Well, I guess you'll never accept the fact that there were violations of Kentucky's neutrality on both sides and that, yes, degree does matter. Occupying two towns with a small army, establishing a fortress at one, and blockading the mighty Mississippi are egregious violations. Camp Dick Robinson was a violation but far less severe.

Polk went to Hickman and Columbus to be ahead of the enemy, as he reported. That was the immediacy in early September 1861.

I'm sure you'll acknowledge that people do not always behave honestly and honorably in life and, especially, in war.

Doug Fiske