Our very own John Cameron spoke on the leading motivations of the 30th North Carolina Infantry to enter the Civil War. John led with the confirmation that the Civil War was about slavery.
However, the individual motivations were driven by a multitude of influences depending on the period of the war. There was a perception that states’ rights ruled and the advancing north was an evil entity that would do great harm to the southern culture including family harm.
The 30th North Carolina Infantry was formed in NC and spent most of the Warfighting with the Army of Northern Virginia.
50% of the men earned less than $400 a year as civilians and 88% did not own slaves. On the other hand, the State Leaders were of wealth and did own slaves.
Individual motivation to join the military varied by the period of the war effort.
- 1862 - Primarily volunteers motivated by the preservation of slavery and fighting the evil invaders of the North and to save North Carolina.
- 1862 – 63 – This time marked the beginning of conscription. There were broad exemptions, and the hiring of substitutes was exercised by the men of means. A large percentage of the conscripts were poor, non-slave owners motivated by the possible income. While the income was relatively low it was considerably higher than what they would have experienced on the farm. Union POW camps were death camps. If captured, you could join the Union Army and be shipped west to fight to secure the western settlement or die in the camp.
- 1864 – Moral, living conditions and food supply were low and the desertion rate was high. Survival of the fittest and support of your brother was the main motivation. “We started this together, we will finish it together!”
John’s book “Tar Heels in Gray: Life in the 30th North Carolina Infantry in the Civil War” focuses on the reality men faced during the war, and not so much the battles.
Club Business:
Diane Wallach led us in invocation followed by Brian McGuire giving the visitation report. The Board of directors was voted on unanimously.
There was a unanimous vote to change the Norfolk Rotary Charity bylaws which were distributed earlier by email.
Dec 21st will be the holiday party at Norfolk Yacht Club from 6 pm-830pm.
Fines/Happy Bucks:
- There was a general celebration of the Navy victory and a modest response by our Army members.
- President Michael gave a brief grated version of his trip to Vegas.
Reminder- It is time to pay your Rotary Dues!