Thoughts on the military and military activities of a diverse nature. Free-ranging and eclectic.

Wednesday, February 09, 2005

Cassius Clay!


This is coolbert:

Another very remarkable American from the Civil War era was the accomplished Cassius Marcellus Clay.

Little known to the average person today, but in his time was a man that played key roles in a variety of sectors.

[personal note: Some readers will instantly realize that the name Cassius Marcellus Clay is normally associated with the boxer who has become immortalized by the name of Muhammad Ali. Ali, when changing his name, told people that "he no longer wanted to be called by his slave name." I am quite sure Ali is not even in the most basic manner familiar with the person he was named after. If he was, he would not have said what he said!!].

Cassius Marcellus Clay was a man of strong opinions. And a man who did not shrink from vociferously expressing those opinions.

Was a man who was an anti-slave Southerner [from Kentucky]. This at a time when being outspoken in the south against slavery could place one's life in dread peril.

[it was not unusual for wealthy southern planters to hire thugs to intimidate and attack abolitionists. Garrison the Bostonian was beaten on many occasions [and nearly killed] by hired goons of the southern planters].

Cassius Marcellus Clay was a philosopher and a man of profound religious beliefs. Was instrumental in founding Berea College. Known affectionately to this day as "hillbilly" college. An institution of higher learning for poverty stricken but bright Appalachian youth. Students are educated to a very high level, all the while being given a good dose of Bible thumpin'. And all students, in accordance with the philosophies of Cassius Marcellus Clay, MUST work at a menial job to support themselves while attending school.

Cassius Marcellus Clay's finest hour came during the period of the American Civil War. Clay served on the Union side, as might be expected. He DID see this as a grand crusade to free the slaves. And all the time NOT harboring evil intentions toward his fellow southerners [Clay was a Christian man who BELIEVED in his faith!!].

Clay served in a variety of positions during the American Civil War.

Served as a General officer in the Union Army. [I am not sure if he saw combat. But he did hold the rank of General].

Was a personal confident to President Lincoln.

And lastly, at the behest of Lincoln, served as Ambassador to Imperial Russia.

It was in this latter position that he greatly aided the Federal cause.

Clay was able to win the trust and the ear of the Emperor of All The Russians, Alexander. And at a critical moment too. Alexander was a man that just emancipated the serfs of old Russia. [It should be noted that Imperial Russia practiced serfdom until 1861. Serfdom, as demonstrated by Solzhenitsyn, was in many ways even worse than the slavery as practiced in the U.S.]. Alexander had freed the serfs in a peaceful manner and was interested in the effort of abolitionists in the U.S. to end and free the slaves of the Old South.

Clay's outstanding diplomacy was able to persuade Alexander to adopt a sympathetic position toward the Federal forces in the American Civil War.

A sympathy not shared by other European powers. Other European powers that were in conflict [albeit peaceful at the time] with Imperial Russia.

Displaying solidarity with the Union cause was something that Alexander could use to "stick it in the eye" of his European rivals. And at the same time support something that Alexander felt was noble and worthwhile [free the slaves].

To demonstrate solidarity with the North, Alexander sent as a good will gesture a Russian flotilla that paid visits to Northern port cities. Again, as a good will gesture and as an expression of solidarity for the "cause".

I find it to be significant that Imperial Russia was the ONLY European power to make such a gesture to the Federal government during the period 1861-65.

This, through the efforts of diplomat/soldier/philosopher/educator/anti-slave Southerner, Cassius Marcellus Clay.

A remarkable man to say the least. We all should emulate him.

coolbert.

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home