Forty Years of Active Service (Classic Reprint)

Charles T. O'ferrall

ISBN 10: 1331131146 / ISBN 13: 9781331131144

Published by Forgotten Books, 2018

About this Item

Print on Demand. This book narrates the author's firsthand account of his service in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. From humble beginnings as a clerk, the author rose through the ranks of the cavalry, serving under legendary generals such as Stonewall Jackson and Turner Ashby. The book chronicles key battles and skirmishes in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, providing a soldier's-eye view of the war's unfolding events. The author's vivid descriptions transport readers to the front lines, immersing them in the fierce fighting and hardships endured by both sides. Beyond the gripping accounts of military engagements, the book delves into the complexities of the conflict, exploring the motivations and experiences of soldiers from both the North and the South. The author's insights shed light on the human toll of war, the sacrifices made, and the profound impact on individuals and communities. This book is aè é ã ª addition to the historical record of the Civil War, offering a unique perspective on one of the most pivotal conflicts in American history. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book.

Seller Inventory # 9781331131144_0

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Forty Years of Active Service (Classic Reprint)
• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication Date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1331131146
• ISBN 13: 9781331131144
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Book Type: print-on-demand item
• Seller catalogs:
  • Biography and Autobiography

About this title

Synopsis

Forty Years of Active Service offers a grounded, personal account of a Confederate cavalryman’s four years during the Civil War, framed by a long career in law and public service.

With clear, straightforward narration, the book blends battlefield recollections with reflections on wartime politics, governance, and postwar rebuilding. The author writes with a calm cadence, aiming for truth and brevity while sharing stories that illuminate both a soldier’s duty and the complexities of a divided nation.

This edition presents:

• Firsthand scenes from the Army of Northern Virginia, including leadership under Beauregard, Johnston, and Lee, and the realities of combat and command.
• Personal memories from the author’s later life, including service in the Virginia legislature and work on the bench, offering context on Reconstruction-era challenges.
• Anecdotes and historical moments that helped shape the era, from the Harpers Ferry incident to the debates over state debts and funding.
• Reflections on memory, loyalty, and reconciliation, told in a steady voice that emphasizes fairness and accuracy.

Ideal for readers of Civil War history, American memory, and memoirs that blend personal narrative with historical events.