Author: John Withers
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780984404421
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 280
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Book Description
An eyewitness account of the American Civil War, never before published in its entirety. Told from the first person perspective of Lt. Col. John Withers, an Assistant Adjutant General in the James Buchanan administration, and later in the Jefferson Davis administration for the Confederacy, this civil war diary encompasses over two years in Withers' life, from October 1860 - December 1862. Because of the nature of his job, Lt. Col. Withers was closely acquainted with many of the notable figures of Civil War history. His friend, Ed. A Palfrey, later wrote, "his relations with the President and Secretary of War were of an intimate character, as was necessarily the case from the position he held." Lt. Col. Withers' family was from the south. When Withers received a letter from his aunt, Susanna Withers Clay (wife of Clement Comer Clay, 8th Governor of Alabama), urging him to resign his commission in the U.S. Army and come south to join the Confederate cause, Withers did so. He joined the Confederate Army in March, 1861. While stationed in the Confederate capitol of Richmond, Virginia, Lt. Col. Withers recorded civil war events as they happened, including the Seven Days Battles, and other battles that took place during the early part of the "War Between the States." He also wrote of the more personal aspects of his life, such as the agony of his wife's illness and his young son's death. Withers wrote of the profound and the mundane, and even, on occasion, the slightly bizarre human behavior that he witnessed. His diary provides a unique, first person account of life during the American Civil War. His is a rich story, and worthy to be told. Handwritten diary images are included. (Print edition only.)
Author: LtCol. John Withers
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 9781517510619
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 148
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Book Description
The American Civil War, more commonly known as the Civil War, raged from 1861 to 1865. This bloody conflict was conducted to maintain the Union of the United States and prevent the formation of an independent country known as the Confederate States of America. In 1861 the United States consisted of 34 states. Seven Southern slave states seceded from the United States to form the Confederacy. Eventually the Confederacy included eleven states, but they claimed thirteen, plus additional western territories. The primary issue behind the southern states seceding from the Union was that of slavery. The North desired to abolish slavery, the South wanted to keep it. April 12, 1861, marked the beginning of hostilities when Southern forces fire upon Fort Sumter, South Carolina. After four bloody years and 600,000 Union and Confederate soldiers dead, the Confederacy surrendered and the Union was maintained. Sadly, the battles were fought between brothers, between fathers and sons, between families and friends. It wasn't uncommon for old friends commanding forces of the Union and Confederacy to face-off across the killing fields of various battlefields. No one knows how many fathers killed their sons, how many son's killed their fathers and how many brothers, killed their sibling. Or how many lifelong friends killed each other. It was indeed a sad and tragic episode in America history. Interestingly, many officers serving in the Union army resigned their commission and enlisted in the Confederate Army. That was true for General Robert E. Lee the supreme commander of the Confederate Army and it was true for Lt. Col. John Withers a graduate of the United States Military Academy who resigned his commission in the union army in March 1861 and was appointed a Captain in the Confederate Army on March 29, 1861. His diary provides an exceptionally intimate window into his military and family life which is rarely seen in publications. His love for his family is evident and his dedication to duty comes through clearly. At times, his diary reads similar to a novel; capturing the joy, sadness, death, destruction, horrors and mundane activities of everyday life during times of war. His entries include meeting Presidents, British Royalty and Generals of the Union and Confederacy and learning of battles in real time. One must remember, this was his personal diary, it was never meant for public review. Yet, it is a marvelously profound work and powerful piece of history. I opted to preserve the authenticity, flavor and intimacy of his diary by printing it in his original handwriting. This brings remarkable warmth to his story not present in a transcribed form. It allows the readers to imagine Lt. Col. Withers seated at a desk, lit by a lantern, as he put words to paper at the end of the day. Since this is a copy of his original diary, some of the words on the right side of the page were unavoidably clipped by the National Archives during processing. However, the missing letters do not distract from the work. No matter your opinion regarding the Civil War; you will agree that after reading this magnificent diary, you will never forget Lt. Col. Withers. Enjoy his journey.
Author: John Withers
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780984404438
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 229
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Book Description
Eyewitness accounts of the American Civil War, told through the viewpoints of a Confederate husband and wife. Providing a unique perspective on the American Civil War, this book weaves together the diaries of Lt. Col. John Withers, an Assistant Adjutant General for Jefferson Davis, and his wife, Anita Dwyer Withers. Reports of battles fought meld with domestic life in these journals, creating a multi-dimensional picture of the Withers' lives together during the "War Between the States." Jointly, their diaries encompass the entire length of the Civil War; from May 1860 - September 1865. A West Point graduate, John Withers served as an officer in the U.S. Army. Anita Dwyer Withers was the daughter of a distinguished citizen of San Antonio, Texas. In September 1860, Withers was ordered to Washington, D.C., and assigned duty as an Assistant in the Adjutant-General's office. As Anita was very close to her family in Texas, she was deeply troubled by the move. She wrote, "I regret it mightily." In Washington, John served under General Samuel Cooper's command until March, 1861, when he resigned his commission in the U.S. Army and came south to join the Confederate cause. Because of the nature of his job in the Confederate capitol of Richmond, Lt. Col. Withers and his wife were closely acquainted with many of the notable figures of Civil War history, including Jefferson Davis, his wife, Varina Davis, and the Secretary of War. John and Anita recorded Civil War events as they happened, including the Seven Days Battles. Each also wrote of the more personal aspects of their lives, such as Anita's near fatal illness and the agony of their young son's death. Lt. Col. John Withers and Anita were ordinary people living in extraordinary times. Their story is timeless, and well worth being remembered.
Author: Gilbert Moxley Sorrel
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Generals
Languages : en
Pages : 334
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Book Description
This memoir takes the reader inside the workings of the Confederate army staff. Sorrel was a relatively unknown officer who rose through the ranks to become General Longstreet's most trusted associate. Sorrel's memoir makes no claims to strategic analysis. It simply relates what he saw and the events of which he was a part. His vantage point was, however, in many ways unique. His service with Longstreet brought him into the thick of many of the war's decisive engagements.
Author: Gilbert Moxley Sorrel
Publisher: Good Press
ISBN:
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 223
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Book Description
In 'Recollections of a Confederate Staff Officer' by Gilbert Moxley Sorrel, readers are taken on a journey through the Civil War era from the perspective of a Confederate staff officer. Sorrel's memoir provides firsthand accounts of the battles, strategies, and personal experiences during this tumultuous time in American history. Written in a concise and engaging style, the book offers a valuable glimpse into the military aspects of the conflict while also delving into the emotional and psychological toll it took on those involved. Sorrel's vivid descriptions and attention to detail make this work a must-read for anyone interested in the Civil War era literature and history. His narrative style is both informative and evocative, immersing readers in the events of the time. Gilbert Moxley Sorrel, as both a witness and participant in the Civil War, brings a unique perspective to his writing. His firsthand experiences as a staff officer lend credibility and authenticity to his accounts, making them valuable sources of historical information. Sorrel's background and insights offer readers a deeper understanding of the era and the individuals involved in the conflict. For history enthusiasts, military buffs, and anyone interested in firsthand accounts of the Civil War, 'Recollections of a Confederate Staff Officer' is a compelling and informative read. Sorrel's memoir provides a valuable perspective on the events of the time, shedding light on the inner workings of the Confederate army and the personal struggles faced by its members.
Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Confederate States of America
Languages : en
Pages : 486
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Book Description
Extensive collection of narratives covering various engagements, including casualty statistics, and illustrated with maps, portraits, drawings and photographs.
Author: Gilbert Moxley Sorrel
Publisher: Good Press
ISBN:
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 224
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Book Description
In Gilbert Moxley Sorrel's "Memoirs of a Confederate Staff Officer," readers are transported back to the American Civil War through the eyes of a key figure in the Confederate Army. Sorrel's first-hand account provides a unique perspective on the military strategies, battles, and daily life during this tumultuous period in American history. His writing style is straightforward and engaging, making it accessible to readers interested in both history and memoirs. The detailed descriptions of Civil War campaigns and interactions with notable figures such as Robert E. Lee offer valuable insights into the Confederate perspective. As a former Confederate staff officer, Gilbert Moxley Sorrel was well-positioned to document the events and experiences that shaped the outcome of the Civil War. His insider knowledge and personal involvement in key battles add credibility to his narrative, shedding light on the motivations and challenges faced by the Confederate leadership. Sorrel's dedication to preserving the memory of the Confederate cause is evident throughout the memoir, making it a valuable primary source for historians and enthusiasts alike. I highly recommend "Memoirs of a Confederate Staff Officer" to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Civil War from a Confederate standpoint. Sorrel's account offers a compelling blend of historical insight and personal recollection that is sure to captivate readers interested in this pivotal period of American history.
Author: Robert Underwood Johnson
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : United States
Languages : en
Pages : 404
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Book Description
Author: Robert Enoch Withers
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : United States
Languages : en
Pages : 22
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Book Description
Author: Robert Underwood Johnson
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : United States
Languages : en
Pages : 790
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Book Description
