"I want it understood that all these men fought for principle, not for plunder, and that they were true-hearted, honorable soldiers, fighting for what they esteemed was a righteous cause"

The quote by Cole Younger shows an enthusiastic defense of the inspirations and character of the men with whom he fought, likely throughout the American Civil War, as Younger was a recognized Confederate guerrilla throughout that time. Younger's words aim to clarify and justify the actions of these guys, distancing their intentions from mere self-gain or opportunism, rather highlighting their dedication to an ideal or moral principle.

The expression "fought for concept, not for plunder" suggests a deliberate distinction between the nobility of their cause and the baseness of acting for personal gain. Plunder in this context refers to the act of taking items by force, often connected with the self-serving attributes of mercenaries or pirates. Younger wants to disassociate the actions of his compatriots from such narratives, stressing that their battle was not driven by greed or material desires. This point is essential in comprehending Younger's effort at building a legacy that honors their inspirations rather than demonizes them as common bad guys or marauders.

By utilizing the descriptors "true-hearted" and "respectable", Younger aims to emphasize the stability and virtue of these guys. "True-hearted" suggests loyalty not only to their cause but also to each other, adhering to an ethical compass that assisted their actions. "Honorable" reinforces this, showing that their conduct was assisted by a code of ethics or set of concepts they thought to be dignified and morally best.

Additionally, the phrase "respected was a righteous cause" acknowledges that these beliefs were subjective, suggesting that while their actions may have been contentious to others, they were nonetheless deeply rooted in what these males genuinely believed to be simply. This subjective righteousness suggests an awareness of the controversy surrounding their cause without yielding any moral ground.

In sum, Cole Younger's words serve to humanize and vindicate his guys, painting them as principled warriors instead of lawless invaders. This portrayal intends to evoke respect and understanding, highlighting the intricacy of historical narratives where morality and obligation are often deeply linked and vigorously discussed.