Chapter 5 recounts the 2nd Texas’ first battle experience at Shiloh and the subsequent allegations of cowardice. It explains efforts by the men to defend themselves, as well as their supporters. Their Col. John C. Moore filed multiple reports to explain his unit’s actions the second day of the fight; their Lt. Col. William P. Rogers vowed to prove his men’s valor.

The Conclusion returns to the need for historians to recognize the topic of cowardice in combat in order to gain a fuller understanding of war. Recovering the complicated histories of the Fire Zouaves and the 2nd Texas further helps to disassemble the glorification of war-making.

Chapter 6 narrates the 2nd Texas’ post Shiloh service record, including the bloody battle of Corinth in October 1862, which resulted in the martyred death of Colonel Rogers. Although there were questions surrounding his death, a celebratory tale of him took shape, portraying him as a martyr for the Confederate cause. After Corinth, the 2nd Texas had transformed into an elite fighting unit, but the stigma of Shiloh seemed to linger. The chapter closes with their final days in Galveston, depleted and demoralized.

Chapter 4 introduces the second regiment in this study, the 2nd Texas Infantry. It describes its founding and officers, largely representative of the Texas elite. Like the Fire Zouaves, white male Texans had a reputation for bravery, so the expectations that they would make good and courageous soldiers were equally high. But there were signs of problems even in their early days, including discontent by some of their leaders and concerns over supplies. The chapter ends with the regiment hurriedly rushing to the front for expected battle.

Chapter 4 introduces the second regiment in this study, the 2nd Texas Infantry. It describes its founding and officers, largely representative of the Texas elite. Like the Fire Zouaves, white male Texans had a reputation for bravery, so the expectations that they would make good and courageous soldiers were equally high. But there were signs of problems even in their early days, including discontent by some of their leaders and concerns over supplies. The chapter ends with the regiment hurriedly rushing to the front for expected battle.

Chapter 5 recounts the 2nd Texas’ first battle experience at Shiloh and the subsequent allegations of cowardice. It explains efforts by the men to defend themselves, as well as their supporters. Their Col. John C. Moore filed multiple reports to explain his unit’s actions the second day of the fight; their Lt. Col. William P. Rogers vowed to prove his men’s valor.

Chapter 6 narrates the 2nd Texas’ post Shiloh service record, including the bloody battle of Corinth in October 1862, which resulted in the martyred death of Colonel Rogers. Although there were questions surrounding his death, a celebratory tale of him took shape, portraying him as a martyr for the Confederate cause. After Corinth, the 2nd Texas had transformed into an elite fighting unit, but the stigma of Shiloh seemed to linger. The chapter closes with their final days in Galveston, depleted and demoralized.