With the advent of the Civil War in 1861; young men from both Confederate and Union states rushed to volunteer for military duty in a war that many believed would be quickly resolved. The spring of 1862; however; brought the realization that not only was the conflict going to last longer than expected; but additional troops would be needed on both sides. It was at this time that the 55th Regiment North Carolina Troops entered the war. Composed primarily of farmers and tradesmen; the regiment also presented a microcosm of the Tar Heel State with a regionally diverse membership from more than 20 counties. Along with these members came an equal variety of political ideologies; social institutions and range of economic stability—all differences that faded in the face of a common enemy. Finding motivation for their fight in a simple defense of their homes and families; the men of the 55th North Carolina made significant contributions to the Confederate cause; fighting—and often dying—in some of the war’s bloodiest conflicts. From its formation in 1862 through its dissolution in 1865; this comprehensive history tells the story of the men who served in the 55th North Carolina. Drawing on letters; memoirs; diaries and recollections; it depicts the Civil War through the eyes of the soldiers; enhancing modern-day understanding of what it was like to fight for the Confederate States of America. While providing information on the battles in which the 55th North Carolina took part (including the little known Suffolk campaign); the main focus of the work is the everyday life of the men—the ever-present influence of politics and religion as well as the effects of disease and combat. Appendices provide a breakdown of the companies in the regiment; the regimental roster; a list of men who died of disease; and a record of the men from the 55th who were killed in battle. Contemporary photographs are also included.
#2895340 in Books Mcfarland n Co Inc Pub 2002-09Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.30 x .80 x 6.00l; 1.18 #File Name: 0786413395378 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. The best of the bestBy William L. SmallwoodAfter reading Mary Chestnut's diary for the second time; I decided that I had to learn much more about the trials of the southern woman during and immediately after the Civil War. I then read Kate Stone and Cornelia McDonald and Sarah Morgan's diarys; then branched out into a series of compendia compiled by various authors on the same general topic--books like Drew Gilpin Faust's Mothers of Invention; which was an excellent read. Then I stumbled on to Marilyn Culpepper's book All Things Altered and I literally could not put it down; and now; as I leaf through it; I see that I have probably averaged an underlined sentence or paragraph for each page of the text. The thing that impressed me at the beginning was the depth of research--page after page of quotes that must have taken years to have mined. Then there were the new facts that I learned--facts that had to have had great bearing upon the resentment that grew and exploded among the conquered. Like when a Federal order came down for occupied areas that required EVERY minister to lead a prayer for President Lincoln. Talk about rubbing the victims' noses in it! And then there was the hatred on the part of the women. And; yes; I know; Kate Stone was as vitrolic as any woman could have been; but I learned from the quotes in this book the breadth and depth of women's hatred all across the south. And then there were the loyalty oaths. No big deal; I had always assumed. But I did not factor in the deeply religious feelings of the masses; and how swearing to something they did not believe was anathema to true believers who tried to imagine what it would be like on Judgement Day when they would have to try and explain their lie; especially when it was done to win food or a favor from the occupiers. Their stories are heart breaking and I will never again underestimate the crushing humiliation of those oaths. I've said enough. Read this book if you want to learn what the women of the south had to endure. It is the best of all the good sources I have found.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. How women of the South really livedBy Nancy B. KramerWell written narrative of life for women in the old south. This book should be a "must read" for all history majors or anyone interested in how life was lived in the 1800's.
