DOC Fallen Guidon: The Saga of Confederate General Jo Shelby's March to Mexico by Edwin Adams Davis in History

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Barbara A. CoggswellExcellent book. It was a gift for my husband and he read it in one sitting and loved it14 of 15 people found the following review helpful. Honor By Deeds: A Confederate ViewBy Dr. Victor S. AlpherGeneral Jo Shelby's Final Review is re-enacted yearly in Chatfield; a small town near Corsicana; about 45 miles southeast of Dallas; Texas; in April. Shelby was the commander of the Missouri Cavalry Division in what was known as the Trans-Mississippi Theater of the American Civil War. His men distinguished themselves; often outnumbered; in battle after battle with the invading Yankees.What is not well-known is that General Shelby did not surrender his forces to swear allegiance to the United States. Rather; he asked; "who will go with me to Mexico?" and led his men south of the Rio Grande; to uncertain futures in a post-Confederate world. These non-political soldiers were weary of the years of deprivation in the Lost Cause. This book chronicles some of their adventures; first told to the author as part of oral familial history of the Iron Brigade. The author met several people in Mexico City in the 1940s who claimed to have witnessed the Last Review.Those who fought under "Old Jo" intended to maintain their sacred honor and "hatred of oppression" brought about by the invasion of the Southern states by what they felt was a mercenary army--and strangulation through blockade by an distained navy that deprived their countrymen; women; and children of basic necessities of life.This is very interesting reading to any student of the American Civil War. General Shelby and his men finally found themselves caught in a political situation--the desire of Mexico to maintain peace with the United States after a victory over the French--commemorated yearly in the festivals of Cinco de Mayo (recalling May 5; 1862) across the southwestern U.S.Their services refused; Shelby's last review was held in Mexico City; the Rebel Yell last heard amongst the ghosts of the Conquistadores; the Cavalry Guidon lowered; the battle flag having been buried somewhere on the border.These last Confederates dispersed; many going to colonies of expatriates in foreign lands; from Brazil to China. Many could not reconcile to live under the domination of what they considered a foreign occupation; politely called Reconstruction.A classic belonging in the library of any Civil War enthusiast.