Eventually, David Holt did join the Confederate Army.
He served in the Battle of Fredericksburg, and spent the winter with the Army of Northern Virginia. Though the winter was difficult for the poorly supplied Confederate Army, soldiers still found some forms of entertainment. Below is an excerpt from Holt’s memoirs describing the winter encampment.
He served in the Battle of Fredericksburg, and spent the winter with the Army of Northern Virginia. Though the winter was difficult for the poorly supplied Confederate Army, soldiers still found some forms of entertainment. Below is an excerpt from Holt’s memoirs describing the winter encampment.
David's account:
We remained on guard at the ford for a week and then returned to our winter quarters and gave battle to short-tailed wood rats and screech owls. With good rations and not too much work we found the cold months go by very rapidly. Company K had one violinist and five fiddlers and we made use of them by inaugurating dances, such as the cotillion and Virginia reel. Owing to ladies not being anywhere about, men substituted and were so designated by having handkerchief tied around their arms. With a big bonfire at each end of the company street we used the space between for our dance hall. Most of the lads joined in although there were several who declined on account of religious views. |
Watch the video above to see students demonstrating the Virginia Reel
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