The "Gentlemen" of the Southern Army

The "Gentlemen" of the Southern Army

Civil War Propaganda

This cartoon is mocking the Southerners’ character and questioning their battlefield prowess. In the forefront are two Confederate soldiers, one pointing with a knife and another holding a musket in the back. Both appear less than gentlemanly as they are dressed in mismatched and disheveled uniforms. The one soldier is acknowledging that he has discovered an area with some wounded where they can escape safely and have some fun. In addition to these two men there is a soldier in the background that is sketched bayoneting a downed soldier how has his arm raised in an appeal for mercy. This depiction serves as a counter to the image of the Southern soldier as chivalrous and brave. Instead of supporting the idea that the Confederate soldiers are “gentlemen”, this artist is instead arguing that they are brutal ruffians.

Unknown

Special Collections, Gettysburg College

Special Collections, Gettysburg College

1861-08-24

Gross, Matthew R.

Digital images copyright Special Collections, Musselman Library, Gettysburg College. All rights reserved. For permission information, see http://www.gettysburg.edu/special_collections/policies/copyright_information.dot

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