I've heard various definitions of " galvanized Yankees " over the years. Are they considered any Confederate that took the oath and changed sides ? Or only those that went out west to fight Indians ? I'm a native of east Tennessee. Several Confederates from upper east Tenn, paroled at Vicksburg, changed sides once they got home. Several of the Union 3rd Tenn Mounted Infantry, formed in July, 1864, were Rebel deserters. I've read this regiment described, even by Unionists in the area as a " well-organized outlaw band. " The father of my maternal great-grandmother was one of them. He began the war in the Confederate 3rd Maryland Light Artillery. Went through the Vicksburg Campaign and was paroled. Hid out ( I suppose ) back home in east Tennessee till July, 64. Drew a Federal pension for his service ! Had at least two other " switch-hitters " in my family tree. One from Sequatchie County, Tenn. and one from Monroe County, Tenn.

Glenn Land