Meaning: The quote "In the younger days of the Republic there lived in the county of - two men, who were admitted on all hands to be the very best men In the county; which, in the Georgia vocabulary, means they could flog any other two men in the county" is from the novel "Georgia Scenes" by Augustus Baldwin Longstreet, an influential American lawyer, minister, and humorist. The quote is a satirical commentary on the concept of "best men" and the culture of violence and physical strength prevalent in the society of the time.

Augustus Longstreet's "Georgia Scenes" was first published in 1835 and is considered one of the earliest works of Southern humor. The book is a collection of humorous sketches and stories that offer a vivid portrayal of life in the antebellum South, particularly in the state of Georgia. Longstreet's writing is known for its wit, satire, and keen observation of the social and cultural norms of the time.

The quote reflects the exaggerated and often paradoxical nature of the concept of "best men" in the Southern society of the time. Longstreet uses irony to highlight the absurdity of the notion that being the "best men" in the county is equated with the ability to physically defeat any other men. This satirical commentary serves as a critique of the prevalent culture of violence and the glorification of physical strength as a measure of worth and honor.

The phrase "In the younger days of the Republic" sets the time period as the early years of the United States, emphasizing the historical context in which the story is situated. The reference to "the county of -" suggests a specific, unnamed location within Georgia, adding a sense of local specificity to the narrative. Longstreet's use of regional vernacular, such as "the Georgia vocabulary," further grounds the quote in the cultural and linguistic context of the Southern United States.

The quote can be interpreted as a reflection of the social dynamics and power structures of the time, where physical prowess and the ability to assert dominance through physical confrontation were highly valued. Longstreet's satirical approach challenges these norms and exposes the contradictions inherent in the idealized image of the "best men" in the county.

Overall, the quote from "Georgia Scenes" by Augustus Baldwin Longstreet offers a satirical commentary on the concept of "best men" in the antebellum South, using humor and irony to critique the culture of violence and the glorification of physical strength as a measure of worth. Through this quote, Longstreet engages with the complexities of Southern society and offers a humorous yet incisive perspective on the social and cultural norms of his time.