Memoir 1, Page 46, 'Victory or Death'

"The armies are of the same blood, and were educated to the same stubborn determination for victory or death."

This is likely a reference to Patrick Henry’s famous "Give me Liberty or Give me Death!" speech of March 23, 1775 calling for Virginia to revolt against the Crown. Woods here is referencing the Confederates’ and Federals’ shared American heritage and Revolutionary tradition. Despite their differing motivations, both populations cherished and were shaped by this tradition. For a full version of this speech, click here.