The Battle of Gettysburg was a scene of roiling chaos. Thousands of casualties and an unexpected Union retreat left the field and its soldiers in utter confusion. It was in the midst of this uproar that Brigadier General Thomas A. Rowley; U.S.A.; was arrested for drunkenness and disobedience. But what really happened on that chaotic day; and how did it affect Rowley and those around him in the years to come? A military man for many years; Rowley had served during the Mexican War and had worked his way up from second lieutenant to colonel. When the fighting began at Fort Sumter; he immediately offered his services to the Union Army. This volume chronicles Rowley's life up to the July 1; 1863; battle that ended his military career; with particular attention to the events of that fateful day. The author discusses the court martial's questionable guilty verdict and Rowley's reaction to it; as well as his role in a confrontation between Major General George Meade and G.K. Warren shortly after Lincoln and Stanton reversed the court martial's finding. Subsequent events in the careers of other participants including Lieutenant Colonel Rufus Dawes and Major General Abner Doubleday are also discussed. Sources include personal letters and diaries of the men who served with and under General Rowley. Pertinent information regarding the military rules of the period is provided in order to reveal how Rowley's case deviated from the norm. Finally; appendices provide a list of Rowley's commands; a roll of the court martial participants and Rowley's personal defense statement.
#3340504 in Books McFarland n Company 2000-02Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .61 x 7.34 x 10.14l; #File Name: 0786407204177 pages
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Uncommon Courage - Common ConfederatesBy Lou WehmerTo borrow the words of Shakespeare; "Courage mounteth with occasion". Far from the grand movements of the armies; the great battles and the central figures of the Civil War; one finds thousands of examples of personal courage of men who met the occasion; but have been largely forgotten by history.Mark Crawford in "Confederate Courage on Other Fields" does great justice to four of these lesser-known stories of sacrifice; bravery in the face of great danger; suffering; and devotion to duty by men fighting for the Confederate cause. I found each tale to be well researched; insightful and easy to read."'Tisn't life that matters! `Tis the courage you bring to it" -Sir Hugh Walpole. I believe Colonel Charles Blacknall of the 23rd North Carolina Infantry; as described in Crawford's book; exemplifies the courageous leadership exhibited by many men of the south. A wealthy; educated planter; Blacknall hated drilling; the study of tactics and many of the trappings of the military. However; belief in a cause led him to great accomplishment; at a price of personal sacrifice; ultimately his own life. As you read his letters; and gain insight into his devotion to his family; and his love and understanding of his men; you will admire this fellow who gave all for what he believed in.My primary reason for buying this book was my lifelong interest of events in the bitter struggle for control of Southeast Missouri. Though considered a backwater of the War and often ignored by historians; the violence of partisan and guerilla actions in these border counties profoundly affected everyone living in the region. Instead of a five-hour skirmish or five-day battle; the fate of this area was sealed in five years of ugly; shocking bloodletting and destruction. Most folks fled. In many parts of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas the bitterness remains to this day. Crawford's treatment of the conflict between Major James Wilson on the Union side and Colonel Timothy Reeves on the Confederate side is the most fair; accurate and honest I have read. A consequence of this contest was the execution of prisoners on both sides. In reading this account you will come to appreciate the bravery and gallantry of men caught up in a struggle without rules and often driven by revenge that discouraged noble actions.You will finish this book with an expanded understanding of the "Brother's War"; and the tremendous sacrifice of the average Confederate soldier as he faced danger in a courageous or fearless manner. I hope Mark will consider a sequel exploring the courage of Union men. I heartily recommend this book!2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Confederate Courage on Other FieldsBy R. BondThis book delivers what it promises... 4 battles you surely would not have studied (unless you happened to be a "local" to one of the sites); seperate from one another but tied together by the crimson thread of Courage.Great Stuff!I highly recommend reading this book if you are a fan of Military History; a student of the "Civil War"; or simply attracted to real acts of Heroism Courage from an era blessed with a level of integrity and grit that is only a faded memory to America today.
