In 1864 the Philadelphia Press commissioned Thomas Morris Chester; son of an ex-slave to cover the activities of black troops on the Virginia front. The only black correspondent for a major daily during the Civil War; Chester covered the crucial final year of the war around Richmond. His dispatches constitute the most sustained and extensive first-hand account of black soldiers in existence. As the war came to a close; Chester richly described the responses of Confederate troops and civilians to encounters with black soldiers; as he joined the black troops of the 25th Army Corps as they led the victorious Union forces into Richmond. In this volume; R.J.M. Blackett provides a concise biography of Chester and reproduces in annotated form his Civil War dispatches; which are remarkable for their detail and their graphic accounts of the destruction; the excitement and the liberation of theCivil War experience.
#806682 in Books 2016-02-29Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.30 x 1.20 x 6.40l; .0 #File Name: 0300220243400 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The amazing fact learned from this superb book is that Benjamin ...By Philip BrantinghamThe amazing fact learned from this superb book is that Benjamin Franklin at one time considered living permanently in England. He had made many friends there and had many happy experiences in the city--but this was with personal contacts. His experiences with members of the British government were not pleasant. The Crown looked on him as an interloper; representing the rebellious colonies. Author Goodwin's narrative relates all the details of Franklin's life in London--a bit tediously at times but always to the point. Nor much is said about his scientific interests; which is s pity; but the focus of the book is his diplomatic activities and his shrewd actions in representing the colonies. He was a skilled negotiator; but in many ways it was to no avail. His Majesty's government plunged willfully into a no-win war with the American colonies. Quite readable and authoritative it remains the best book so far on this part of Franlin's life. .1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great bookBy j. coopI just finished this book; having purchased it after hearing an interesting interview with the author on a history podcast. The book more than lived up to expectations. Even if you already possess a number of Franklin-themed books and wonder why you would want or need another; you will want to read this for the very detailed narrative of Franklin's time in England; both in his political role in serving as a colonial agent for a number of colonies; and for the extensive social and political relationships he developed with all segments of British society; particularly scientific. You get a real sense of Franklin as a person; warts and all. On that note; the author doesn't spare illuminating some of the darker aspects of Franklin as husband and father. I was not aware of the level of personal contact Franklin had with the English ruling class; and the author does a great job of highlighting the great differences of opinion regarding American amongst the British governing elites; which Franklin worked so hard to influence. The book is also extremely well-written and is an easy read. Overall; very highly recommended.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good read about Benjamin FranklinBy MomofonesweetieA very good story line; written well. Interesting information I did not know about him.I was able to hear the author give a lecture and really enjoyed it.
