Dear Frenchmen,
I study American history, and I am always excited to encounter Europeans who share this interest: especially since, in comparison, their own histories are much larger and complicated than the history of my own country. Please explain why the American Civil War interests you. Does it overlap with French interest or study of the Second Empire of Napoleon the 3rd, or with the Franco-Prussian War? I have always been fond of the French Prince De Polignac, who fought under Taylor in Louisiana as a soldier of fortune. The Texas rowdies he commanded called him "General Polecat," as it suited their tongues better than the French. After surrender, he returned to France to command the French 1st Division in the Franco-Prussian War. Whenever I meet a Frenchman who studies the War, Polignac comes to my mind. Please share what you enjoy about your studies in American history, and how it compares to the celebrated history of your own country.
Pemberton