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