Suppose instead of banding together after the war as defeated traitors, officers and politicians sympathizing with the Confederate cause were identified between the secession of South Carolina and attack of Fort Sumter in a fraternity or secret society dedicated to undermining much of the Union from within. Key forts were sometimes commanded by US Army officers that eventually became Rebel generals, including the arsenal at St. Louis, Fort Laramie, Louisville KY, Alcatraz, San Diego, the Alleghany Arsenal in Pittsburgh, and other positions of prominence. How effective could such a society be at deterring the Union or causing paranoia in the Union early in the war, perhaps before shots are even fired? If the Southern Congressmen elected in 1860 decide not to resign their seats but remain in Congress as a block, could they unite with the Copperheads to force a peace treaty very early in the war, perhaps before shots are fired? Would this create an atmosphere of paranoia for *anyone* of Southern heritage or ties and damage the Union war effort?
Some key Union generals or politicians potentially affected:
*Montgomery C. Meigs, Quartermaster General for the Union Army (and arguably one of the most able officers for his position on either side)
*George H. Thomas, victor at Mill Springs, Stones River, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Franklin, and Nashville.
*Andrew Johnson, 17th President of the United States
*David Farragut, Union Admiral, leader of the captures of New Orleans and Mobile
*Joshua Fry Speed, close/influential friend to Abraham Lincoln, and his brother James, Attorney General for President Lincoln in his second term
This does not include Northern officers with Southern wives or family members, nor does it include Masonic members - Confederate General Albert Pike was prominent in the brotherhood. The greater the paranoia, the worse the Union effort suffers...and the Confederacy could still lose though a longer, bloodier war over more territory might result.
Some key Union generals or politicians potentially affected:
*Montgomery C. Meigs, Quartermaster General for the Union Army (and arguably one of the most able officers for his position on either side)
*George H. Thomas, victor at Mill Springs, Stones River, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Franklin, and Nashville.
*Andrew Johnson, 17th President of the United States
*David Farragut, Union Admiral, leader of the captures of New Orleans and Mobile
*Joshua Fry Speed, close/influential friend to Abraham Lincoln, and his brother James, Attorney General for President Lincoln in his second term
This does not include Northern officers with Southern wives or family members, nor does it include Masonic members - Confederate General Albert Pike was prominent in the brotherhood. The greater the paranoia, the worse the Union effort suffers...and the Confederacy could still lose though a longer, bloodier war over more territory might result.