ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
2. The Knight Company Hide In The Swamps Of Jones County, Mississippi, And Received Much Support From Locals
The Confederacy had a considerable problem with members of the Confederate Army deserting their post. Therefore, it became a big offense in the eyes of the Confederacy and captured deserters were often thrown in jail, beaten, tortured, or even killed. Of course, the danger for the deserters who created the Knight Company increased. However, the Knight Company had one significant advantage most of the Confederacy; they had members who knew the swamps of Jones County, Mississippi well. Therefore, they would often hideout in the marshes when danger was approaching. Because of the wetlands, the Knight Company was challenging to reach.
Not only did the Knight Company have an advantage with the swamps but they also had a lead through the people of Jones County. Before the start of the Civil War, Jones County was not supportive of secession from the Union. Only around 10% of the population of Jones County were slaves, and the members of the Knight Company felt they related to the 10% of the community more than the wealthy society. Furthermore, the residents of Jones County thought they could connect to the members of the Knight Company more than they could relate to the Confederacy.
Therefore, most of the residents of Jones County jumped at the chance to help the members of the Knight Company, who were hiding out in the swamps. The residents, including the slaves of Jones County, would bring food and supplies to the Knight Company out in the swamps. There were a few members of Jones County who were considered to be spies for the Knight Company and would inform Newton of any news that they needed to know, whether it was there were members of the Confederate Army coming after them or that the Civil War had ended and the Confederacy had lost.