At the time of the Civil War, what were the chief interests of the mountain people? (In consequence of their industries they had comparatively slight interest in the questions of slavery.)
Their knowledge of passes, cross-roads, sites for forts, etc., would make them invaluable aids to either party. Of what value might the possession of any special point be to either side during the war? (It might be used as a fort or arsenal. To the opposing side it might prove an entering wedge by which other points might be gained and so divide the people.)
What would be the interest of the miners? (They would favor peace for the sake of uninterrupted labor. If by war their work should be stopped their families would be reduced to starvation.)
Near the mines would be found railroads. What would be the policy of the South in regard to them? (To protect them for their own use.) That of the North? (Destruction or possession.) What would be the farmer’s interest? (The protection of stock and farm products.)
In the lowland section the protection of railroads would be one interest. What other interests would be endangered by war? (Vast fields of cotton and other southern products would be subject to trampling or burning; fences, houses and other buildings likely to be destroyed. The desertion of slaves would leave fields uncultivated, want in the houses and homes unprotected.)
If crops could be raised and gathered, what of their disposal? (The market would be smaller, their delivery uncertain. Blockaded rivers and deserted railroads are obstacles to commerce.)
What points would be desirable to gain against the South? (a) (A foothold in the mountains and control of the railroads leading thereto; (b) Possession of boats to be used on the Mississippi in closing ports and the holding of them; (c) Occupation of a line of points on the Tennessee or the Cumberland River, and so push the northern line farther down; (d) Possession of seaports along the Atlantic coast.)
What could be planned for the opposite side? (a) (To gain possession of Washington; (b) To fortify the northern boundary of the Confederacy; (c) To protect the Mississippi River and the coast.) Read extracts from war letters of Grant, McClellan and others to show the relation of the plans of the generals to the geography of the country.