When I think of my Confederate heritage and what it means to me, I am filled with great admiration for my 3rd Great-Grandfather, Morgan Daniel Gray, who was the embodiment of a true Confederate soldier. He was a young man of distinguished courage and character. Being only sixteen when he volunteered, he possessed a strong sense of responsibility.  This responsibility extended far greater than many of the responsibilities of the adolescents today. With his family and Confederate brothers in mind, he showed himself worthy of fighting.  Morgan and his Battalion fought for what they believed in, which was keeping Southern independence.
      Along with other young men in his community, Morgan volunteered as a private for the Company F, 2nd Battalion of the South Carolina State Troops at an age when most adolescents are not willing to give their lives for their country. This Battalion was created for sixteen year old boys. Their journey started from his home town in South Carolina and continued into North Carolina as far as Raleigh via Fayetteville. These young men experienced what most adolescents deem unfathomable today. They experienced great hardships. Hardships like harsh weather conditions, long marches, sickness, diseases, hunger, and the need for clothing. Due to the weight of responsibility, Morgan carried these hardships and never abandoned his Confederate brothers. 
      Morgan was an archetype of heroism and bravery. When I reflect on the actions of Morgan, I am filled with admiration for the brave acts that he performed in the line of duty. This admiration provides me with goals for the future, a standard that I must strive to achieve in order to pay tribute to my lineage. 
It takes a strong individual to be willing to fight for what they believe in. In today’s world, it proves to be a difficult challenge to have the persistence to do this. When an individual tries to stand up for what they believe is right, they are often ridiculed or attacked for stating their beliefs. Like Morgan, I strive to have courage and to always stand up for what I believe in.
      These young boys felt a sense of duty and responsibility to their homeland. Morgan and those in his battalion were all the age of sixteen when enlisting into the war. These individuals left their families at such a young age and had to have a sense of determination and duty for their country.  If I were to fight in a war it would be difficult at sixteen years of age to leave my family, who have been a major support system in my life. As I leave for college in the fall, I hope to show the same determination that Morgan had shown.
      Today, people are not taught the true history of the Confederacy. There are many arguments concerning the War Between the States.  Morgan and his Confederate brothers fought to keep their freedom and independence. No matter what historians or teachers may say, the South didn’t fight for the purpose of keeping slaves. I’m proud to be a descendant of such a noble soldier of the Confederacy.
      When I reflect on the qualities of my Ancestor, Morgan, I have nothing but deep admiration for him. He displayed the characteristics seldom seen in the youth of today. Morgan displayed heroism through his courage and ability. He acquired forms of independence and responsibility so he could fight for what was right. I’m proud to be related to such a man as Morgan Daniel Gray. Knowing that his blood runs through my veins makes me proud of my Confederate heritage. 
 

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