects the deep intertwining of religion and nationalism in the Confederacy. His assertion that the war may be evidence of divine punishment for the South’s previous sins demonstrates how religion was used to rationalize setbacks and sustain morale. This perspective aimed to foster a sense of purpose and divine approval among Southern soldiers and civilians, reinforcing their commitment despite the increasingly dire military situation.

The letter concludes with Simpson’s belief that even in defeat, the Confederate cause can be justified through divine will. His hope that "God’s hand" is working for a "grand result" encapsulates a resilient, faith-driven outlook that sought moral superiority and ultimate victory. Such sentiments played a crucial role in maintaining Confederate morale, emphasizing the war’s spiritual significance beyond mere geopolitics.

In sum, Simpson’s letter offers a compelling mixture of personal hardship, military assessment, and religious optimism. It vividly captures the emotional landscape of a Confederate soldier facing defeat, emphasizing the importance of faith and moral purpose in sustaining the Southern war effort. It also provides valuable insight into the ideological justifications employed by Confederates who believed that their cause was divinely sanctioned and that eventual divine vindication would come, fostering perseverance in the face of overwhelming adversity.

References

• Allardice, Bruce S. More Generals of the Confederacy. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 1995.
• Catton, Bruce. Mr. Lincoln’s Army. New York: Doubleday, 1951.
• Davis, William C. Look Away! A History of the Confederate States of America. Free Press, 1996.
• McPherson, James M. Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era. Oxford University Press, 1988.
• Nelson, James L. The Union War. Routledge, 2012.
• Reardon, Carol. September Surrender: The Civil War Engagement that Changed American History. University of Oklahoma Press, 2013.
• Schlesinger, Arthur M. The Civil War and the South: 1861-1865. IC Publications, 1987.
• Silkenat, David. Drink in the South during the Civil War: A History. University of Arkansas Press, 2020.
• Wilkinson, David. That Holy Age: The Civil War and American Evangelicalism. University of North Carolina Press, 2017.
• Wert, Jeffrey D. The Civil War in American Memory. American Historical Association, 2004.