My comments concern the letter from Mr. Timothy J. Parker of Peachtree City regarding the flying of the Confederate flag.

Although I disagree with him completely as a proud Confederate Southerner, I also feel compelled to address his illogical description of the Confederacy not being a true nation. Mr. Parker wrote that a “nation-state must have well-defined borders, be able to defend its sovereignty, and be recognized as such.”

For the benefit of Mr. Parker, and any others that slept through history class, let's review:

The Confederate States of America (whether you like it or not) consisted of 13 states and two territories. Those states had then, as they do now, very defined, and long standing borders. You need only look at a map of the period to see the borders.

As to the Confederacy's ability to defend its sovereignty, I would argue that the soldiers and families of the Union army would verify, if we could ask them, that the Confederate military did a pretty good job until overwhelmed by superior numbers and equipment. Just look at all the headstones of dead Yankees (no disrespect intended) at Marietta and other places.

Finally, as to the Confederate States being recognized by other countries, there was in fact recognition by foreign powers, the first, and most important being the United States. This recognition came as a result of the Confederates capturing large numbers of Union prisoners, and the prisoner exchange system proves tacit, if not, full diplomatic recognition. After all, how many Confederates were charged, tried and convicted of treason after the war? The answer of course is zero.

The Confederacy was also recognized by the German Duchy of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, and at least 16 recognized native American Indian tribes, all of which signed treaties of alliance and support with the South. The Confederacy also dealt with Mexico, Canada, Great Britain and France in trade matters, and Confederate ships had their colors saluted — this means recognized — as legitimate ships of legitimate nations all around the world during their cruises.

If Mr. Parker thinks that the Confederacy was “illegally separated from the legally constituted government,” I can only expect that next week we'll see a letter in the paper from him arguing that we should not be flying the Stars and Stripes over taxpayer buildings. After all, this country got its start “illegally separating from the legally constituted government” of King George III.

Scott K. Gilbert, Jr.

Commander, Gen. LaFayette McLaws Camp #79

Sons of Confederate Veterans

Tyrone

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