For each question, answer the question completely using proper English and make sure to proofread! You must also respond to at least one other student post to receive full credit.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Chapter 3-Burying:"New Lessons Caring for the Dead"
Why was William Latane's burial so significant during and after the Civil War? Do you believe it should have been as important as it was? Why or why not?
William Latane was a southern soldier that was buried by strangers. After he was killed, he was "left behind enemy lines, amid civilians surrounded by Union forces."(pg.83) His death was iconic and the story of his burial became well known. "Slaves built his coffin and dug his grave..."(pg.83) Latane was a "Christian and Confederate sacrifice"(pg.84) All of the people depicted in the painting represent some part of the war. The women represent how the war reaches out to them. They could wake up one morning and find bodies in their yard. The people burying Latane represent how large the community is and how much they depend on each other. I think it should have been as important as it was. This one man can show how much the war affected the people all over the nation. Apparently the civilians thought his death was important too. The painting "attracted a throng of visitors."(pg.84) Unless the people can really see how much the war has done, they will never see the reality of what a sacrifice it was.
William Latane's burial was so significant because there "was a critical evolution in the understanding of war's carnage" (82). Latane's burial, and its depiction in William D. Washington's painting, was part of this evolution. Latane's burial served as a more human insight into the fatalities of the war, and it was more relatable than a simple statistic to the civilians of the time. Latane's burial can be compared to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; Latane represented all of the soldiers who gave their lives for the Confederate cause, while the Unknown Soldier represents all of the soldiers who gave their lives for the American cause. I understand why people of the Civil War era were so interested in the burial, and why its depiction "attracted 'throngs of visitors'" (84). It served to bring the casualties of war a little closer to home. I think it should have been seen as important as it was because although Latane was a Confederate soldier, when seen from the perspective of a southern civilian, Latane was just a good soldier, fighting for what Southerners thought was right. Even though we do not agree with what Latane was fighting for today, it is easy to see how to a Southerner, his life, death, and burial were heroic.
William Latane was a Confederate soldier who was killed behind enemy lines, and left there. His death became “quite literally iconic” (pg.83) in the southern states. The significance of his burial can be in large contributed to the public attention it received when a story was written in the Southern Literary Messenger, and a painting was created by William D. Washington. That coverage gave citizens a view of death in the war thus it became an icon of southern sacrifice to the war. Although Lantane’s life may not have been as important as less-recognized fallen soldiers’ lives, his death was more important. His death was more important for the simple reason that it gave civilians a chance to see how death was handled in the war, and provided an understanding of the troubles families and comrades went through after death.
William Latane the only Confederate casualty left behind enemy lines, was buried by strangers pg. 83. Latane's coffin was built by slaves and they too dug his grave. The importance of his burial was made by the report it was given by the story written in the Southern Messenger and the painting created by William Washington. His burial depicted the reality of war, the true carnage of war. I believe his death was important because it gave citizens insight on death and war and what families of fallen soldiers went through.
In response to Abbey I agree with Abbey that Latane's burial could be compared to that of The Tomb Of the Unknown. Because many soldiers gave their lives and were never given the proper burial as there bodies could either never be found or identified. So many families lost loved ones and the Tomb of the Unknown is today our way to give our respect to those heroes for giving their lives just like William did.
William Latane’s death was a “literally iconic” (pg. 83) and somewhat heroic interaction between the battlefield and the home folks. It does get Disney though. Latane’s death and burial scene made people realize that the best person can still be the underdog Christian at home, and that everybody needs to honor each other out of the good of their heart, and how good friends stick up for each other, and...well... just watch Bambi or some other sunshine-rainbow movie for the rest. I think it does deserve some notoriety because it has to be one of the rare representations off unity and humility after the battle, considering these situations don’t always exemplify true morality and cooperation between civilians and soldiers. Whether the actual event deserves as much attention as it got... I don’t know. Considering I’m hearing the story of Faust telling a story about a poem and painting that tells the story of an event, there’s a lot of room for the media to shock it out of proportion. The media can and will sugarcoat and advertise whatever they want, so I don’t really think I can accurately analyze something that is more of an a product of the media than a real event. If what is reflected by Faust, the painting, and the poem is identical in magnificence and purity as the real event, then I think the tale is brilliant. Somebody should make a movie.
Response to Cameron, What do you mean by "it does get disney though" or "underdog Christian at home?" Also, they didn't have TVs in those days. You kind of went off topic.
William Lantane's burial was significant because it brought a personal account of death to civilian life. Since Lantane's death was singular, it attracted much more attention than it would have if many more had also died. The burial was significant after the war because of the painting, "The Burial of Lantane." The painting was used as propoganda for the Confederacy. I don't agree with the importance of Lantane's burial because every soldier should be treated with the same honest respect. Lantane's burial attracted extra respect because of the circumstances of his death. If many soldiers would have died on "Stuart's legendary ride" Lantane's death would be largly insignificant.
I was comparing the morals of Disney movies with the aspects of Latane's burial. I'm not sure what the morals have to do with television. You also say that "every soldier should be treated with the same, honest respect." Why it that be beneficial and who would that be beneficial to if all soldiers were treated with the same respect?
Latane’s burial was significant because it was “One instance of a southern soldier buried by strangers [that] became quite literally iconic.” (p.83) Latane was the only Confederate killed during Stuart’s ride around McClellan’s army during the Peninsula Campaign of 1862. He was “left behind enemy lines, amid civilians surrounded by Union forces.” (p.83) Slaves also dug his grave and built his coffin. Prominent Virginian women attended his funeral. This event also caused artist William Washington to paint a picture of it. The picture and incident were said to “depict Christian and Confederate sacrifice.” (p.84) After the painting was moved to the Capitol, a bucket was placed under the painting to collect money for the Confederate cause.
I think in some ways, it should have been important. This was an iconic symbol of a soldier being in a foreign place and being buried by strangers. The painting is tangible proof of sacrifice for a “greater good.” The painting also shows the link between soldiers and the community; the community is willing to help bury the soldier even thought they didn’t know him personally.
Response to Orion: I agree with your idea that the South used the painting as a source of propaganda, and his death wouldn't have been as significant without it. However I disagree with your idea that his death shouldn't have been as significant. I think that since his death was covered so greatly as a byproduct it became significant because it gave citizens an opportunity to witness how death was handled. I'm not saying his death was more important than others' but it was in my opinion more significant.
William Latane’s burial was, “quite literally iconic, first within the Civil War South and then in the maintenance of Confederate memory after the war.”(pg.83). The story of his death became well known and in a sense brought a community to a better understanding of the war. With Latane’s body being, “left behind enemy lines, amid civilians surrounded by the Union forces.”(pg.83). He was the only casualty during a Confederate’s ride. Slaves ended up building his coffin and a, “Virginia matron read the burial service over his remains.”(pg.83). Some socially prominent women attended his funeral and his death became famous and eventually painted. This event brought together a community to death of a Confederate soldier. However, I am not sure it was as important as the media of that age made it out to be. I do agree it is significant that this one man affected so many people but, was it blown out of proportion according to the painter, or the news reporters of that time? We will never know. It is important in the sense it made people of all communities realize they did not want their loved ones to die among strangers who may not be as considerate as the people taking care of Latane’s burial. Latane’s burial gave people an understanding of death during the war.
In response to Cameron: I liked your post. I found it interesting and in a sense more rational. It was also entertaining and made me think of how the media does "sugarcoat and advertise whatever they want." However, I do not understand the comment about Bambi and that significance. I understand you were trying to make a comparison, I just don't understand it.
William Latane's burial was so significant during and after the Civil War because, "Latane's demise" connected "to a community that extended well beyond the white man who had fought bedside him." [pg. 85] This showed that civilians were also in some way a part of the war and cared for Latane even though they did not know him. I agree with Rachel on this part. I think the press and admirers threw the importance of the painting way out of proportion. Although it may have had some signifigance by making people with lost loved ones, want their friends corpes to bury them with friends and family not strangers.
In response to Amber: You said that "the press and admirers threw the importance of the painting way out of proportion". I agree that the admirers blew it out of proportion, but not the press. The press provided the burial and the painting to the public - they let people know about it, but they didn't force people to take an interest. People fuel the media; if we are interested, they provide us with more. I think this can be compared to the recent swine flu media frenzy. The press didn't make it into a crisis, we did. As the audience of the media, we decide indirectly what we hear. If we aren't interested in something the media reports, they won't waste their time giving us more, but if we are, they will go to all lengths to get us more information. So back to the Civil War, both parties did play a part in making Latane's burial a big deal, but I think the majority of that responsibility rests with the admirers.
The event of William Latene's burial was significant because it was being held by people who didn't know him but still buried him. This burial was so important because it acted as a way to bury their family members that had died in the war but they were unable to bring home to have a proper ceremony. Even wealthy women attended the ceremony .This man might have not been known by any of these people but they treated him like a family member that they might have not been able to do this for. yes this is important. This shows how hard it was for the families to get their loved ones back to bury them. In the beginning of the book when the men would see a nurse as a sister or a mother, the women that attended saw this man as a father a son a cousin someone that ment a lot to them but died. I would have treated this man the very same way if i had lost someone dear to me. even if i hadnt lost someone i would have still burried him and treated it like a family member being buried.
Response to Abbey. I agree with you the admirers blew it out of proportion but not the press. Why would the press do such a thing? The press wasn't really admiring the painting. But remember the painting was an actual event that happened what do you think of the event? The women weeping of a dead man who was not their own what does this mean to you? The painting wasn't what people were admiring it was the event that people were admiring.
Response to Cameron, Every should soldier should be respected the same way because it would be fair to all of the families who lost loved ones. Oh and by the way, that would a pretty lame disney movie. Disney doesn't really make movies about wars and dead people.
Response to Michelle: You're right - it was more the actual event that was blown out of proportion than the painting, but the painting was used to communicate the event to the public. In response to your questions, I think the fact that Latane's burial was viewed and his death mourned by people who didn't even know him shows the unique kind of emotional bond or connection that not only those Confederates, but also we as Americans today, share with the soldiers who fight for us. Faust said that the artist tried to ". . . impart broader meaning to Latane's demise by connecting it to a community that extended well beyond the white men who had fought alongside him." I think that this painting helped Confederate civilians - be they white, black, women, or men, all of whom were depicted in the painting - identify and connect with Latane, as well as all the other soldiers serving the Confederacy. As Americans today, we experience the same kind of connection with our soldiers when we see a depiction of war, be it on the news, in a magazine, in the movies, etc.
Response to Michelle I agree that the burial of Latane was significant because those who were burying him were strangers. However, I do not think that it was a way to bury family members on the battle fields. I do not think that was the point that was meant to be made. I think the burial and painting were meant to depict how close to home the war was. Like I said, at some point people could wake up and have bodies lying in their front yards. I think that is what the burial represents, not how hard it was to bury their own soldiers.
William Latane was a confederate soilder that had died behind enemy lines. He was burried by strangers and that became literally iconic."Slaves built his coffin and dug his grave"(pg.83). The story of his burial was well known and there was a picture that was painted about his burial. The painting shows a connection that extends "well byond white men who had fought alongside him"(pg. 85). I do believe it was as imporntant as it was because it showed how connected the south was to its men and women.
William Latane's burial was so significant because he was burried and taken care of by people who never even knew him. His death was iconic and the story of his burial became well known. "Slaves built his coffin and dug his grave..."(pg.83) This story showed many people how difficult this whole process of war and death and burial really was. With Latane’s body being, “left behind enemy lines, amid civilians surrounded by the Union forces.”(pg.83) Yes i think that this was very important. The war was difficult for everyone in all comunities and this burial showed them all pull together as one.
In Response to Michelle: I agree with your post, I think that this was a very important burial that needed to be heard it gave everyone a little more peace of mind about the war and death. This war was really scary to communities and this shows that some handled it very well. How difficult would it be to find a dead body lying close to your home like that? And of course we all hope we would also step up and give this soldier a burial but who knows if we would?
William Lantane's burial was so significant because it depicted, "Christian and Confederate sacrifice" (page 84), or in other words, it shed the confederacy in a good light and the South wanted to commemorate that moment. It was important for the Rebels to feel like they weren’t bad people, to the extent that the painting was staged after the event happened and the South dedicated a magazine in the memory of the Confederacy. You could compare this to the war against terrorism today and how some people view this as controversial but they still hold the soldiers fighting in respect. On that note I agree that it should have been important because the Rebels were still Americans no matter what their views were. Even if we feel their views were corrupt they should not have felt like outsiders in their own country, but treated like fellow Americans and comrades.
I think that Mr. Latane's death should be one of the most important deaths of the whole civil war for a couple of reasons. First, like many of us had said already that he was the only Confederate casualty of the expedition and was left behind enemy lines. What makes it the most important is how he was buried. Slaves, part of the reason of the war, built his coffin that he was set to rest in. Also in the burial service there were, "strangers, yet sisters, who with Mary's love sat by the open tomb and weeping looked above." This showed the Union showed sympathy of rebel soldier and treated him as their own.
William Latane's death was the only Confederate casualty of the expedition, J.E.B. Stuart's legendary ride around McClellan's army during the Peninsula Campaign of 1862. What makes this casualty so significant was that he was left behind enemy lines. What I believe makes this one death different from all the other thousands of deaths during the civil war is, "slaves built his coffin and dug his grave." These slaves were known as savages in the South and these "savages" built a fallen enemy soldier a coffin instead of just leaving him by himself. William's death was made well known to the public through the painting, The Burial of Latane, by William D. Washington in 1864 that portreyed his death.
You make a great point that the burial of William Latane was important not because he deserved a good burial, but because of what it represented to the American people. I thought about the other side. What about the wives who had no idea where their husbands were? What a comfort this would be to know that strangers would create a nice burial for a soldier that they knew nothing about.
Lieutenant William Latane's burial was significant because he was killed on an expedition that left him behind enemy lines as the only casualty. He was surrounded by "socially prominent" women, while slaves dug him a proper grave. He had a true funeral service read for him: the one, unexpected casualty, when many others, whose lives were lost, not unexpectedly, were left with nothing but an empty battlefield to lie on. His burial was well known and was later depicted in a painting, which was copied and spread throughout the South; "throngs of visitors" lined up to see the picture. Many, I'm sure, went to see it because it was like looking at their own lost brother or son's grave, when the family might not have known where it was. In a sense, the painting kind of served as a older, Southern version of our Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Families could go there to mourn over their lost loved ones and pay respect to others who had lost their lives. It became so famous that many white southern families had a copy in their homes. This obviously made his burial significant because it served to represent the burial of many Confederate men whose bodies could not be recovered, buried, or men who simply went missing. It definitely reached out to people whose loved one's could not be recovered, and provided them with some relief that this could have happened to their loved one.
I agree with you. It was very significant that such heroic figure, who was fighting for the South, was buried by slaves. It is also incredible that he would have so many people that didn't know him and he didn't know surrounding his grave. I think it is important they were pictured in the painting, because they got hardly, if any, recognition in that era. But yes, the fact that they even dug the grave is amazing. They could've been told to, but either way it is incredible.
William Latane, a Confederate soldier, died within Union boundaries during J. E. B. Stuart's ride around McClellan's army. Black slaves and white prominent women joined for once to honor his service. His burial was soon illustrated through a painting by William D. Washington. This painting called the Burial of Latane contains much meaning to death during the Civil War, especially to the South. It linked the "southern war death to Christian tradition" (pg. 84) as well as "celebrate Confederate nationalism" (pg. 85). The women who buried Latane later found themselves "conscripted into the work of death of war" (pg. 85). Afterwards, other civilians and families merged to care for their loved ones as well as strangers. I do believe that Latane's death was as important as it was because its significance united Americans to see the sufferings of the Civil War of both the soldiers and families.
I believe that William Latane was an important death. I believe that the people who buried him, though they were the ones that he fought against, realized that in the war, it was brother fighting brother. The women who burried him did the job that they thought that their relatives deserved. I think that this all goes back to the discussion in chapter 2 about how Henry M. Turner in essence said that because the other side has done something wrong doesn’t mean that you need to. “They should instead claim a moral superiority to their enemies”. [54]These women realized that somewhere, there was a grieving southern women who had just lost her son or brother. This woman would want her relative to be buried properly, just like these women would want their relatives to be, though it was not likely.
William Latane was a Confederate soldier left behind enemy lines and buried by strangers. His death was significant because it represented more than just one man. It represented all soldiers, Union or Confederate, who were unknown or forgotten and provided hope for their families. It showed that it was possible to experience the Good Death even when they were left behind enemy lines and they had no family at their funeral. In addition, it unified the North and the South in their efforts and illustrated that even though they disagreed, both wanted their soldiers to be treated with respect and dignity. This respect was shown to Latane because the civillians recognized that he deserved a good death and a proper burial even though he was not known to any of his mourners. His death portrayed the goodness of people during the war who would not let him sit and rot just because they did not know him.
I liked your correlation between the War on Terror and the Civil War. You pointed out that whether or not a soldier's cause is noble, the soldier deserves respect simply because he is a human being. Both sides of the conflict had forgotten this and Latane's death was a wake-up call for them. His death reminded them that soldiers were people not simply statistics. It also drew civillians to act on this realization. Some actually buried him and said prayers over his grave; others journeyed from hundreds of miles away to see the painting and memorialize him, and some did nothing but began to realize the futility of the war itself. His death was so significant because it caused many to question the integrity of killing others.
William Latane's burial was so significant during and after the Civil War because it brought a sense of community and the war back home. William Latane was a Confederate soldier killed behind enemy lines. Strangers came together for his burial- they built his coffin, dug his grave, and read service for him. "The women in attendance were all socially prominent, and the story became well known in nearby Richmond." pg. 83. yet, one of these people knew Latane. His death represented a nation of people- of civilians and soldiers- coming together for the war effort. Their men were dying by the thousands. They were brave and heroic, and the community came together to honor their spirits and courage over the body of William Latane. I believe Latane's burial deserved to be just as important as it was. The meaning of the burial was deep, though many people may not have realized. The sense of community in the South was strong, and it was for their soldiers' lives.
Response to McKenzie- I agree with what you are saying about the women and their relatives. But, i believe it wasn't just about family, it was about the whole community, and all of the soldiers. William Latane's burial symbolized all of the dying soldiers, even ones who didn't have families and weren't cared for after death.
William Latane was a Confederate soldier killed on a Confederate ride during the Peninsula campaign where his body was left behind enemy lines amid civilians in Union control. William’s burial was depicted in a portrait by William Washington. Latane’s death became so important and significant from the amount of public attention it brought to the Confederate cause. It showed the great sacrifices made by all the soldiers for their country at a national level. Furthermore, it represented all the other fallen soldiers who sacrificed themselves for their Christian faith and their country. The painting also served to bring the action and war closer to home. The women in the painting represents how close the war is and how it has invaded their homes while it also connects it to the community. Although he had different views I believe this painting holds great importance. The artist depicted the soldier as a hero of war that strengthened the community and showed the grief of war.
I agree with Abby B. that the burial of William Latane is similar to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Hundreds of thousands of lives were sacrificed fighting for their country and their Christian faith. The majorities of these soldiers were never even given a proper burial and were left on the field where they were killed. Families and relatives never knew what became of them or where they were buried. The painting and his death represents these soldiers and their sacrifice just as the Tomb represents fallen soldiers to us never recovered from the horrors of battle.
William Latane's body was left behind enemy lines in the South while the rest of his comrades, The Confederates, lived through the expedition. He was buried by southerners and given a proper burial, including a matron. Slaves built his coffin and villagers actually attended the burial of an enemy soldier. Latane's burial was significant during the war because it showed how the war affected everyone. Poet John Thompson writes, "Strangers, yet sisters, who with Mary's love sat by the open tomb and weeping looked above." this quote showed the emotional damage the war did to plain civilians. William Latane's burial was also very significant after the war because it showed the respect everyone had for any soldier. It also is a form of consolance for family or friends of Latane, and really anyone, that he was still treated with that kind of respect even behind enemy lines. I do believe that his burial should be as important as it is because of all of the respect shown to just one soldier. This event should remind us how we should treat any soldier that fights for us and our country.
In response to Abbey I totally agree with you, "Latane was just a good soldier, fighting for what Southerners thought was right". In the southerner's point of view, they were in the right. The southerners were honoring a fallen soldier who died fighting for what they thought was a noble cause. I don't agree with their cause either, but at the time they thought their cause was just as noble as any other. "Latane represented all of the soldiers who gave their lives for the Confederate cause" and he was not treated as an individual but a representation of the confederate army. The civilians treated him with honor for serving for their cause, and it drew attention to the compassion of southerners.
William Latane’s burial was considered significant since it showed how the war affected others not a part of the war. Left dead behind enemy lines, “Slaves built his coffin and dug his grave, and a white Virginia matron read the burial service over his remains.” (pg. 83). This burial was then depicted in a painting and in a poem. It showed how people helped in the war who were not fighting and it gave others a glimpse of what was going on. I believe that the burial was significant. “the painting undertook important cultural work, linking southern war death to Christian tradition,” (pg. 84). It showed that even though they were all strangers at his burial, the people respected the young soldier. It showed how deaths in the Civil War were not with family members and not the whole Good Death, but it did show that people respected soldiers for fighting.
I agree with your post. Even though all the civilians were strangers, they still respected the dead soldier and had a burial for him. All of the civilians probably knew somebody in the war and knew that if they were to die they would want a Good Death for them, so they tried to give the Good Death to Latane. It shows how people were often good to soldiers during the war.
William Latane was a young lieutenant and the only confederate casualty during J. E. B. Stuart’s “legendary ride around McClellan’s army during the Peninsula Campaign.” Since he was the only death, his body was left behind enemy lines. Soldiers in his regiment had to go and recover his body, and slaves made his coffin, and dug his final resting place. Many “socially prominent” citizens attended his funeral. During the time of his death and the funeral, it seemed like any other Union or Confederate death, but a man by the name of William D. Washington changed all of that. He made a painting portraying the funeral service of Latane. This painting became a prominent piece of history, which hung in many Confederate homes in that time. In my opinion, I think that this funeral had every right to be as important as it was. Many families could never have an actual funeral service for their soldiers because they could not find their bodies. I think that many Confederates hung this painting in their homes because it portrayed the funeral that they were unable to have for their deceased soldiers. And as Faust said, this painting, “Celebrated the Confederate memory, and nationalism.”
Lieutenant William Latane's burial was thought of as a significant burial because he didn't just represent his own death, but the death and burial of the thousands of soldiers fighting in the war. After being left dead behind in enemy lines, slaves built his coffin and dug his grave and a proper burial service was said over his remains. This scene was depicted in a poem and a painting. The painting was so popular because it allowed civilians to take a glimpse into the war and maybe reconnect with their loved ones who had died in the war. His death was a way for the world to see how the war really was and for people to know how soldiers had died. It was in a way like the ars morendi or the Good Death, but obviously not as great. Latane's death was an example of how people really did respect the soldiers.
Mckenzie you made some great points in your answer, but I do agree with Nicole that Latane's burial represented the community and the soldiers, rather than just family. Like you said Nicole, "William Latane's burial symbolized all of the dying soldiers, even ones who didn't have families and weren't cared for after death." This is very true Latane was a symbol for the entire country to look to and even see their own loved ones who had died in the war. He represented all of the soldiers who had died throughout the war and who weren't given a proper burial. It was as if he was their proper burial. Once again, I agree with both of you, but Nicole you made a great point.
William Latane's burial was so significant before and after the Civil War because he was the only Confederate casualty. He "was left behind enemy lines" as is stated on page 83. His burial was so significant that it became a famous painting painted by William D. Washington in 1864. The painting might have also made William Latane's burial even more significant after the war. The painting went into the Confederate capitol therefore showing it's significance. I think that the burial of Latane should have been as significant as it was because it honored a soldier for his work in the war. In my opinion, Latane's burial significance was a fair amount given who he was as a soldier.
I agree with you. I do think that Latane's burial should have had as much significance as it did because it did seem like the painting would have reconnected families as you said. I also agree with you that the significance of Latane's burial did show others the deaths of the war and the respect showed that was necessary for the soldiers.
William Latane's burial was significant. His death portrayed death during the war to the public. Latane was a Confederate soldier left behind after he died behind enemy lines. He was buried by strangers. His burial was soon written about in the Southern Messenger and painted by William Washington. His death showed the true death and sacrifice of the soldier.
I agree with you. I believe that families used the painting to help them with not being able to bury their loved ones. The painting showed strangers put Latane to rest like most other soldiers. Latane burial could connect to both the North and South.
William Latane's death was so significant because he was a Confederate soldier, the only one who died in the expedition J.E.B. Stuart's legendary ride around McClellan's army during the Peninsula campaign of 1862 and was left behind in enemy lines. (pg 83)I do think that it was good for his death to spread and have been well knowned and maybe is something that is a good remember to us today. On page 84 an artist did a painting of the white ladies and the black men who fought along side him around his coffin when he was being buried. It became a very well known picture. The painting is an important cultural work. "The black slaves and white women whom Artist Washington depicted burying the Confederate hero represented the artit's effort to impact broader meaning to Latane's demise by connecting it to a community that extended well beyond the white men who had fought alongside him."
William Latane was a young lieutenant killed during J. E. B Stuart's ride around McClellan's army during the Peninsula Campaign of 1862. He was the only Confederate casualty, and left behind enemy lines. Latane's death was iconic and his burial was legendary. " Slaves built his coffin and dug his grave, and a white Virginia matron read the burial service over his remains." (pg.83) Williams Latane's burial was significant from the public attention it received from a story John Thompson wrote in the Southern Literary Messenger and a painting created by William D. Washington. These showed the public the sacrifice their soldiers gave, and how death was handled during war times. I believe the burial should be as important as it was, since it showed civilians the truth of death at war. I believe that Latane's death had gave many people a different idea of war. That war is not all about killing the enemy and moving on. William Latane's death was well remembered and commemorated.
I agree with everything Abbey is saying. I like how she stated "Latane's burial served as a more human insight into the fatalities of the war, and it was more relatable than a simple statistic to the civilians of the time." With the story written and painting made of the burial, it definitely made what had happen more relatable to the civilians.
William Latane’s burial was very significant. When it occurred it was significant because he was behind enemy lines. The story became well known as, “Slaves built his coffin and dug his grave, and a white Virginia matron read the burial service over his remains.” (83). Strangers gave this man a funeral. People he didn’t even know, that were surrounded by union forces came in to give him a proper burial. They could have it because if their loved ones died they would have wanted him to be buried properly. Most families worried about if their loved ones would die in sin they could have also worried their loved ones may not be buried the way they would have wanted it. In a way I think people thought it was more than it actually was. But it was important. It gave civilians a glimpse of what it was like for these soldiers. People don’t typically think when they die their grave will be surrounded with people that are perfect strangers which was in this case what happened. There was definite significance in the burial of William Latane.
Jonah- William Latane's burial was significant during the war because he was the only southern soldier to die during that particular expedition and was buried by strangers. These slaves who built his coffin and dug his grave and women who performed his funeral service had no part in the fighting of the war. They buried his body because it was the right thing to do even though he was on the other side of the war. His burial story connected southern soldiers' deaths with Christian ideals about death. After the war his story continued to be significant because of a painting done by William Washington. Swarms of people came to see the painting. I don’t feel it should have been so significant because focusing on one death detracts from all the other lives lost during the war and the fact that he was buried by the other side doesn't really matter. By burring the body they were just doing the right thing by their religious beliefs and being sanitary. The painting caused the event to become more famous and significant to the people of the Civil War then it would have been otherwise.
Jonah- in response to Kristina Smith: I always think it is odd that when multiple people read the same words but can get a different story and significants out of it. For example I thought the book was saying that the women and slaves didn't know the man at all and you seemed to get that the Blacks fought with him. It is better when two people both get a lesson from a story that helps them in their own lives but the lesson are so completely different it makes no concetion between the two.
I like what you said about the media “will sugarcoat and advertise whatever they want,” since it is true 9/10 of the time. It can be quite impossible to be sure if what the media says is true. Many times the media simply offers an opinion on a matter rather than reporting on it. I also think your comparison to Disney is an interesting one, and that for me personally, is fairly simple to understand. When you think about it, it does make sense: Disney makes movies about people/animals who are nice to everybody and always (try to) do the right thing. Latane’s death was an example of people who didn’t know who he was, who buried him regardless of that fact.
William Latane, after death, was taken care of by complete strangers. Being the only Confederate casualty during J.E.B. Stuart’s ride around McClellan’s army in 1862, he was left behind without a proper burial. His burial is so significant because slaves who didn’t know him built his coffin and dug his grave while a Virginia matron lead a burial service where they laid him to rest. Women of the town came to the service and wept together. This was such a different story for everybody during this time because he was a Rebel in Yankee territory, he was given a coffin, the chance to be buried, and a burial service. During the Civil War, William Latane’s burial was significant because it showed that people really did care, it gave a sense of humanity to the war that so many people thought was long gone. He also had a poem written about his burial and had a picture painted to remind later generations of this significant event. I do believe that that should have been as important as it was to remind everyone that people should be treated like people, not animals. It also gave the soldiers and mourners alike a break from all of the bloody tragic stories of thousands of lives lost and never to be buried, for once they got a happy ending of opponents putting aside differences for a minute and focusing on treating people like they should be.
In response to Sophia S I really enjoyed your entry. I like how you compare his death to the death of thousands of U.S. soldiers. I agree because his burial was by strangers and in most cases a fallen soldier was not able to have family around at their grave. I also agree with your opinion on how, “The painting was so popular because it allowed civilians to take a glimpse into the war and maybe reconnect with their loved ones who had died in the war.” The painting really did let people see how soldiers died in the war. His death was significant for many reasons and you touched on each of them.
William Latane's burial was an important event in the Civil War because it depicted the bond between a fallen soldier and the community for which he served. Being that even while he was behind enemy lines, it is important to note that he was still able to receive a decent burial even from total strangers. This depiction of the burial is important not only because it brought comfort to families of soldiers but it showed the sliver of humanity left in the Civil War, for strangers to come together and honor an unknown fallen.
In my post I thought that his burial was very unusual and significant, however after reading your post I have to agree with you on some things. I like how you tied his burial to the religious beliefs of that time because I really did not think about that. I also agree with you that focusing on one death takes away from the whole picture. Overall I think you made very good points about William Latane's death.
William Latane's death and burial was a reassuring for families whose loved ones were in the war. This event goes back to the tradition of ars moriendi in the fact that a confederate soldier left for dead in enemy territory was given a proper burial. His coffin was made by slave and so was his grave. I don't why this event is so important thousands of men died in the and thousands of graves were dug by slave as well as coffin built. Also all the battles weren't in the neutral area between the countries so most of the men who died were in enemy territory. But i will give it credit that not all of them received a proper burial.
I don't understand what you mean when you say the bond between a fallen soldier and his community for which he served. He was in enemy territory thats not his community. Your community is where you live not where you die. He was buried by total strangers.
In response to Kinsey Gonzales: I agree and disagree with Kinsey Gonzales. I agree with her when she says that the painting and funeral “gave insight on death and war and what families of fallen soldiers went through.” Yes, some citizens could relate to this painting because it is what they went through with their fallen hero, but you have to think about how many bodies weren’t identified, and how many families could not bring their dead soldier home. I think that the painting also gave insight to the citizens that could not have a funeral for their fallen soldier. I think that this painting might have taken the place for all of those lost funerals, and that is why in my opinion, it was such a popular painting for Confederates in the time of the war.
In response to Kinsey Gonzales… I really agree with her quote, “His burial depicted the reality of war, the true carnage of war.” Sometimes, numbers are so big they are not comprehensible, but with this one burial, it really symbolized the suffering of everyone during that time period.
William Latane's death was ironic and symbolic. He fought for a side that thought of African Americans as a lesser race. Yet, as written on page 83, "Slaves built his coffin and dug his grave." He was a southern soldier given burial in Northern country. And William Latane was a soldier buried by civilians. The irony and contrast of the story was enough to peek interest.
But the fact that this soldier was buried by strangers in a foreign and hostile land proved of point. It showed acceptance; it showed compassion- two things that were, politically, of the highest importance at the time. To care enough for a graveless man to bury him, despite his affiliation, showed goodness that instantly became an inspiration and subject for debate. Such things changed the way Americans thought and felt and were essential to usher in a new era for the country.
Many soldiers died throughout the war and many were killed in enemy territory. It is not this, I feel, that made William Latane's death symbolic or important. What is important is that it showed kindness and respect in the time when these displays were not commonplace. William was cared for by those who did not share his views or his banner, and he was treated with honor. His death held no significance, as many shared such a death. But the treatment of his body afterwards changed a country.
William Latane's death was very important. He was a confederate soldier who was buried in northern soil, by slaves. He fought for a side opposing slaves, but they gave him his burial.
I believe it should have been as important as it was. It showed respect for a person, despite their oppinion and side. It was, almost literally, an instance of the former slaves 'burying the hatchet' to give the enemy a proper burial out of respect.
I disagree with what you said about it not being important because so many people died. A lot of people did die, but not everyone received a proper burial, especially not from the enemy. I think it is pretty significant that they could put their differences aside to give this man a proper burial.
Yes I agree with you that just because of the circumstances, he is not as important as anyone of those men who died in the Civil War. But I also think that this particular burial represented the burial of all that died should have because of what these men have done for the country.
William Latane's burial was so significant during and after the Civil War because he was a southern soldier that was"left behind enemy lines, amid civilians surrounded by Union forces."(pg.83). His burial was significant because they didn't just leave him there. There was a common respect from soldier to soldier. They were all there for one reason but that doesnt mean that they cannot show compassion towards each other. This respect is also common in WWI and WWII. I think it is good that this burial was so important because it shows how even through they are fighting against each other they can show respect.
William Latane's burial was significant because he was th only confederate soldier that was killed during J. E. B Stuarts ride around McClellan's army in the peninsula campaign and was left behind enemy lines, surrounded by union soldiers and civilians. he was later buried by civilians who didn't know who he was, and yet still they mourned his loss and buried him like a soldier should be buried,this was significant because it showed that people do care about what happens to soldiers and do take care of those that need it no matter who they are. I do believe it should have been as important as it was because every soldier has the right to a proper burial and to be presided over by civilians mourning their death.
William Latane's burial was so significant during and after the Civil War because he was the only Confederate soldier killed during the exhibition J.E.B Stuarts ride around McCellan's army in the Peninsula campaign in 1862. William was also the only Confederate "left behind enemy lines, amid civilians surrounded by Union forces."(pg.83) His burial was also significant because he fought for the South which thought the African Americans to be a lesser race. Although, "Slaves built his coffin and dug his grave." as qouted on page 83. I do agree with the importance of this burial because any and every soldier has earned the right to a proper burial.
In response to leephan: I agree with you on how Latane's death showed how the Civl War made both soldiers and families suffer. The families would've wanted this to happen to their soldiers. So the women paid their respect in the funeral, hoping it would help the Confederates in some way.
William Latane was a southern soldier that was buried by strangers. After he was killed, he was "left behind enemy lines, amid civilians surrounded by Union forces."(pg.83) His death was iconic and the story of his burial became well known. "Slaves built his coffin and dug his grave..."(pg.83) Latane was a "Christian and Confederate sacrifice"(pg.84) All of the people depicted in the painting represent some part of the war. The women represent how the war reaches out to them. They could wake up one morning and find bodies in their yard. The people burying Latane represent how large the community is and how much they depend on each other. I think it should have been as important as it was. This one man can show how much the war affected the people all over the nation. Apparently the civilians thought his death was important too. The painting "attracted a throng of visitors."(pg.84) Unless the people can really see how much the war has done, they will never see the reality of what a sacrifice it was.
ReplyDeleteWilliam Latane's burial was so significant because there "was a critical evolution in the understanding of war's carnage" (82). Latane's burial, and its depiction in William D. Washington's painting, was part of this evolution. Latane's burial served as a more human insight into the fatalities of the war, and it was more relatable than a simple statistic to the civilians of the time. Latane's burial can be compared to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; Latane represented all of the soldiers who gave their lives for the Confederate cause, while the Unknown Soldier represents all of the soldiers who gave their lives for the American cause. I understand why people of the Civil War era were so interested in the burial, and why its depiction "attracted 'throngs of visitors'" (84). It served to bring the casualties of war a little closer to home.
ReplyDeleteI think it should have been seen as important as it was because although Latane was a Confederate soldier, when seen from the perspective of a southern civilian, Latane was just a good soldier, fighting for what Southerners thought was right. Even though we do not agree with what Latane was fighting for today, it is easy to see how to a Southerner, his life, death, and burial were heroic.
William Latane was a Confederate soldier who was killed behind enemy lines, and left there. His death became “quite literally iconic” (pg.83) in the southern states. The significance of his burial can be in large contributed to the public attention it received when a story was written in the Southern Literary Messenger, and a painting was created by William D. Washington. That coverage gave citizens a view of death in the war thus it became an icon of southern sacrifice to the war. Although Lantane’s life may not have been as important as less-recognized fallen soldiers’ lives, his death was more important. His death was more important for the simple reason that it gave civilians a chance to see how death was handled in the war, and provided an understanding of the troubles families and comrades went through after death.
ReplyDeleteWilliam Latane the only Confederate casualty left behind enemy lines, was buried by strangers pg. 83. Latane's coffin was built by slaves and they too dug his grave. The importance of his burial was made by the report it was given by the story written in the Southern Messenger and the painting created by William Washington. His burial depicted the reality of war, the true carnage of war. I believe his death was important because it gave citizens insight on death and war and what families of fallen soldiers went through.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Abbey
ReplyDeleteI agree with Abbey that Latane's burial could be compared to that of The Tomb Of the Unknown. Because many soldiers gave their lives and were never given the proper burial as there bodies could either never be found or identified. So many families lost loved ones and the Tomb of the Unknown is today our way to give our respect to those heroes for giving their lives just like William did.
William Latane’s death was a “literally iconic” (pg. 83) and somewhat heroic interaction between the battlefield and the home folks. It does get Disney though. Latane’s death and burial scene made people realize that the best person can still be the underdog Christian at home, and that everybody needs to honor each other out of the good of their heart, and how good friends stick up for each other, and...well... just watch Bambi or some other sunshine-rainbow movie for the rest. I think it does deserve some notoriety because it has to be one of the rare representations off unity and humility after the battle, considering these situations don’t always exemplify true morality and cooperation between civilians and soldiers.
ReplyDeleteWhether the actual event deserves as much attention as it got... I don’t know. Considering I’m hearing the story of Faust telling a story about a poem and painting that tells the story of an event, there’s a lot of room for the media to shock it out of proportion. The media can and will sugarcoat and advertise whatever they want, so I don’t really think I can accurately analyze something that is more of an a product of the media than a real event. If what is reflected by Faust, the painting, and the poem is identical in magnificence and purity as the real event, then I think the tale is brilliant. Somebody should make a movie.
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ReplyDeleteResponse to Cameron,
ReplyDeleteWhat do you mean by "it does get disney though" or "underdog Christian at home?" Also, they didn't have TVs in those days. You kind of went off topic.
William Lantane's burial was significant because it brought a personal account of death to civilian life. Since Lantane's death was singular, it attracted much more attention than it would have if many more had also died. The burial was significant after the war because of the painting, "The Burial of Lantane." The painting was used as propoganda for the Confederacy. I don't agree with the importance of Lantane's burial because every soldier should be treated with the same honest respect. Lantane's burial attracted extra respect because of the circumstances of his death. If many soldiers would have died on "Stuart's legendary ride" Lantane's death would be largly insignificant.
ReplyDeleteResponse to Orion:
ReplyDeleteI was comparing the morals of Disney movies with the aspects of Latane's burial. I'm not sure what the morals have to do with television. You also say that "every soldier should be treated with the same, honest respect." Why it that be beneficial and who would that be beneficial to if all soldiers were treated with the same respect?
Latane’s burial was significant because it was “One instance of a southern soldier buried by strangers [that] became quite literally iconic.” (p.83) Latane was the only Confederate killed during Stuart’s ride around McClellan’s army during the Peninsula Campaign of 1862. He was “left behind enemy lines, amid civilians surrounded by Union forces.” (p.83) Slaves also dug his grave and built his coffin. Prominent Virginian women attended his funeral. This event also caused artist William Washington to paint a picture of it. The picture and incident were said to “depict Christian and Confederate sacrifice.” (p.84) After the painting was moved to the Capitol, a bucket was placed under the painting to collect money for the Confederate cause.
ReplyDeleteI think in some ways, it should have been important. This was an iconic symbol of a soldier being in a foreign place and being buried by strangers. The painting is tangible proof of sacrifice for a “greater good.” The painting also shows the link between soldiers and the community; the community is willing to help bury the soldier even thought they didn’t know him personally.
Response to Orion:
ReplyDeleteI agree with your idea that the South used the painting as a source of propaganda, and his death wouldn't have been as significant without it. However I disagree with your idea that his death shouldn't have been as significant. I think that since his death was covered so greatly as a byproduct it became significant because it gave citizens an opportunity to witness how death was handled. I'm not saying his death was more important than others' but it was in my opinion more significant.
William Latane’s burial was, “quite literally iconic, first within the Civil War South and then in the maintenance of Confederate memory after the war.”(pg.83). The story of his death became well known and in a sense brought a community to a better understanding of the war. With Latane’s body being, “left behind enemy lines, amid civilians surrounded by the Union forces.”(pg.83). He was the only casualty during a Confederate’s ride. Slaves ended up building his coffin and a, “Virginia matron read the burial service over his remains.”(pg.83). Some socially prominent women attended his funeral and his death became famous and eventually painted. This event brought together a community to death of a Confederate soldier. However, I am not sure it was as important as the media of that age made it out to be. I do agree it is significant that this one man affected so many people but, was it blown out of proportion according to the painter, or the news reporters of that time? We will never know. It is important in the sense it made people of all communities realize they did not want their loved ones to die among strangers who may not be as considerate as the people taking care of Latane’s burial. Latane’s burial gave people an understanding of death during the war.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Cameron:
ReplyDeleteI liked your post. I found it interesting and in a sense more rational. It was also entertaining and made me think of how the media does "sugarcoat and advertise whatever they want." However, I do not understand the comment about Bambi and that significance. I understand you were trying to make a comparison, I just don't understand it.
William Latane's burial was so significant during and after the Civil War because, "Latane's demise" connected "to a community that extended well beyond the white man who had fought bedside him." [pg. 85] This showed that civilians were also in some way a part of the war and cared for Latane even though they did not know him. I agree with Rachel on this part. I think the press and admirers threw the importance of the painting way out of proportion. Although it may have had some signifigance by making people with lost loved ones, want their friends corpes to bury them with friends and family not strangers.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Amber:
ReplyDeleteYou said that "the press and admirers threw the importance of the painting way out of proportion". I agree that the admirers blew it out of proportion, but not the press. The press provided the burial and the painting to the public - they let people know about it, but they didn't force people to take an interest. People fuel the media; if we are interested, they provide us with more. I think this can be compared to the recent swine flu media frenzy. The press didn't make it into a crisis, we did. As the audience of the media, we decide indirectly what we hear. If we aren't interested in something the media reports, they won't waste their time giving us more, but if we are, they will go to all lengths to get us more information. So back to the Civil War, both parties did play a part in making Latane's burial a big deal, but I think the majority of that responsibility rests with the admirers.
The event of William Latene's burial was significant because it was being held by people who didn't know him but still buried him. This burial was so important because it acted as a way to bury their family members that had died in the war but they were unable to bring home to have a proper ceremony. Even wealthy women attended the ceremony .This man might have not been known by any of these people but they treated him like a family member that they might have not been able to do this for. yes this is important. This shows how hard it was for the families to get their loved ones back to bury them. In the beginning of the book when the men would see a nurse as a sister or a mother, the women that attended saw this man as a father a son a cousin someone that ment a lot to them but died. I would have treated this man the very same way if i had lost someone dear to me. even if i hadnt lost someone i would have still burried him and treated it like a family member being buried.
ReplyDeleteResponse to Abbey. I agree with you the admirers blew it out of proportion but not the press. Why would the press do such a thing? The press wasn't really admiring the painting. But remember the painting was an actual event that happened what do you think of the event? The women weeping of a dead man who was not their own what does this mean to you? The painting wasn't what people were admiring it was the event that people were admiring.
ReplyDeleteResponse to Cameron,
ReplyDeleteEvery should soldier should be respected the same way because it would be fair to all of the families who lost loved ones. Oh and by the way, that would a pretty lame disney movie. Disney doesn't really make movies about wars and dead people.
Response to Michelle:
ReplyDeleteYou're right - it was more the actual event that was blown out of proportion than the painting, but the painting was used to communicate the event to the public. In response to your questions, I think the fact that Latane's burial was viewed and his death mourned by people who didn't even know him shows the unique kind of emotional bond or connection that not only those Confederates, but also we as Americans today, share with the soldiers who fight for us. Faust said that the artist tried to ". . . impart broader meaning to Latane's demise by connecting it to a community that extended well beyond the white men who had fought alongside him." I think that this painting helped Confederate civilians - be they white, black, women, or men, all of whom were depicted in the painting - identify and connect with Latane, as well as all the other soldiers serving the Confederacy. As Americans today, we experience the same kind of connection with our soldiers when we see a depiction of war, be it on the news, in a magazine, in the movies, etc.
Response to Michelle
ReplyDeleteI agree that the burial of Latane was significant because those who were burying him were strangers. However, I do not think that it was a way to bury family members on the battle fields. I do not think that was the point that was meant to be made. I think the burial and painting were meant to depict how close to home the war was. Like I said, at some point people could wake up and have bodies lying in their front yards. I think that is what the burial represents, not how hard it was to bury their own soldiers.
William Latane was a confederate soilder that had died behind enemy lines. He was burried by strangers and that became literally iconic."Slaves built his coffin and dug his grave"(pg.83). The story of his burial was well known and there was a picture that was painted about his burial. The painting shows a connection that extends "well byond white men who had fought alongside him"(pg. 85). I do believe it was as imporntant as it was because it showed how connected the south was to its men and women.
ReplyDeleteWilliam Latane's burial was so significant because he was burried and taken care of by people who never even knew him. His death was iconic and the story of his burial became well known. "Slaves built his coffin and dug his grave..."(pg.83) This story showed many people how difficult this whole process of war and death and burial really was. With Latane’s body being, “left behind enemy lines, amid civilians surrounded by the Union forces.”(pg.83) Yes i think that this was very important. The war was difficult for everyone in all comunities and this burial showed them all pull together as one.
ReplyDeleteIn Response to Michelle:
ReplyDeleteI agree with your post, I think that this was a very important burial that needed to be heard it gave everyone a little more peace of mind about the war and death. This war was really scary to communities and this shows that some handled it very well. How difficult would it be to find a dead body lying close to your home like that? And of course we all hope we would also step up and give this soldier a burial but who knows if we would?
William Lantane's burial was so significant because it depicted, "Christian and Confederate sacrifice" (page 84), or in other words, it shed the confederacy in a good light and the South wanted to commemorate that moment. It was important for the Rebels to feel like they weren’t bad people, to the extent that the painting was staged after the event happened and the South dedicated a magazine in the memory of the Confederacy. You could compare this to the war against terrorism today and how some people view this as controversial but they still hold the soldiers fighting in respect. On that note I agree that it should have been important because the Rebels were still Americans no matter what their views were. Even if we feel their views were corrupt they should not have felt like outsiders in their own country, but treated like fellow Americans and comrades.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Orion:
ReplyDeleteI think that Mr. Latane's death should be one of the most important deaths of the whole civil war for a couple of reasons. First, like many of us had said already that he was the only Confederate casualty of the expedition and was left behind enemy lines. What makes it the most important is how he was buried. Slaves, part of the reason of the war, built his coffin that he was set to rest in. Also in the burial service there were, "strangers, yet sisters, who with Mary's love sat by the open tomb and weeping looked above." This showed the Union showed sympathy of rebel soldier and treated him as their own.
William Latane's death was the only Confederate casualty of the expedition, J.E.B. Stuart's legendary ride around McClellan's army during the Peninsula Campaign of 1862. What makes this casualty so significant was that he was left behind enemy lines. What I believe makes this one death different from all the other thousands of deaths during the civil war is, "slaves built his coffin and dug his grave." These slaves were known as savages in the South and these "savages" built a fallen enemy soldier a coffin instead of just leaving him by himself. William's death was made well known to the public through the painting, The Burial of Latane, by William D. Washington in 1864 that portreyed his death.
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ReplyDeleteIn response to Abbey Borchers
ReplyDeleteYou make a great point that the burial of William Latane was important not because he deserved a good burial, but because of what it represented to the American people. I thought about the other side. What about the wives who had no idea where their husbands were? What a comfort this would be to know that strangers would create a nice burial for a soldier that they knew nothing about.
Lieutenant William Latane's burial was significant because he was killed on an expedition that left him behind enemy lines as the only casualty. He was surrounded by "socially prominent" women, while slaves dug him a proper grave. He had a true funeral service read for him: the one, unexpected casualty, when many others, whose lives were lost, not unexpectedly, were left with nothing but an empty battlefield to lie on. His burial was well known and was later depicted in a painting, which was copied and spread throughout the South; "throngs of visitors" lined up to see the picture. Many, I'm sure, went to see it because it was like looking at their own lost brother or son's grave, when the family might not have known where it was. In a sense, the painting kind of served as a older, Southern version of our Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Families could go there to mourn over their lost loved ones and pay respect to others who had lost their lives. It became so famous that many white southern families had a copy in their homes. This obviously made his burial significant because it served to represent the burial of many Confederate men whose bodies could not be recovered, buried, or men who simply went missing. It definitely reached out to people whose loved one's could not be recovered, and provided them with some relief that this could have happened to their loved one.
ReplyDeleteResponse to Evan Lanz...
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. It was very significant that such heroic figure, who was fighting for the South, was buried by slaves. It is also incredible that he would have so many people that didn't know him and he didn't know surrounding his grave. I think it is important they were pictured in the painting, because they got hardly, if any, recognition in that era. But yes, the fact that they even dug the grave is amazing. They could've been told to, but either way it is incredible.
William Latane, a Confederate soldier, died within Union boundaries during J. E. B. Stuart's ride around McClellan's army. Black slaves and white prominent women joined for once to honor his service. His burial was soon illustrated through a painting by William D. Washington. This painting called the Burial of Latane contains much meaning to death during the Civil War, especially to the South. It linked the "southern war death to Christian tradition" (pg. 84) as well as "celebrate Confederate nationalism" (pg. 85). The women who buried Latane later found themselves "conscripted into the work of death of war" (pg. 85). Afterwards, other civilians and families merged to care for their loved ones as well as strangers. I do believe that Latane's death was as important as it was because its significance united Americans to see the sufferings of the Civil War of both the soldiers and families.
ReplyDeleteI believe that William Latane was an important death. I believe that the people who buried him, though they were the ones that he fought against, realized that in the war, it was brother fighting brother. The women who burried him did the job that they thought that their relatives deserved. I think that this all goes back to the discussion in chapter 2 about how Henry M. Turner in essence said that because the other side has done something wrong doesn’t mean that you need to. “They should instead claim a moral superiority to their enemies”. [54]These women realized that somewhere, there was a grieving southern women who had just lost her son or brother. This woman would want her relative to be buried properly, just like these women would want their relatives to be, though it was not likely.
ReplyDeleteWilliam Latane was a Confederate soldier left behind enemy lines and buried by strangers. His death was significant because it represented more than just one man. It represented all soldiers, Union or Confederate, who were unknown or forgotten and provided hope for their families. It showed that it was possible to experience the Good Death even when they were left behind enemy lines and they had no family at their funeral. In addition, it unified the North and the South in their efforts and illustrated that even though they disagreed, both wanted their soldiers to be treated with respect and dignity. This respect was shown to Latane because the civillians recognized that he deserved a good death and a proper burial even though he was not known to any of his mourners. His death portrayed the goodness of people during the war who would not let him sit and rot just because they did not know him.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Brenna:
ReplyDeleteI liked your correlation between the War on Terror and the Civil War. You pointed out that whether or not a soldier's cause is noble, the soldier deserves respect simply because he is a human being. Both sides of the conflict had forgotten this and Latane's death was a wake-up call for them. His death reminded them that soldiers were people not simply statistics. It also drew civillians to act on this realization. Some actually buried him and said prayers over his grave; others journeyed from hundreds of miles away to see the painting and memorialize him, and some did nothing but began to realize the futility of the war itself. His death was so significant because it caused many to question the integrity of killing others.
William Latane's burial was so significant during and after the Civil War because it brought a sense of community and the war back home. William Latane was a Confederate soldier killed behind enemy lines. Strangers came together for his burial- they built his coffin, dug his grave, and read service for him. "The women in attendance were all socially prominent, and the story became well known in nearby Richmond." pg. 83. yet, one of these people knew Latane. His death represented a nation of people- of civilians and soldiers- coming together for the war effort. Their men were dying by the thousands. They were brave and heroic, and the community came together to honor their spirits and courage over the body of William Latane. I believe Latane's burial deserved to be just as important as it was. The meaning of the burial was deep, though many people may not have realized. The sense of community in the South was strong, and it was for their soldiers' lives.
ReplyDeleteResponse to McKenzie-
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you are saying about the women and their relatives. But, i believe it wasn't just about family, it was about the whole community, and all of the soldiers. William Latane's burial symbolized all of the dying soldiers, even ones who didn't have families and weren't cared for after death.
William Latane was a Confederate soldier killed on a Confederate ride during the Peninsula campaign where his body was left behind enemy lines amid civilians in Union control. William’s burial was depicted in a portrait by William Washington. Latane’s death became so important and significant from the amount of public attention it brought to the Confederate cause. It showed the great sacrifices made by all the soldiers for their country at a national level. Furthermore, it represented all the other fallen soldiers who sacrificed themselves for their Christian faith and their country. The painting also served to bring the action and war closer to home. The women in the painting represents how close the war is and how it has invaded their homes while it also connects it to the community. Although he had different views I believe this painting holds great importance. The artist depicted the soldier as a hero of war that strengthened the community and showed the grief of war.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Abby Borchers:
ReplyDeleteI agree with Abby B. that the burial of William Latane is similar to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Hundreds of thousands of lives were sacrificed fighting for their country and their Christian faith. The majorities of these soldiers were never even given a proper burial and were left on the field where they were killed. Families and relatives never knew what became of them or where they were buried. The painting and his death represents these soldiers and their sacrifice just as the Tomb represents fallen soldiers to us never recovered from the horrors of battle.
William Latane's body was left behind enemy lines in the South while the rest of his comrades, The Confederates, lived through the expedition. He was buried by southerners and given a proper burial, including a matron. Slaves built his coffin and villagers actually attended the burial of an enemy soldier. Latane's burial was significant during the war because it showed how the war affected everyone. Poet John Thompson writes, "Strangers, yet sisters, who with Mary's love sat by the open tomb and weeping looked above." this quote showed the emotional damage the war did to plain civilians. William Latane's burial was also very significant after the war because it showed the respect everyone had for any soldier. It also is a form of consolance for family or friends of Latane, and really anyone, that he was still treated with that kind of respect even behind enemy lines. I do believe that his burial should be as important as it is because of all of the respect shown to just one soldier. This event should remind us how we should treat any soldier that fights for us and our country.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Abbey
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you, "Latane was just a good soldier, fighting for what Southerners thought was right". In the southerner's point of view, they were in the right. The southerners were honoring a fallen soldier who died fighting for what they thought was a noble cause. I don't agree with their cause either, but at the time they thought their cause was just as noble as any other. "Latane represented all of the soldiers who gave their lives for the Confederate cause" and he was not treated as an individual but a representation of the confederate army. The civilians treated him with honor for serving for their cause, and it drew attention to the compassion of southerners.
William Latane’s burial was considered significant since it showed how the war affected others not a part of the war. Left dead behind enemy lines, “Slaves built his coffin and dug his grave, and a white Virginia matron read the burial service over his remains.” (pg. 83). This burial was then depicted in a painting and in a poem. It showed how people helped in the war who were not fighting and it gave others a glimpse of what was going on. I believe that the burial was significant. “the painting undertook important cultural work, linking southern war death to Christian tradition,” (pg. 84). It showed that even though they were all strangers at his burial, the people respected the young soldier. It showed how deaths in the Civil War were not with family members and not the whole Good Death, but it did show that people respected soldiers for fighting.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Mckenzie:
ReplyDeleteI agree with your post. Even though all the civilians were strangers, they still respected the dead soldier and had a burial for him. All of the civilians probably knew somebody in the war and knew that if they were to die they would want a Good Death for them, so they tried to give the Good Death to Latane. It shows how people were often good to soldiers during the war.
William Latane was a young lieutenant and the only confederate casualty during J. E. B. Stuart’s “legendary ride around McClellan’s army during the Peninsula Campaign.” Since he was the only death, his body was left behind enemy lines. Soldiers in his regiment had to go and recover his body, and slaves made his coffin, and dug his final resting place. Many “socially prominent” citizens attended his funeral. During the time of his death and the funeral, it seemed like any other Union or Confederate death, but a man by the name of William D. Washington changed all of that. He made a painting portraying the funeral service of Latane. This painting became a prominent piece of history, which hung in many Confederate homes in that time. In my opinion, I think that this funeral had every right to be as important as it was. Many families could never have an actual funeral service for their soldiers because they could not find their bodies. I think that many Confederates hung this painting in their homes because it portrayed the funeral that they were unable to have for their deceased soldiers. And as Faust said, this painting, “Celebrated the Confederate memory, and nationalism.”
ReplyDeleteLieutenant William Latane's burial was thought of as a significant burial because he didn't just represent his own death, but the death and burial of the thousands of soldiers fighting in the war. After being left dead behind in enemy lines, slaves built his coffin and dug his grave and a proper burial service was said over his remains. This scene was depicted in a poem and a painting. The painting was so popular because it allowed civilians to take a glimpse into the war and maybe reconnect with their loved ones who had died in the war. His death was a way for the world to see how the war really was and for people to know how soldiers had died. It was in a way like the ars morendi or the Good Death, but obviously not as great. Latane's death was an example of how people really did respect the soldiers.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Nicole and Mckenzie:
ReplyDeleteMckenzie you made some great points in your answer, but I do agree with Nicole that Latane's burial represented the community and the soldiers, rather than just family. Like you said Nicole, "William Latane's burial symbolized all of the dying soldiers, even ones who didn't have families and weren't cared for after death." This is very true Latane was a symbol for the entire country to look to and even see their own loved ones who had died in the war. He represented all of the soldiers who had died throughout the war and who weren't given a proper burial. It was as if he was their proper burial. Once again, I agree with both of you, but Nicole you made a great point.
William Latane's burial was so significant before and after the Civil War because he was the only Confederate casualty. He "was left behind enemy lines" as is stated on page 83. His burial was so significant that it became a famous painting painted by William D. Washington in 1864. The painting might have also made William Latane's burial even more significant after the war. The painting went into the Confederate capitol therefore showing it's significance. I think that the burial of Latane should have been as significant as it was because it honored a soldier for his work in the war. In my opinion, Latane's burial significance was a fair amount given who he was as a soldier.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Sophia:
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. I do think that Latane's burial should have had as much significance as it did because it did seem like the painting would have reconnected families as you said. I also agree with you that the significance of Latane's burial did show others the deaths of the war and the respect showed that was necessary for the soldiers.
William Latane's burial was significant. His death portrayed death during the war to the public. Latane was a Confederate soldier left behind after he died behind enemy lines. He was buried by strangers. His burial was soon written about in the Southern Messenger and painted by William Washington. His death showed the true death and sacrifice of the soldier.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Austin:
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. I believe that families used the painting to help them with not being able to bury their loved ones. The painting showed strangers put Latane to rest like most other soldiers. Latane burial could connect to both the North and South.
William Latane's death was so significant because he was a Confederate soldier, the only one who died in the expedition J.E.B. Stuart's legendary ride around McClellan's army during the Peninsula campaign of 1862 and was left behind in enemy lines. (pg 83)I do think that it was good for his death to spread and have been well knowned and maybe is something that is a good remember to us today. On page 84 an artist did a painting of the white ladies and the black men who fought along side him around his coffin when he was being buried. It became a very well known picture. The painting is an important cultural work. "The black slaves and white women whom Artist Washington depicted burying the Confederate hero represented the artit's effort to impact broader meaning to Latane's demise by connecting it to a community that extended well beyond the white men who had fought alongside him."
ReplyDeleteWilliam Latane was a young lieutenant killed during J. E. B Stuart's ride around McClellan's army during the Peninsula Campaign of 1862. He was the only Confederate casualty, and left behind enemy lines. Latane's death was iconic and his burial was legendary. " Slaves built his coffin and dug his grave, and a white Virginia matron read the burial service over his
ReplyDeleteremains." (pg.83) Williams Latane's burial was significant from the public attention it received from a story John Thompson wrote in the Southern Literary Messenger and a painting created by William D. Washington. These showed the public the sacrifice their soldiers gave, and how death was handled during war times. I believe the burial should be as important as it was, since it showed civilians the truth of death at war. I believe that Latane's death had gave many people a different idea of war. That war is not all about killing the enemy and moving on. William Latane's death was well remembered and commemorated.
In response to Abbey:
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything Abbey is saying. I like how she stated "Latane's burial served as a more human insight into the fatalities of the war, and it was more relatable than a simple statistic to the civilians of the time." With the story written and painting made of the burial, it definitely made what had happen more relatable to the civilians.
William Latane’s burial was very significant. When it occurred it was significant because he was behind enemy lines. The story became well known as, “Slaves built his coffin and dug his grave, and a white Virginia matron read the burial service over his remains.” (83). Strangers gave this man a funeral. People he didn’t even know, that were surrounded by union forces came in to give him a proper burial. They could have it because if their loved ones died they would have wanted him to be buried properly. Most families worried about if their loved ones would die in sin they could have also worried their loved ones may not be buried the way they would have wanted it. In a way I think people thought it was more than it actually was. But it was important. It gave civilians a glimpse of what it was like for these soldiers. People don’t typically think when they die their grave will be surrounded with people that are perfect strangers which was in this case what happened. There was definite significance in the burial of William Latane.
ReplyDeleteJonah-
ReplyDeleteWilliam Latane's burial was significant during the war because he was the only southern soldier to die during that particular expedition and was buried by strangers. These slaves who built his coffin and dug his grave and women who performed his funeral service had no part in the fighting of the war. They buried his body because it was the right thing to do even though he was on the other side of the war. His burial story connected southern soldiers' deaths with Christian ideals about death. After the war his story continued to be significant because of a painting done by William Washington. Swarms of people came to see the painting. I don’t feel it should have been so significant because focusing on one death detracts from all the other lives lost during the war and the fact that he was buried by the other side doesn't really matter. By burring the body they were just doing the right thing by their religious beliefs and being sanitary. The painting caused the event to become more famous and significant to the people of the Civil War then it would have been otherwise.
Jonah- in response to Kristina Smith: I always think it is odd that when multiple people read the same words but can get a different story and significants out of it. For example I thought the book was saying that the women and slaves didn't know the man at all and you seemed to get that the Blacks fought with him. It is better when two people both get a lesson from a story that helps them in their own lives but the lesson are so completely different it makes no concetion between the two.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Cameron:
ReplyDeleteI like what you said about the media “will sugarcoat and advertise whatever they want,” since it is true 9/10 of the time. It can be quite impossible to be sure if what the media says is true. Many times the media simply offers an opinion on a matter rather than reporting on it. I also think your comparison to Disney is an interesting one, and that for me personally, is fairly simple to understand. When you think about it, it does make sense: Disney makes movies about people/animals who are nice to everybody and always (try to) do the right thing. Latane’s death was an example of people who didn’t know who he was, who buried him regardless of that fact.
William Latane, after death, was taken care of by complete strangers. Being the only Confederate casualty during J.E.B. Stuart’s ride around McClellan’s army in 1862, he was left behind without a proper burial. His burial is so significant because slaves who didn’t know him built his coffin and dug his grave while a Virginia matron lead a burial service where they laid him to rest. Women of the town came to the service and wept together. This was such a different story for everybody during this time because he was a Rebel in Yankee territory, he was given a coffin, the chance to be buried, and a burial service. During the Civil War, William Latane’s burial was significant because it showed that people really did care, it gave a sense of humanity to the war that so many people thought was long gone. He also had a poem written about his burial and had a picture painted to remind later generations of this significant event. I do believe that that should have been as important as it was to remind everyone that people should be treated like people, not animals. It also gave the soldiers and mourners alike a break from all of the bloody tragic stories of thousands of lives lost and never to be buried, for once they got a happy ending of opponents putting aside differences for a minute and focusing on treating people like they should be.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Sophia S
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your entry. I like how you compare his death to the death of thousands of U.S. soldiers. I agree because his burial was by strangers and in most cases a fallen soldier was not able to have family around at their grave. I also agree with your opinion on how, “The painting was so popular because it allowed civilians to take a glimpse into the war and maybe reconnect with their loved ones who had died in the war.” The painting really did let people see how soldiers died in the war. His death was significant for many reasons and you touched on each of them.
William Latane's burial was an important event in the Civil War because it depicted the bond between a fallen soldier and the community for which he served. Being that even while he was behind enemy lines, it is important to note that he was still able to receive a decent burial even from total strangers. This depiction of the burial is important not only because it brought comfort to families of soldiers but it showed the sliver of humanity left in the Civil War, for strangers to come together and honor an unknown fallen.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Jonah:
ReplyDeleteIn my post I thought that his burial was very unusual and significant, however after reading your post I have to agree with you on some things. I like how you tied his burial to the religious beliefs of that time because I really did not think about that. I also agree with you that focusing on one death takes away from the whole picture. Overall I think you made very good points about William Latane's death.
William Latane's death and burial was a reassuring for families whose loved ones were in the war. This event goes back to the tradition of ars moriendi in the fact that a confederate soldier left for dead in enemy territory was given a proper burial. His coffin was made by slave and so was his grave. I don't why this event is so important thousands of men died in the and thousands of graves were dug by slave as well as coffin built. Also all the battles weren't in the neutral area between the countries so most of the men who died were in enemy territory. But i will give it credit that not all of them received a proper burial.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Steven,
ReplyDeleteI don't understand what you mean when you say the bond between a fallen soldier and his community for which he served. He was in enemy territory thats not his community. Your community is where you live not where you die. He was buried by total strangers.
In response to Kinsey Gonzales:
ReplyDeleteI agree and disagree with Kinsey Gonzales. I agree with her when she says that the painting and funeral “gave insight on death and war and what families of fallen soldiers went through.” Yes, some citizens could relate to this painting because it is what they went through with their fallen hero, but you have to think about how many bodies weren’t identified, and how many families could not bring their dead soldier home. I think that the painting also gave insight to the citizens that could not have a funeral for their fallen soldier. I think that this painting might have taken the place for all of those lost funerals, and that is why in my opinion, it was such a popular painting for Confederates in the time of the war.
In response to Kinsey Gonzales…
ReplyDeleteI really agree with her quote, “His burial depicted the reality of war, the true carnage of war.” Sometimes, numbers are so big they are not comprehensible, but with this one burial, it really symbolized the suffering of everyone during that time period.
William Latane's death was ironic and symbolic. He fought for a side that thought of African Americans as a lesser race. Yet, as written on page 83, "Slaves built his coffin and dug his grave." He was a southern soldier given burial in Northern country. And William Latane was a soldier buried by civilians. The irony and contrast of the story was enough to peek interest.
ReplyDeleteBut the fact that this soldier was buried by strangers in a foreign and hostile land proved of point. It showed acceptance; it showed compassion- two things that were, politically, of the highest importance at the time. To care enough for a graveless man to bury him, despite his affiliation, showed goodness that instantly became an inspiration and subject for debate. Such things changed the way Americans thought and felt and were essential to usher in a new era for the country.
In response to Ryan Lynch,
ReplyDeleteMany soldiers died throughout the war and many were killed in enemy territory. It is not this, I feel, that made William Latane's death symbolic or important. What is important is that it showed kindness and respect in the time when these displays were not commonplace. William was cared for by those who did not share his views or his banner, and he was treated with honor. His death held no significance, as many shared such a death. But the treatment of his body afterwards changed a country.
William Latane's death was very important. He was a confederate soldier who was buried in northern soil, by slaves. He fought for a side opposing slaves, but they gave him his burial.
ReplyDeleteI believe it should have been as important as it was. It showed respect for a person, despite their oppinion and side. It was, almost literally, an instance of the former slaves 'burying the hatchet' to give the enemy a proper burial out of respect.
In response to Ryan Lynch:
ReplyDeleteI disagree with what you said about it not being important because so many people died. A lot of people did die, but not everyone received a proper burial, especially not from the enemy. I think it is pretty significant that they could put their differences aside to give this man a proper burial.
In response to Orion Tallmadge
ReplyDeleteYes I agree with you that just because of the circumstances, he is not as important as anyone of those men who died in the Civil War. But I also think that this particular burial represented the burial of all that died should have because of what these men have done for the country.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWilliam Latane's burial was so significant during and after the Civil War because he was a southern soldier that was"left behind enemy lines, amid civilians surrounded by Union forces."(pg.83). His burial was significant because they didn't just leave him there. There was a common respect from soldier to soldier. They were all there for one reason but that doesnt mean that they cannot show compassion towards each other. This respect is also common in WWI and WWII. I think it is good that this burial was so important because it shows how even through they are fighting against each other they can show respect.
ReplyDeleteWilliam Latane's burial was significant because he was th only confederate soldier that was killed during J. E. B Stuarts ride around McClellan's army in the peninsula campaign and was left behind enemy lines, surrounded by union soldiers and civilians. he was later buried by civilians who didn't know who he was, and yet still they mourned his loss and buried him like a soldier should be buried,this was significant because it showed that people do care about what happens to soldiers and do take care of those that need it no matter who they are. I do believe it should have been as important as it was because every soldier has the right to a proper burial and to be presided over by civilians mourning their death.
ReplyDeleteWilliam Latane's burial was so significant during and after the Civil War because he was the only Confederate soldier killed during the exhibition J.E.B Stuarts ride around McCellan's army in the Peninsula campaign in 1862. William was also the only Confederate "left behind enemy lines, amid civilians surrounded by Union forces."(pg.83) His burial was also significant because he fought for the South which thought the African Americans to be a lesser race. Although, "Slaves built his coffin and dug his grave." as qouted on page 83. I do agree with the importance of this burial because any and every soldier has earned the right to a proper burial.
ReplyDeleteIn response to leephan:
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on how Latane's death showed how the Civl War made both soldiers and families suffer. The families would've wanted this to happen to their soldiers. So the women paid their respect in the funeral, hoping it would help the Confederates in some way.