From a True Soldier and Son - Softcover

Carolyn Reeder

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0981880509 ISBN 13: 9780981880501

Publisher: Brandy Station Foundation, 2008

Synopsis

Young William Reeder was a keen observer, and his account of three years with the Twentieth Indiana Infantry makes compelling reading. Carefully researched commentary helps place his experience in the context of the Civil War as a whole, and the text is enhanced by photographs, illustrations, and clearly drawn maps. William s letters tell of battles on the Virginia peninsula, at Gettysburg, and in the Overland Campaign plus numerous smaller actions as well as life in camp. They also describe aspects of the war that are less well known. These include an eye-witness report of the Merrimac wreaking havoc on the Union s blockading vessels the day before her duel with the Monitor; living through a hurricane while occupying Hatteras Island, being detailed to New York City in the aftermath of the draft riots, and months spent at Columbian Hospital in Washington first as a patient, then as an assistant to the medical staff. Besides being a record of a young soldier s experiences, this collection of letters shows his transition from green recruit longing for a "brush" with the enemy to battle-weary survivor hoping "Kind Providence" would spare him to return home.

Edition details

• Publisher: Brandy Station Foundation
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0981880509
• ISBN 13: 9780981880501
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 236
• Editor: Jack Reeder