Gold Medal from Military Writers Society of America for History In April 1861; brothers Daniel and Pressley Boyd left their farm in Abbeville County; South Carolina; to join the Confederate army. The Civil War soon swept their other brothers; William; Thomas and Andrew; as well as brother-in-law Fenton Hall into service. By the war's end; only Daniel survived. The extensive collection of letters the Boyds left behind; assembled for the first time; details their experiences across almost every theater of the war and offers commentary on many aspects of soldier life--from illness; death; and religion to friendly fire; desertion; and politics. Few families sacrificed so much to the Confederate cause as the Boyds.
#3526221 in Books McFarland 2009-05-13Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.30 x 1.00 x 6.90l; 1.35 #File Name: 0786443456359 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Great regimental history of the 2nd VermontBy BomojazThis is a superb regimental history of the Second Vermont Volunteers; about as detailed and informative as one could expect. The regiment participated in the war from First Bull Run to Lee's surrender at Appomattox; seeing their last action near Farmville. Oddly (and it's these kinds of fascinating little details that are sprinkled throughout the book that make it so interesting); the last man in the 2nd Vermont to be wounded (Thomas Broughton) was also one of the first; taking a minie ball just above the knee at Bull Run. Other major engagements include the Peninsula in 1862; Savage's Station; Antietam; Fredericksburg; Gettysburg; the Wilderness; Cold Harbor; the Shenandoah Valley in 1864; and Petersburg.The thoroughness of the book is truly astounding. Zeller cites from official records as well as individual diaries kept by the soldiers and letters that have come to light. The book is also well-illustrated with many photographs; and there are many maps included as well. Finally; a complete roster of the 1;800+ men who served in the regiment; including many particulars about each man; is also part of the book. Not only is the book a definitive account of the 2nd Vermont; but since the regiment served in so many important campaigns and engagements in the eastern theatre; it's also a mini history of that part of the war. It's an excellent addition to the serious Civil War student's library. [McFarland Company offers an excellent array of Civil War books; many of them regimental histories like this one. Visit their website at [...]
