Brother vs. Brother by Lisa Miller
Links by Heather Saye Amundson
The Civil War, which dates from 1861-1865, has actually been given many names throughout history. But perhaps one of the most appropriate names is "The Brothers' War." There are numerous accounts of families divided by their loyalty to either the Union or Confederate cause. General Thomas L. Crittenden was a young Confederate soldier who believed in the South and their cause. He was involved in numerous battles, but his most memorable was a battle in the western theater. It was hot and another day of fighting lay ahead for Thomas and his fellow soldiers. The Confederates, located in the western theater, were all posted at their appropriate fighting stations. As they awaited the arrival of the Union troops, they daydreamed as the hot sun beat mercilessly upon their tired bodies. Thomas began to think about his family and how they may be surviving the effects of the war. He missed his family and he hoped they were all doing well. The longer he thought the more tired he became. He thought perhaps a short nap would cause no harm.
Suddenly, he awoke to gun shots and screaming. They had arrived, the Union troops entered the western theater with full force. Before Thomas could even reach for his gun, he was surrounded. They grabbed Thomas by the arm and forcefully pulled him to his feet. The Union soldiers quickly tied rope around his wrists and with a rifle to his back, Thomas began to walk as commanded. As he passed by some Union soldiers he saw a familiar face. But how could this be, he was a Confederate soldier? He yelled out "George!" and the man turned quickly at the sound of his name. The man stood still for a moment with a puzzled look on his face, and then slowly made his way to the Rebel prisoner.
The Union captor held out his hand to Thomas and said, "brother." Thomas replied, "George, I've thought of you many times during the war; I'm sorry we have to see each other under such uncomfortable circumstances. I hope you are doing well." George just stood there speechless, for he knew there was nothing he could do to help his brother. With a tear in his eye he replied, "Remember, I love you," and turned to leave. Thomas yelled to him, "don't shoot that-a-way no more-Father's over there!" The Crittenden family was among the many families whose loyalties were split. Thomas and h is father fought for the South, while George fought for the North.
- Read about Civil War General Robert E. Lee
- Pictures of other Civil War families
1. What were the names of the two brothers? _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________
2. Why do you think George chose to fight with the Union troops? _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________
3. In what year did the Civil War begin? _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________
4. How many years did the Civil War last? _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________
5. How would you have felt if you were General Thomas L. Crittenden? _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________
"Brother vs. Brother" Outline
I. Civil War
A. 1861-1865
B. The Brothers' War
II. General Thomas L. Crittenden
A. Confederate soldier
B. western theater
III. Battle at western theater
A. waiting for the Union troops
B. missing family
C. surrounded by Union soldiers
D. taken prisoner
IV. Meeting of the brothers
A. familiar face
B. talk with George, Union soldier
C. "Don't shoot that-a-way no more-Father's over there!"
V. Conclusion
A. George fought with the North
B. Thomas and father fought with the South
Answers to Questions:
1. Thomas and George Crittenden
2. answers will vary
3. 1861
4. 4 years
5. answers will vary
Source Story of America: Civil War (story cards). Panarizon Pub. Co, USA: 1979.