The description of War Between the States and Civil War are nothing but a revision of the facts.  A better description of this period would be the War for Southern Independence. 

Although officially called the WBTS, this was clearly not the case.  The US Constitution made perfectly clear that any State could remove itself from the United States and set her on course. Missouri entered into an agreement with the United States under these “rules”. 

Lincoln himself said, “Any people anywhere being inclined and having the power have the right to rise up and shake off the existing government, and form a new one that suits them better.” 

Missouri had been fighting for her borders for many years.  She fought on the north against Iowa for her northern border.  She also fought for many years to her west with the Territory of Kansas.  The War really began on the border of Kansas and Missouri in the 1850’s.  It just took more years to reach the rest of the States. 

Some modern day people continue to have you believe that Missouri was a lesser people than the rest of the United States.  There is proof of this statement by the publications of the 1800’s and of those of today that want to continue to spew venom of the same concept to continue the revision of history to make “their side” justified. 

In short, the fact is that Missouri was invaded by the US government in 1861.  When she was invaded, businesses and State government holdings were confiscated.  In doing this, the union killed men, women and children.  This was all done, while Missouri was still a State of the union. 

She was invaded by an army with the majority of men from other States and other Countries.  Why would the union army invade one of its own States and commit heinous crimes? Was it for political or military gain?  It certainly wasn’t for the betterment of the people of Missouri! 

They are still trying to justify their actions during their invasion of Southern States and afterwards.  For instance, the “Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War”, (their wording of their organisation, not mine) will be dedicating a monument in Lexington, Missouri in honour of the union’s Soldiers.  The honouring of their ancestors is well, and we support that concept, but we do not support the other part of the monument and that is the wording of it and the straight out lies being told to the Citizens of not only this State but to the World. 

This monument says in part that Colonel Mulligan’s brigade was the “defenders” of Lexington, and that the monument represents their fight against slavery.  Both of these ideas are simple lies.  How could Colonel Mulligan’s brigade be a “defender” of Lexington when this brigade invaded Missouri?  Missouri already had its own elected government and its militia men. 

The part about slavery was not an issue until Lincoln made it an issue — an issue of political and military gain. 

Lincoln himself plainly said, “Now, gentlemen, I don’t want to read at any great length, but this is the true complexion of all I have ever said in regard to the institution of slavery and the black race.  This is the whole of it, and anything that argues me into his idea of perfect social and political equality with the negro is but a specious and fantastic arrangement of words, by which a man can prove a horse-chestnut to be a chest-nut horse.  I will say here, while upon this subject, that I have no purpose, either directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists.  I believe I have no lawful pose to introduce political and social equality between the white and the black races.  There is a physical difference between the two, which, in my judgment, will probably forever forbid their living together upon the footing of perfect equality; and inasmuch as it becomes a necessity that there must be a difference, I, as well as Judge Douglas, am in favour of the race to which I belong having the superior position.”  Lincoln also said in part that if he could bring the union back together and free no slaves he would do so. 

Lincoln’s concern was where he would get his tariffs, if the Southern States were not a part of the Union.  This pretty much sums it up on Lincoln, he was not in favour of the “negros” and he didn’t care about the Union except he wanted his tariffs. 

The tariff issue is much of the same that our forefathers fought against England.  Now in reality that was certainly a revolution. 

So you see, from late into Lincoln’s War, slavery was not the issue but it has become a political spin to validate the union’s reason for waging a war against the States not going along with his destruction and irresponsible use of the US Constitution.  Lincoln was the beginning of the destruction of the US Constitution. 

It is simple; this revision of history is a lie.  When you see those that support this revision of history they are supporting a lie.  What is equally sad is that government agencies and politicians that support and speak at these events are supporting those very same views, the lies of history to justify themselves. 

Here is an issue of today that many of us have.  How can a person be a member of two opposing organisations, at the same time?  There is a saying that goes something like this: You can only serve one master.

You have the “Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War” (SUVCW) and the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV).  Both organisations are to honour their ancestors.  Many of us do have ancestors of both sides but we must choose who and what we defend, for you cannot defend both with truth. 

Being a member of the SUVCW, you are bound by their obligation “to promote its objects and interests always and everywhere”.  By doing this act you are supporting the lies told to us for almost 150 years.

The Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) equally has tasks before them.  By the preservation of liberty and freedom was a motivating factor of the South’s decision to exercise their rights by the US Constitution and secede.  The members are to preserve the history and legacy of the Southern Soldier (and Southern Families).  This, so future generations can understand what caused the Confederate States of America to be born,  and that they are dedicated to insuring the true history of the 1861-65 period is preserved.  We must also bring forward the true history of the Reconstruction era. 

I ask you this, how can a man be a member of both organisations and be true to himself and to the organisations?  It is sort of like putting the fox in the hen house! 

Please think for yourselves.  Read, study history beyond what the school system teaches.  Study this so we will not let ourselves fall into the same or similar situations.  Do not let yourselves be duped that the government will save you.  That is what Lincoln wanted, got and has snowballed since. 

Study this and see where we are today. 

Gary Ayres

Camp Commander

Col. John T. Coffee Camp #1934

Osceola, Missouri