An outstanding study of Andersonville--both a vivid description of the conditions that resulted in high mortality among the prisoners as well as a balanced and unbiased evaluation of the officials responsible.--Journal of Southern History"Futch has carefully sifted through a host of unofficial memoirs; letters; and diaries as well as official records to develop an intriguing account of what happened at Andersonville."--Civil War HistoryIn February 1864; five hundred Union prisoners of war arrived at the Confederate stockade at Anderson Station; Georgia. Andersonville; as it was later known; would become legendary for its brutality and mistreatment; with the highest mortality rate--over 30 percent--of any Civil War prison.Fourteen months later; 32;000 men were imprisoned there. Most of the prisoners suffered greatly because of poor organization; meager supplies; the Federal government’s refusal to exchange prisoners; and the cruelty of men supporting a government engaged in a losing battle for survival.Who was responsible for allowing so much squalor; mismanagement; and waste at Andersonville? Looking for an answer; Ovid Futch cuts through charges and countercharges that have made the camp a subject of bitter controversy. He examines diaries and firsthand accounts of prisoners; guards; and officers; and both Confederate and Federal government records (including the transcript of the trial of Capt. Henry Wirz; the alleged "fiend of Andersonville"). First published in 1968; this groundbreaking volume has never gone out of print.
#828178 in Books University Press of Florida 1995-08-23Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 1.16 x 6.28 x 9.29l; #File Name: 0813013240311 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The Battle that Started a Florida WarBy Douglas DillonThis book is a"must read" for anyone interested in Florida's Seminole Wars. Meticulously researched; it is the best documentation of the Dade battle; the massacre that began the Second Seminole War (1835-1842); ever written. It is a relentless tale that shoves the reader directly into the political world of early nineteenth century America. Author Frank Laumer pulls no punches as he offers readers a stark look at the precursors to war; slavery and Native American removal in frontier Florida.Liberally quoting letters; interviews and other period documents; Laumer eventually shoves the reader headlong into the battle itself. Using the actual words of soldiers; Native American warriors and an African American participant; Laumer brings all that action into a chillingly vivid focus. The desperation felt by all the participants is made painfully clear and is only exceeded in Laumer's descriptions by their ill-fated bravery.The author demonstrates his research and carefulness with detail by including extensive end notes; a solid bibliography and a very useful index. The dust jacket of the book is a reprint of Florida artist Jackson Walker's painting depicting the Dade battle.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. had a great impact on the future of Florida and the United ...By Ranger243The definitive work on a battle that was of huge import in its time; had a great impact on the future of Florida and the United States; and has been all but forgotten in the sweep of American history.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Obscure History ...unless it's a part of your families past.By john dadeThis book is well worth the read. Very detailed account of Major Francis Langhorne Dade's last command and hardship that followed afterwards.
