No comments about The Ewing Family Civil War Letters.

No comments about Southern Hero: Matthew Calbraith Butler, Confederate General, Hampton Redshirt, and U.S. Senator.

No comments about Brevet Brigadier Generals in Blue.

No comments about The Correspondence of W.E.B. Du Bois: Selections, 1944-1963 (Correspondence of W. E. B. Du Bois).

2 comments about I'm Surrounded by Methodists: Diary of John H.W. Stuckenberg Chaplain of the 145th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.

1. "I'm Surrounded by Methodists..." is based upon the diary of Chaplain John Stuckenburg of the 145th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Gives a first-hand account of his experiences of the Civil War as he marched with the troops through each battle. Book also serves as the only regimental history ever written of the 145th, since no official records were ever composed.



2. I screamed loud enough to be heard to the next county, jumped up and down, and alarmed my entire neighborhood! And that was BEFORE I read the book! Okay, I read one page..no, two names on one page. This is the diary of Rev. Stuckenberg who was chaplain of the 145th PA Volunteer Infantry 1862-1863. It includes a copy of the pastor's list of the members of the Regimental Church, hand signed by 58 men. That's the reason a family historian of mature age would run 'round her house with abandon: for there in their own hand writing were two ancestors who had served with the 145th! The book , coupled with their military files, brought this period of the War of the Rebellion into sharp, detailed, focus. That alone would be enough to warrant its reading, however, I received an added bonus. Rev. Stuckenberg was Lutheran, as am I, and it's impossible not to finish this book without being spiritually moved by his observations, reflections, and foremostly, his love for the men to whom he ministered. His essay in appendix 1 and prayer in appendix 2 are extremely profound. If you are an ancestor of one of the men of the 145th, or even a general Civil War enthusiast, I highly recommend this book. Few scholars have studied Rev. Stuckenberg. After spending time with this man's words, I was left wondering at such a loss.
   I intend next to read a biography of him.

2 comments about TOM CUSTER.

1. Let me begin by saying I wrote the book-so I am a little biased. This started as my Master's thesis in history and I found it impossible to stop writing. It was very difficult and took a great deal of time-some ten years. I met a great many wonderful people and had a great time. I tried to tell a story of a man with many faults, but whose love of family overcame his weaknesses. It is a tale of courage, love, and sadness. Sadness for a great many people whose lives were destroyed by war. Is it the greatest book of all time, no, of course not. But I am proud of it and hope that it brings enjoyment to all who read it.



2. More than 200 men died in the coulees along the Little Big Horn River on June 25, 1876. One was George Armstrong Custer. Another was the only man at that time who had won two Congressional Medals of Honor, both for service in the American Civil War. That soldier was Thomas Ward Custer, the general's younger brother.
   Much has been written about the general, about his youth and flamboyance during the Civil War, as well as about his controversial career in the West as an Indian fighter. In most of those stories, we learn that George wasn't the only Custer riding with the Seventh Cavalry. He had two brothers with him, both Tom and Boston, as well as some cousins and in-laws, some along more or less as tourists. Tom himself has never been written about in a book length treatment until now. The reason for that is simple enough. Although he was the first man to win two Medals of Honor, as far as history itself is concerned he was not a history maker. He was, as it were, along for the ride.
   It was quite a ride, starting with his enlistment in the Army at the age of sixteen in 1861. He served for a while in the west, but was soon transferred to the east at his older brother's request. From then on, their careers were closely linked. Again at the general's request, after the Civil War ended Tom went over to the Seventh Cavalry, and ten years later he rode with it to the great Indian encampment where his life ended.
   Tom was brave enough to win medals, but he was no saint. Alcohol got the best of him more than once, and he reputedly sired a boy out of wedlock. The author does a good job with the slim resources available to describe this soldier's life, but, perhaps because he was such a minor player in events and because those resources are so scarce, he has a harder time putting the flesh back on his bones (although the removal of that flesh by the victorious Sioux is spelled out in graphic detail). For those of you interested in all aspects of the Custer myth, this book offers you one more coulee to explore.

No comments about A Black Congressman in the Age of Jim Crow: South Carolina's George Washington Murray (New Perspectives on the History of the South).

2 comments about So Far from Dixie: Confederates in Yankee Prisons.

1. My great-grandfather, Charles Slavens Cooper, was a confederate prisoner at Elmira in New York state, which explained my interest in this book. The book is well written and held my riveted attention for 2-3 days to complete reading it. Prison hardships, tales of escapes, and war experiences make this book a lively read. It is well documented with extensive endnotes and bibliography. There are 16 pages of photos. The first confederate soldiers arrived at this prison July 6, 1864 and the war ended less than one year later. During that time, almost 10,000 confederates were held there, in a place designed for about 1/3 that number. Conditions were horrible. Many died from the cold, lack of good nutrition, rat and mosquitoe born diseases, and poor hygienic conditions. The local cemetary contains about 3,000 grave markers for confederate prisoners. By the way, I also had a great-great-grandfather fight on the side of the North. Fortunately he avoided capture and did not have to spend any time at the notorious Andersonville prison in Georgia.



2. I really enjoyed this book. The author keeps you on the edge of your seat while talking of the Rebel's attempting to escape from prison. The book is a real easy read and personnaly I had trouble putting it down. I highly reccomend this book.

4 comments about Distinction in Every Service: Brigadier General Marcellus A. Stovall, C.S.A..

1. This book about Marcellus Stovall was flawless! I could
   not put it down! The author was able to bring to life not only
   a fascinating subject from history but Stovall's family members,
   and his own struggles, as well. I learned so much about the South and the Civil War from this work, and I am grateful to its
   author for bringing it to readers in the readable style that he did. I very much look forward to any and all future works by C.L. Bragg! Thanks for this wonderful, wonderful book!



2. I was extremely excited to get this book. In fact, I asked for it as a Christmas present and opened my gift with glee! I have a large collection of books concerning Confederate leadership and am constantly on the lookout for books about Confederate officers that are less well known. Most recently I have eagerly read works on Generals W.H.F. "Rooney" Lee, James L. Kemper, and Wade Hampton. My bookshelves "groan" with the weight of books on dozens of other Confederate (and Union) commanders

   I expected FAR more from both the subject and the author of this book. I was keenly disappointed.

   As I read this book I gradually began to wonder why the author had even decided to write about Brigadier General Stovall. Certainly, the facts of his life appear, to me at least, to be less than flattering. Just a few of the facts that are presented in the book, yet are glossed over or excused:

   Confined to quarters and was dismissed from West Point in his first year because of Desertion. He wasn't AWOL, or just hitting the tavern down the road.....he had deserted with absolutely NO intention of ever returning.

   Given a battalion at the start of the war because of his "experience" and then spent the next several months harrassing the Governor and his superiors for additional troops so that he could have a regiment rather than just a battalion. they turned him down time and again....one cannot help but wonder why....

   Brought his completely inexperienced teenage son into his own unit and then promptly promoted him to the rank of Battalion Sergeant Major over the heads of all other soldiers in the unit.

   At least one petition from his officers was received by higher authority requesting transfer from his command. This could be written off as back-stabbing politics, and it may have been, but combined with the rest of Stovall's history there may have been something behind it.

   The author cites an occasion in which his men were engaged in a shooting competition and Stovall ordered one of them to load a rifle for him. The soldier deliberately gave it a double load and was overjoyed to see the massive recoil that practically knocked the general down and the fact that the General's shot went "200 yards" wide. The author mentions this as if it were good-natured fun that showed how much Stovall's soldiers loved him.....having been an enlisted man myself I would tend to see just the OPPOSITE! The last thing a soldier would want to do to an admired officer would be to bruise his shoulder severely and embarrass him in front of the troops.

   Stovall was constantly "sick" and absent from his Brigade and the front, spending months at home with his family while other Confederate officers remained with their men even though virtually at "death's door". General Stovall in fact missed most of the actions in which his Brigade participated, including the great battles around Atlanta.

   During the retreat from the disasterous battle of Nashville, Stovall's superior officer, General Clayton, was unable to locate Stovall with his command and gave orders to the senior Colonel. He in fact mentioned that colonel as being in command of the brigade. Stovall's fellow Brigadier, General Gibson, also noted in writing that Stovall was not present and that his senior colonel was in command. The author simply states that they were not "looking in the right place" but after the above mentioned absences from his command, I wonder......

   During the retreat from Nashville the Army of the Tennessee reached Augusta by train on its way to join Johnston in the Carolinas. Upon arrival at Augusta Stovall promptly went "on furlough"! No mention of illness or wounds....he just basically abandoned his men at their lowest point. He was never to rejoin them. His brigade fought on under a series of other officers and surrendered with Johnston on April 26th, 1865. The author merely states that "Stovall's precise whereabouts at war's end are undocumented, but in all likelihood he was in Augusta." PLEASE!

   Finally, from a study of many other works I know that General Stovall was one of the General officers that signed a petition to President Jefferson Davis requesting that General Bragg be removed from command of the Army of Tennessee. Startlingly, the author completely omits this fact! This was a HUGE development at the time that had a colossal effect on command relationships within the army. To fail to mention that Stovall was one of the officers at the center of this command debacle is beyond understanding.

   I found myself greatly disappointed and disquieted by the time I had finished the book.




3. Unlike the first reviewer above, I am greatly appreciative of C. L. Bragg writing this book.

   Is any biography "definitive?" No. In that frame, the points raised by the negative review above deserve rebutting.

   1) Due to illness, Stovall had not taken winter exams, therefore was not sworn in, nor off provisional status. Simply, he was trying to get tossed.

   2) His "experience" consisted of years of militia duty. He did not harass the governor, and did far less than many to secure higher command. His superiors endorsed his efforts with high praise. "They turned him down time and again....one cannot help but wonder why...." It's obvious why, it says so in the book: the Gov. of Georgia did not have the additional companies to give him.

   3) He did at one time suffer from backstabing politics from some subordinate officers, but their views were contrary to all of the good things everyone else in every context said about him.

   4) The target shooting was one of many instances that proves, as reported by most of his own soldiers, Stovall was well thought of by his troops.

   5) Stovall's frailty was consistently caused by stress more than illness, and that fact makes it more of an attribute that he continuously returned to his brigade.

   6) It is fact that Stovall skilfully directed his brigade and helped save the army at Nashville and did a splendid job in covering the army's retreat. Afterward, Clayton stated that S. D. Lee had been wrong in criticizing Stovall.

   7) Illness or wounds....(the Augusta furlough)? Again, nothing is definitive. The circumstances are not known. There is no evidence either way, unless the previous reviewer has some.

   8) "Finally, from a study of many other works I know that General Stovall was one of the General officers that signed a petition to President Jefferson Davis". The previous reviewer is obviously very, very well learned on this topic. In fact, this statement shows more than a passing interest in Stovall before ever reading Bragg's book. The fact of Stovall being on this petition is nearly not to be found in any book or publication, and though the petition is in the official records, the list of signatures is not. Only after months of work has any reference to corroborate this statement been found, and it, too, is relatively obscure.
   
   Stovall would never have enjoyed his popularity as a leader, his political successes, business successes, or become VP of the Augusta UCV if he were not regarded generally as a man worthy of admiration. The claims made by the other reviewer are simply inconsistent with what is known to be factual about Stovall's life.

   For anyone looking to further their knowledge about another mostly obscure Confederate leader whose life is past due this examination, look no further.




4. Dr. Bragg has authored a mesmerizing account of Brig. Gen. Marcellus Stovall, from early childhood to his death. I heartily disagree with the reviewer above that slights the book [personally I wonder if he simply skimmed the book], and Mr. Young rebuts his points very credibly. Most of us have our books on Generals Lee and Jackson, but books on the lesser known leaders are few and far between. Dr. Bragg brings Marcellus to life, documenting Stovall's intense dedication and devotion. Gen. Stovall was immensely admired by his men, making the most of each engagement despite his continuing health problems. Gen. Stovall was courageous and daring, plucking victory from the jaws of defeat on several occasions. Even after the war Stovall demonstrated the courage of his convictions, once repaying an enormous debt incurred by a relative. Stovall had immense civic pride and devotion to duty - to himself, to family, and to his state of Georgia.
   
   Dr. Bragg brings other items to light as well, such as the arrest and fining ($10) of Stovall's daughter Amne for singing the "Bonnie Blue Flag' AFTER the war, and adds detail to the relationship between Union General William T. Sherman and Cecelia Stovall.
   
   All in all in a masterpiece, quick-paced and insightful, that brings to life a man who did receive 'Distinction in Every Service'. The state of Georgia has ample reason to be proud of Gen. Stovall, and of Dr. Bragg.

4 comments about Tramping With the Legion: A Carolina Rebel's Story.

1. With the help of his older relatives, Gene Scruggs has gathered together the oral history left by his great grandfather, Sergeant Judson Scruggs, who served in South Carolina's Holcombe Legion during most of the Civil War.
   
   Almost nothing has been written about this effective fighting unit which was organized early in the war by Peter F. Stevens, a former superintendent of The Citadel. 'Shanks' Evans, whose brigade included the infantry regiment of the Holcombe Legion, regarded it as his best fighting unit. During Lee's 1862 campaign, the accomplished Stevens often led Evans' entire brigade on the many occasions when Evans was posted to the divisional level.
   
   In his stories, Judson recalls training camps around Charleston, the battles of Malvern Hill, Rappahannock Station, Second Manassas, Lee's First Maryland Campaign, Kinston (NC), and Jackson (MS). In the summer of 1864, the Holcombe Legion was detailed to guard the Petersburg & Weldon Railroad and (luckily) was not with Evans' Brigade at the Battle of the Crater. However, Judson was captured while guarding the Stoney Creek (VA) station and bridge and sent to the infamous Elmyra (NY) Prison. Perhaps Judson's most interesting stories recount his tunnelling out of prison in October 1864 and his experiences of running, hiding, and working his way home by late May of 1865.
   
   Gene Scruggs includes glimpses of the daily lives of his Spartanburg District ancestors as he fashions the war stories as if his great-grandfather was telling them to his grandchildren in nightly installations. This is a "good read" for anyone interested in this troubled time in American history.



2. I thoroughly enjoyed Dr. Scruggs' book. It is written in such a manner that it draws the reader into the family circle while providing an amazing amount of detail into the history of the Legion and the personal recollections of Jud, the author's great grandfather.



3. Eugene Scruggs has made a valuable contribution to the history of the War Between the States with his account of the exploits of his great grandfather, Judson Puryear Scruggs, as an enlisted man in the Holcombe Legion, South Carolina Volunteers. To be sure, Scrugg's book is another in the "Johnny Reb and Billy Yank" tradition of oral history accounts from the point of view of the ordinary foot soldier. However, it is given context by a body of historical research, and a truly insightful introduction to some of this conflict's enduring themes. For many readers, the most interesting parts of the narrative will be those about life under horrible conditions in the POW camp at Elmira, NY, Judson's resourceful escape therefrom, and his traverse through enemy territory to Virginia.
   In my opinion, however, as an avid student of the conflict rather than a professional historian, Scrugg's finest achievement was in his reconstruction of Judson's narrative within a quasi-fictional framework, in which he recreates not only the voice of his great-grandfather, but also that of the grandchildren who are auditors of the story. This teachnique not only creates a sense of immediacy in the flow of the narrative, but instills a kind of novelistic suspense which makes it enjoyable for the reader. This approach also permits Scruggs to render narrative as a truly "oral history," in that he has recreated the language of the period --- the regional dialect of 19th century Southerner. His handling of the artistic problem of the use of "eye dialect," moreover, is deftly handled: instead of generating pages of mangled orthography, Scruggs includes only occasional phonetic spellings, opting instead for the dialectal phrase, the idiom, and the speech rhythmns of his people. Professional historians may take issue with Scrugg's decision to treat his material in this way; other readers may enjoy it as thoroughly as I did.
   
   Roger Cole
   January 29, 2007



4. I enjoyed reading Grandpa Scruggs' account of his experiences in Company K, Holcombe Legion of South Carolinians fighting for their state's freedom from the tyranny of the Union. The format of night time stories told by Grandpa Scruggs to his grandchildren kept a dramatic tension in the book that helped keep me reading. We learn about the courage and commitment of Judd and other soldiers to their cause. We learn of the hardships, boredom,and horror of life as a foot soldier. The ways captured soldiers were treated changed as the war progressed. Judd experienced both ways. Because of the personal focus of this book, we also learn how the war caught up extended families and effected them. We also get glimpses of life back at home while the men were at war. I highly recommend Eugene Scruggs' book.