2 comments about Maria Von Blucher's Corpus Christi: Letters from the South Texas Frontier, 1849-1879 (Canseco-Keck History Series, 5).

1. Adroitly edited by Texas historian Bruce S. Cheeseman, Maria Von Blucher's Corpus Christi: Letters From The South Texas Frontier, 1849-1879 presents the correspondence by a young German-American pioneer who made a new life in Texas with her husband. Here portrayed are first person accounts of weathering Indian raids, droughts, the American Civil War, and the development of a town that her descendants would help evolve into a great city. A touching, personal narrative that takes the reader deep into the joys, frustrations, tribulations, and triumphs of pioneer life, Maria von Blucher's Corpus Christi is a superbly presented and highly recommended contribution to Pioneer Studies and Texas History supplemental reading lists and reference collections.



2. This first hand account of life in early Corpus Christi, Texas along with the background information provided was an invaluable resource for me in researching and understanding my own family's immigration from Germany to Texas in the 1840's.

5 comments about Stonewall of the West: Patrick Cleburne and the Civil War (Modern War Studies).

1. For many years the officers and men who made up the Army of Tennessee have played second fiddle to Lee's eastern army. The very title of this book clearly illustrates this point for one never hears a general in Lee's army referred to as the Cleburne of the east. Finally though, thanks in large part to the efforts of historians like Thomas L. Connelly and Shelby Foote and the diaries of Sam Watkins, the brave men of the Army of Tennessee are being given due credit.

   Craig Symonds has added his name to the above list with this excellent study of General Patrick Cleburne. No study of the Army of Tennessee would be complete without a study of one of its best generals, and therefore this biography is a very important addition to any Civil War library. Best of all, the author writes in a flowing style that helps make this book a joy to read.

   Unfortunately, much of Cleburne's personal correspondence has not survived but Symonds has done an excellent job of digging up what does exist. Fortunately, the Irish general was very precise with his battle reports and the correspondence of many of his close associates does still exist. Working with these sources the author weaves together a fascinating story. He doesn't dwell on the logistics of various battles, which tends to make for dry reading but instead describes very concisely the part Cleburne played in the battle

   Symonds also deals in some detail with Cleburne's personal life, from his early life in Ireland to his engagement. There is also a good deal of attention given to Cleburne's close friendships, both before and during the war, and his political beliefs and activities. Of course, Cleburne's proposal to arm and free the slaves is also dealt with in detail. From his own formulation of the plan, to the icy reception it received, to the possibility that his proposal may have been partially responsible for his lack of further promotion, the plan and its ramifications and insights into Cleburne's personality are closely examined.

   For any student of the war this would be a worthwhile read, but for anyone with a particular interest in the Army of Tennessee it is an indispensable read.




2. This biography of Patrick Cleburne proves to be very readable and insightful. The book appears to be well researched and its obviously that the author favored his subject.

   Cleburne appears to be a very controversial even while he was alive. Perhaps because of his foreign birth, he was more sympathic about the conditions of the blacks and made proposals that didn't go well with his fellow southerners. The book revealed that he was a superb leader and intelligent commander. His superiors definitely didn't aid their cause by keeping him just as a divison commander when he could have been an excellent corps commander - in an army where corps commanders were not well regraded.

   The author painted a vivid and complete picture of this general whose reputation have grown considerably since the Civil War among all Civil War readers.




3. This is a very good book. Patrick Cleburne is my favorite civil war general, and this volume gives a very even-handed discussion of his life, from Ireland to Franklin, Tenn. In particular, it gives considerable space to his growth as a leader. The discussions of Shiloh and Franklin are very good, and understandable. The book gives attention to the General's private life, especially his tragic engagement to Miss Tarleton. In depth but not dry or overwhelming, STONEWALL OF THE WESTis a great introduction to this Commander of the often overlooked western theater!



4. Had Patrick Cleburne fought in the Army of Northern Virginia instead of the Army of Tennessee, we surely would be overwhelmed with biographies of his greatness as a general. Because he was a general officer in the Army of Tennessee - the army most Southern writers have traditionally ignored and treated as the red headed step child of the Confederacy, there are far fewer books on him than his accomplishments would seem to warrant. Fortunately, Mr. Symonds has written an excellent biography of the general which puts his impressive accomplishments into perspective and begins to give this extraordinary fighting general his due.
   The main focus of Symonds' work is on Cleburne the general, but he gives enough background of his youth in Ireland and his migration to and adoption of America as his new home to sketch what shaped his character and what motivated him to fight in the Southern cause. Cleburne emerges as an immigrant eager to assimilate and make the customs and mores of his new home his own; a man grateful for the opportunities and acceptance he received in Arkansas, and genuinely, if uncritically, committed to fighting for the cause of his adopted home.
   Symonds also addresses Cleburne's role within the morass of intrigue that plagued the command structure of the Army of Tennessee. He shows Cleburne to have been one of the anti Bragg cartel, not as a primary mover, but because of his loyalty to his friend and mentor General Hardee (a principle Bragg opponent), and perhaps even more so because of his habit of candor that showed little regard for political expediency. This was damaging to his career, and perhaps among the principle reasons why he was never promoted above division commander, despite the fact that he was the brightest shining star in the army. He likewise touches on Cleburne's remarkable plan to enlist slaves in the Confederate army - offering freedom to any man and his family who would fight for the South. While Cleburne's reasoning showed clarity and logic, his judgment in presenting the plan to his fellow Southern officers showed amazing naiveté and foolhardiness, and further damaged his hopes for promotion.
   But the reason there is a biography of Cleburne is the battles. Symonds traces them from his first minor engagements, through Shiloh, his first major battle, all the way to the final tragic, futile charge at Franklin. He shows how Cleburne's skills as a general developed; from simply a brave and bold leader without any great military skill at Shiloh, to an outstanding commander of men who creatively defended against overwhelming odds at Chattanooga, and became the armies designated rearguard, repeatedly saving it from destruction..
   Symonds biography of Cleburne is well written and engaging. It makes a good beginning in putting General Patrick Cleburne back into his rightful place in the pantheon of Southern heroes. If you are a serious student of the Civil War, you should not consider your library complete without a copy. I highly recommend it.
   
   Theo Logos



5. 
   Craig Symonds has written an excellent, full biography of Confederate general Patrick Cleburne. He opens the biography with a very dramatic account of Cleburne's last engagement, at the battle of Franklin in November 1864, where he was killed. This really sets the mood for lively chronicle that follows.
   
   Cleburne was born in Ireland in 1828 and came to the US in 1849. Although he had failed the apothecary course at Trinity College, Dublin, he began working as a druggist's clerk in Helena, AR. He also studied for the law. Appointed brigadier general after seizing the Little Rock Arsenal with his self-formed unit, the Yell Rifles, he saw action at Shiloh, Richmond, KY (where he was wounded), and Perryville. Promoted to major general, his military abilities and leadership qualities received high notice: for his brilliant and dogged defense of Ringgold Gap at Chattanooga against persistent Union attack he was formally thanked by the Confederate Congress. It was after this that he committed what is probably the most controversial act of his life: signing a petition (with 13 other officers) expressing the belief that blacks should be used as fighting men in the Southern army. Symonds discusses this incident at length, of course, and whether it was an act of bravery and foresight or one of naivete, it hurt Cleburne's reputation (he never got another promotion). Fighting under Hood, he was killed at Franklin.
   
   Symonds is an excellent writer and presents his subject with verve and great narrative skill. It's a scholarly biography, but written with the general (though interested and informed) public in mind, and not just other scholars. Worth a spot on anyone's Civil War shelf. Highly recommended.

No comments about Stephen Dodson Ramseur: Lee's Gallant General.

3 comments about The Class of 1861: Custer, Ames, and Their Classmates after West Point.

1. The Class of 1861 is an immensely readable account of the group. Kirshner has provided a chronological account of the famous class that focuses primarily on various Civil War battles, but also the post war period. This collection of stories and short biographies taken from a prodigious amount of primary sources provides many interesting insights into the military experience and mindset of the professionally trained soldier. All in all, this book gives an interesting account of a group of young individuals from our Service Academy trained in the art of war that, perhaps fortunately or perhaps not, gets the opportunity to use their skill and knowledge right after, and in some cases, before graduation.

   Incidentally, the picture of the front cover is believed to be the earliest photograph of the US Corps of Cadets at West Point. Although undated, it was probably taken sometime between 1860 and 1862.




2. The battles, leaders and controversies of the war are seen through the eyes of the young officers from the US military academy. From the earliest battles through the end -- insights on the military strategy and political issues of the war are illuminated. The post war careers of the officers bring to light still relevant controversies concerning the reconstruction period. Well documented and well selected this is a gold mine of insights for those interested in the Civil War period.



3. Maybe, as a history buff, I'm getting used to more interesting presentational formats of history. Perhaps that's why I found this book, generally, to be a very boring exercise in reading something. I was disappointed.

2 comments about Private Elisha Stockwell, Jr., Sees the Civil War.

1. I unwrapped and read this book on Christmas Day, so you can see it's a quick read. It reads like a conversation, since that's what it is, a transcribed chronology of this soldier's memory of his time in the union army. I wish he had written the book earlier in his life ( he waited something like 62 years) because he might have added different details and been more reflective on certain things. But as it is, his recollections give you a way to view the war first-hand. And, since none of us can really go back to 1862 ourselves, these accounts are the best way to do it. Stockwell's book does a great job of clarifying what a civil war soldier's number one concern was - getting something to eat. A large part of his remembering of the war is the continual search for food. The book really brings this home. As you read certain passages you can get a very clear picture in your mind just how hard of a life this soldierin' actually was. The book also gives a good account of how casually death came to some soldiers. They are killed when they are eating, standing in line, etc. by stray bullets. And Stockwell is a witness and his descriptions of these scenes bring home the absurd horror of war. If the book has a failing it is that it is not in 7 volumes. That way, when you finish this first part so quickly, there would be six more to read. So, quick read or not, Rest in peace, old soldier. I enjoyed your adventure.



2. JUST AMAZING. This book is a first-hand account of my grandfather's grandfather's experiences in the Civil War. Byron Abernethy, my grandfather, took Elisha's writings and edited them for publishing. While I am a bit biased because this is part of my family history, I can guarantee you it is quite an interesting read to see how a high-school age boy reacted to war. At times lighthearted, but never treating the subject matter lightly, it is an engrossing, eye-opening read. I am so grateful he left his memories to share with us all. -His great great grandchild

3 comments about The Insanity File: The Case of Mary Todd Lincoln.

1. With patience, and believe me it's worth it, you will discover the basic truths regarding Mary Todd (her supposed insanity) and her relationship with her eldest and only surviving son Robert (who had her institutionalized). This is a fantastic story of not only the legal mindset of the day regarding medicine, pyschology and women, but a story of a family that deeply cared for each other yet found it nearly impossible to express that love. Based on a large packet of notes and letters hidden away by Robert Todd Lincoln in his Manchester, Vermont home and subsequently discovered by his grandson Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith in 1980, this is hands-down the most factual account you will find anywhere, well documented with footnotes and references galore. Alas, Beckwith (the last of the Lincolns) is dead, but his decision to allow publication of this very private material was based on the fact that if Robert had not want it to be known he would have burned the packet rather than hiding it away for future discovery. If you want more gossip about the Lincolns, this is not the book for you. If you want a clearer understanding of who this great lady Mary Todd and her son Robert Todd Lincoln were, this is the only place you'll find it.



2. This book does not definitively answer the question whether the involuntary commitment of Mary Todd Lincoln subsequent to the assassination of her husband was just. It does portray Robert Todd Lincoln, the only surviving son of MTL, who initiated the proceedings, in a light more favorable than any previous biography to analyize the event.

   As a person who works in the area of mental health law in the State of Illinois, I have found this book to be an invaluable resource in understanding the history of mental health law as it has evolved in this state. That said, there are instances in which legal terms are misused or misinterpreted by the authors, which leaves some question as to the authoriativeness of the opinions they express.

   This is largely a work of history. As such, it animates the colorful characters involved in the insanity trial and the developments in the years prior. This is far more interesting any fiction I have read, and its historical basis makes it helpful in considering how we treat family members and the mentally ill today.




3. This book always makes me feel sad because I dislike thinking of Mary Todd Lincoln as insane. I mean really, how many of us can say that we have witnessed our spouse being assasinated in front of our face? I always found how history looks at Mrs. Lincoln somewhat depressing.This is a really good book on her psychological behavior but doesn't go deep enough with other things.

No comments about Confederate Generals of the Civil War (Collective Biographies).

No comments about The Fiery Trail: A Union Officer's Account of Sherman's Last Campaigns.

5 comments about Richard Taylor: Soldier Prince of Dixie.

1. This is a highly readable yet scholarly treatment of an important nineteenth century Southerner. Dick Taylor, son of President Zachary Taylor, was a Yale-educated aristocrat and Louisiana sugar plantation owner when the Civil War broke out. By war's end he was a Lieutenant General. Although he had no pre-war military training, he became one of the Confederacy's most able commanders. Parrish expertly covers Taylor's entire life, but naturally focuses on the Civil War exploits. In addition to being an excellent strategist and tactician, Taylor was colorful, self-confident, oblivious to what others thought of him, and a lifelong practitioner of noblesse oblige. Parrish is clearly enamored of his subject, but this does not stop him from critically examining the contradictions and hypocrisies inherent in Taylor's worldview. The book is free of the anachronisms and politically correct jargon which mar so much recent American historical scholarship.



2. In my humble opinion, Parrish's is one of the best biographies I have ever read. Admittingly, the book is about a fascinating person: the son of a US President and Mexican War Hero who continues his family's military heritage by becoming a Lieutenant General in the Confederate Army without the benefit of a West Point education and becomes power in pre and post Civil War Louisiana. Writing a book about such a person should result in an interesting read!

   Throughout the book, Parrish maintains an excellent balance in presenting Taylor's life, including: early life and pressures as the son of a famous hero, early indifference to formal education, success as a wealthy plantation owner, relationships with slaves, views of slavery, entrance into Louisiana politics, CSA military service eventually leading to the rank of lieutenant general, post Civil War years, and later years. Parrish does an excellent job of covering each area and as a result, the reader learns the many sides of a fascinating character.

   Particularly interesting to me were the descriptions of Taylor's relationships with several noted Civil War personalities: Lee, Davis, Beauregard, Johnston, Jackson, Grant, Sibley, Smith, Forrest, Bragg, and others. With few exceptions, Taylor was able to get along with most of the people he encountered during the war - a rare accomplishment indeed. Parrish does an excellent job or summarizing Taylor's valuable service to the CSA and the book contains excellent maps of the battles Taylor participated in.

   All in all, an excellent and highly recommended read of one of the Civil War's most fascinating personalities!




3. This is the best bio I have read to date of General Taylor, although sometimes one must wonder if Mr. Parrish had much sympathy for his subject, with his sometimes disparaging remarks about Southern patriarchy. Perhaps he was simply trying to be PC on the slavery issue, but this didn't add much to the book for me. Still, serious students of General Taylor's exploits and the Western theater of the war will find this book an excellent resource



4. It is hard to believe that other people have not written about Richard Taylor, but they need not bother now that Parrish has written this book. This book on Taylor is engaging and interesting, but also very scholarly. Although Parrish's writing style can be dry at times, his topic does not allow the book to get mired in details or become boring. Instead, Taylor's life jumps off the pages and Taylor led such a life that we, the reader, get a great overview of pre-Civil War politics, the war in the Trans-Mississippi, and the Reconstruction Era. Normally, I find the pages on the time before and after the war somewhat boring, but this was not the case with this book. The whole book really kept my attention and was very interesting. Thinking back, I really cannot think of any criticisms of this work. Just a good, solid history book.



5. Before reading the personal memoir of an historical figure, I always make an effort to first read a scholarly biography of that person if one is available. Since Richard Taylor's memoir "Destruction and Reconstruction" is often highly ranked among the suggested reading lists for the Civil War, I planned to read it, so I set out to first find a bio. That's when I found Parrish's "Soldier Prince of Dixie."
   
   Through Parrish's depiction of Taylor's life we are given a front row seat first into the making of an aristocratic, Yale educated, slave-holding planter, and a son of a president no less. By following Taylor we see in microcosm the story of the late antebellum South and its destruction.
   
   He became a planter by inheritance when his father died. He went from being an elitist Whig to being swept into the torrent by fire-eating democrats. With no prior military training he became an outstanding field commander for the C.S.A.; among talented amateurs he was surpassed only by Forrest and perhaps Cleburne. Early on he served in the east in the Valley with Stonewall. Later he returned to the Trans-Mississippi and eventually reached the pinnacle of his achievements by stopping Banks in the Red River campaign.
   
   As a result of the war his plantation was destroyed, and he endured the death of his young son. Still, he retained some national influence. He advised President Johnson on cabinet appointments and was a personal acquaintance of Henry Adams, author of "The Education of Henry Adams."
   
   For anyone planning on reading "Destruction and Reconstruction," Parrish's work is valuable for its maps, especially the ones that show the Trans-Mississippi areas like the Red River Valley and the Lafourche and Teche bayou regions.

1 comments about General Henry Lewis Benning : This Was a Man.

1. While many people readily connect Henry Benning with the US military installation, the deeds and details of his life have slipped into obscurity. Even in his hometown, the historical marker that once pointed to the location of his home and briefly described him is no longer there. His home, and the entire city block on Broad Street in Georgia has been demolished. Today, Benning's old neighborhood has been replaced by Total Systems, a modern coporate office facility.

   Henry L Benning was a wise, prudent and selfless servent of causes that he felt were just. Benning excelled as a military leader and his career as an attorney is legendary. He served his home state as a Solicitor General and as a Justice of the Supreme Court. His career as a successful attorney earned him the reputation as a champion of truth and justice. He was also a devoted husband, loving father and a generous friend.

   This is an excellent research book for anyone interested in the life of General Henry Lewis Benning. The chapters in this book's pages include The Columbus Bank Cases; Succession of the Confederacy; The Battles of Gettysburg, Chickamauga and the "Riot in Raleigh"; and the East Tennesse Campaign and the Battle of the Wilderness. There are almost a hundred photographs, maps and illustrations in this book. Footnotes appear throughout the book and reference the reader to countless resources for research. A thirty-two page index is at the end of the book.