June 2026 CVBT History Wire – Demoralized and Unnerved: Cowardice on Central Virginia’s Battlefields – Part I
CVBT History Wire – Demoralized and Unnerved: Cowardice on Central Virginia’s Battlefields – Part I
The June 2026 “CVBT History Wire” examines several accounts concerning cowardice, and allegations of cowardice, at the Battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.
Read Here: CVBT History Wire – Demoralized and Unnerved: Cowardice on Central Virginia’s Battlefields – Part I
A first person account of being in an artillery battle at Chancellorsville was recently posted (on another FB page). It is a horrifying description of that experience, for men and horses. The causes of War are one thing; the facts of War are where the focus should be.
When you read about some of the inexplicable orders given during the Civil War, it’s no surprise there was a general sense of going far enough to demonstrate you made an effort, but having the good sense to head for the rear when things looked bleak. Better to live and fight another day. There’s a fine line between cowardice and discretion.