Lyman G. Willcox: The Life and Lexis of the Lesser Known

Abstract

In order to move closer to an understanding of the [Civil] War and its causes, this thesis will explore the life of Major Lyman George Wilcox, a soldier and citizen who lived from 29 April 1831 to 17 September 1918. Major Wilcox served in the Union Army in the Western theatre as commander of Company B, Third Michigan Cavalry. Although he was not a major figure of the American Civil War, he delivered a powerful speech during the midst of the Civil War that has the capacity to contribute significantly to an understanding of a complex and diverse era in the nation's history. <p>The context of Major Willcox’s speech entitled “The South in War Times” will be thoroughly examined, for it is the crux of this research project. His oration was delivered to a packed crowd of Confederate soldiers and civilians at a courthouse in Lexington, Tennessee, and, according to him, it was the first and only instance where a Union officer spoke directly across the Bloody Chasm. The major’s speech lasted two and one-half hours and addressed six major points: 1) every country must establish some form of government; 2) the first New England government was a failure; 3) nationalizing the government would strengthen it; 4) the South had not prospered because it held to the institution of slavery; 5) rebellion and secession always result in negative consequences; 6) the South must stop fighting and reunite with its Northern brethren.