Soon after the American Civil War ended; written histories appeared recounting the wartime exploits of almost every military unit on both sides of the fighting. The Andrew Sharpshooters of Massachusetts; however; were an exception. Named for Governor John Albion Andrew--who prevented the sharpshooters from joining the nationalized Berdan's sharpshooters so that their families could continue to receive state aid--the Andrew Sharpshooters often transferred from unit to unit as the need for their unique; long-range shooting skills changed. As a result; other regimental accounts mention them; but their own history has never been recorded. This first chronicle of the Massachusetts Andrew Sharpshooters details their day-to-day activities and their courageous service at Seven Pines; Antietam; Fredericksburg; Chancellorsville; Gettysburg; and numerous other Civil War battles. Thorough historical and genealogical information on every man who served in the unit completes this study of these significant but overlooked foot soldiers.
#2699428 in Books 2010-04-07Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.80 x .70 x 6.90l; 1.10 #File Name: 0786445246288 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Unique Perspective of Life Onboard a Union IroncladBy KJAGThis book provides a brief history on the evolution of the ironclads; namely the Carondelet and her sister ships or "turtles;" as well as key engagements and activities of the Carondelet throughout the war; and its history after the war; including the search to find it at the bottom of the Ohio River in modern times. The book also delves into the boat's commanders and crews; including their personalities; responsibilities; and activities; and life on board and what it was like for them when engaged in battle. This is the strength of the book; as this type of information is largely lacking in most other books regarding the Union ironclads. The author used a variety of sources; including surviving memoirs; journals; and letters of commanders and crew; ship log entries and other official records; newspaper articles and images; and other references.Wordsmithing is not the best and the book lacks proper editing; which would have improved some word choices; flow and structure; and placement of images; and caught the many typos. It could also have been improved with more and better maps; and images of some of the other commanders and crewmembers; particularly those whose letters and journals provided so much to this book; vs. image of a Confederate calvary officer who participated in one of the boat's various actions. Otherwise; the book is valuable in providing a unique perspective onboard a Union ironclad and I definitely reccomend it.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Brent A. DormanThorough history.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Highly RecommendedBy P.L. StevensonThis is the well-written story of what was arguably the most important gunboat in the Federal "Brown Water Flotilla." The navy's contribution to victory in the West has been too-long overshadowed by the comparatively uneventful Union blockade. The sesquicentennial of the Rebellion is a good time for interested readers to learn more about the role the Navy played at such significant western battles as Fort Henry; Island No. Ten; etc. The USS Carondelet comes highly recommended (and if you like this one; be sure to check out this author's study of the timberclads; as well.)
