This work presents an ambitious German commander's views of military life and courtship in the Confederacy. attain rank; fortune; a good marriage; and some measure of redemption in the eyes of his German family. His correspondence from the 1860s follows his battlefield experiences; his machinations for advancement; and his courtship of Sophie Sosnowski of Columbia; South Carolina. military science instructor that would lead him to North Carolina and the Hillsborough Military Academy in 1861. His training in Germany and his combat experience with the French army in the Crimean War made him a candidate for quick advancement once the Civil War began. From the time of North Carolina's secession in 1861 until his being wounded at Shiloh in April 1862; Schaller advanced rapidly from lieutenant to colonel. But after Shiloh his consistent - and somewhat conspicuous - medical complaints kept him from combat while he worked to maintain his rank as regimental commander of the Twenty-second Mississippi Infantry and pursue a marriage into a prominent family. inner workings of the Confederate officer corps. The critical views of this disciplined European military commander on the quality and training of his American volunteer soldiers is particularly telling. He recounts his firsthand perspectives on the Battle of Shiloh; the retreat from Nashville; the Battle of Fredericksburg; and the defeat at Gettysburg. His letters to Sophie Sosnowski also detail the nature of courtship practices in the war-torn South.
#636025 in Books Kodansha USA 1994-06-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 5.63 x 1.19 x 8.38l; .0 #File Name: 1568360320432 pages
Review
6 of 11 people found the following review helpful. Over-patriotism?By NoelIn my quest to trace down the roots of my existence; I came across this book called; "Sons of the Yellow Emperor - A history of Chinese Diaspora". It is supposed to be an account of the Chinese migration all over the world in the last six centuries.This book has 18 chapters and I could talk in length about each one of them. But I'll talk about only one and I think you'll get the gist.First of all; this book is not an easy read even for history fanatics such as my-self. There were times I wondered where the author was going and what was she trying to do. This book is all over the place.For example; there's a chapter in the book called hybrids. I think the author was trying to show or tell you the evolution of the Chinese overseas. In this particular chapter; she was trying to talk about the Chinese-mestizo class in Manila.The chapter turned out to be a biography collection of very successful Chinese families in the Philippines. She talked about the "Cojuangcos" in length. From the very first "Cojuangco" who migrated from China to the Philippines in 1841 to Corazon Aquino who became president of the Philippines. The Cojuangco; btw; are one of the richest families in the Philippines.I'm not denying the creativity; resiliency; intelligence; perseverance; and dedication that most Chinese seem to have. But c'mon! We can all smell when someone is stretching the truth right? I mean she conveniently does not tell the reader that the Chinese-mestizo class in the Philippines prospered not just because of their qualities but mostly because the "ruling class" in the 19th century; wanted and allowed them to prosper. The author wants the reader to believe that the Cojuangcos are where they are now because of pure hard work; dedication; and good business sense. I'm sorry but this is bull!While we're on this chapter; she also talked about the life of Jose Rizal; a Chinese-meztizo who happens to be the national hero of the Philippines. Jose Rizal wrote a couple of novels that theoretically ignited the Philippine revolution against Spain.Had the author not be so blinded by her own pride and over-patriotism; she would have done a lot more research and realized that a lot of other Filipino consider Andres Bonifacio; founder and leader of the rebellion against the Spaniards; to be the national hero.The author would have realized that Andres wasn't made the national hero because the Philippine government does not want to condone arms rebellion. The government doesn't want the people to idolize someone who would shoot them if they oppress the people for 400 years. They rather have you write about them in a novel.But I guess the truth wouldn't have made sense in the book because Andres Bonifacio doesn't have a single ounce of Chinese blood in him.Since race is necessarily a theme of the book; the author made a note on the preface about her ethnicity. She mentioned on this preface that she had better say something about herself so that the reader may judge for himself where her bigotries might be expected to lie. She was born in Shanghai and grew up in England. oops I almost forgot; in the preface section; she also talked about her cousin in Boston who made her first million before her thirty-third birthday.Well... Is she a bigot? Probably not. but sometimes there's a fine line between pride and prejudices.Now... I think I better say something about myself as well. I grew up in the Philippines. My ancestor's were Chinese mestizos; and I'm very proud of my lineage. Go to chingcuangco.com if you still doubt my lineage and possible agenda.The book turned out to be a mix of history; biography; the author's travel experiences; etc. All designed to make you feel good about having Chinese blood. and it works!This book is informative. I learned a lot that I didn't know before but I'm also experience enough to know when someone is blowing smoke in my face; selling black propaganda as a history book.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Sons ogf the Yellow EmperorBy Kim S. LieExcellent and well researched book of the "Chinese Diaspora"; however the subject of the diaspora to Indonesia was rather skimpy.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Peter WilkinsonThorough; unbiased.
