An Analysis Of George Fitzhugh's Observance Of Antietam

George Fitzhugh stands among the most prominent advocates for slavery during this time for which he voiced a unique justification of its practice. In his perspective, Fitzhugh stated that it is in the best interest of slaves to be governed and looked over, comparing the slave to that of a child. Furthermore, he insists that "the negro slaves of the South are the happiest, and, in some sense, the free people in the world" (Fitzhugh 1846). The popular saying, "Just ask me how happy my slaves are," is often aligned with this explanation for slavery as well. In this manner, the slave is depicted in its rightful place as a servant to slave masters and in fact enjoys more freedom than most people. Fitzhugh is not alone in his unusual justification of slavery.

Holsinger further demonstrates this change in his observance of soldiers at Antietam as "each man sought a tree from behind which he not only sought protection, but dealt death to our antagonists" (Holsinger 1898). Whereas in recent years, Northern and Southern society were built around concepts of propriety and honor, as well as demonstrating one's masculinity and worthiness to others, these concepts became blurred with new understandings and meanings. This can be observed in Holsinger's example of the soldiers seeking shelter behind the trees. In past times, this would have been considered an extremely dishonorable act and would quickly render one unworthy. However, these concepts took on a whole new meaning in war years. No longer was it considered cowardly to seek shelter behind cover, so long as one continued to fight. In this manner, both sides underwent an extensive shift as they conjured new understandings that worked to alter what they had known as their own cultural foundation upon which society rested