Quote Originally Posted by Dobry
...his home was agreed to by North and South Generals as a "no-man's land" (absolutely neutral) and served as a hospital to both Confederate, and Federal soldiers. My great-great-grandfather Marks refused to fight for the Confederacy... but both North and South honored this "cease-fire" on his land, so that the wounded, from both sides, could get medical treatment. And my great-great-grandfather remained protected... neither North or South bothered him, his family, or damaged his farm or mill, because of this treaty between North and South commanders. So, he and his family survived the war, without much difficulty.
That's a fascinating story. My question would be this: how was this neutrality made clear to a commander who was from out of the area? If for example, a union army from another state were for some reason come to his home and find 5 confederates in bed and no union troops at that particular time, wouldn't they be a bit suspicious/upset? Was there some sort of an actual written contract (that would have to be an incredible piece of paper to have!), or did all the locals just know that to be the case, or did they simply take him at his word?