Ms. Abordo, Compliments
First off, thank you for the kind and insightful reply to my post. Second, as far as "Gentlemanly" you may need to discuss that matter with my wife, whom seems to be of another field of thought. Third, A Sgt. is not addressed as "Sir",we work for a living.
I thought long and hard as to reply to your post or not, only in the sense that my knowledge , or for that matter anyone elses, concerning the battle of "Buffington Island" is in hind sight. We were not there!!!. We have to rely on written record, modern observation and records of the time (produced by people whom are subjective). One can stand on the "Indian" mound at that place in the park and look out across the Island and the river and think "What in Gods name did this man have in mind". We will never know. All we can do is guess.
Yes I can read my Gr. Gr. Uncles letters, I can read the papers of the time, I can read books, I can read official records & C, but we were not there! Makes me crazy.
What actually went through these peoples mind at the time it was happening???
Something we will never know.
That is the essence of "History" I suppose.
I will now put my "soap box" back in the closet and say adieu.
I am,

Your Servant,

Gaus