ebooks They Went Into the Fight Cheering!: Confederate Conscription in North Carolina by Walter C. Hilderman III in History

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Tearing Down MythsBy George ThompsonTearing Down Myths Walter C. Hilderman's obsession with the Civil War began when he was given by his great-aunt the war correspondence of his grandparents. Through decades of pouring over thousands of documents in additional to these revealing letters; Hilderman has written a splendid narrative that corroborates evidence of North Carolina's sophisticated; effective conscription policy that contributed considerably to the ridiculous continuation of the war far beyond the capacity of the Confederates to provide adequate resources to achieve victory. This protracted war has truly had a devastating impact upon the southern psyche. What began as a conflict of enthusiasm rapidly deteriorated into an engagement of forced conscription that was profoundly resented by the families left destitute in the wake of such horrific sacrifice. Hilderman tears down the myth that the South maintained passionate military involvement almost until Lee's surrender at Appomattox. Kate Thompson's letters to her husband; not the fabricated rhetoric of the Confederate politicians; represent the authentic emotions on the home front as well as within the lines of battle. I encourage careful students of this tragic episode in American history to read with care and open-mindedness this illuminating volume. --George Thompson15 of 17 people found the following review helpful. For Serious StudentsBy S. DixonHilderman's book follows in the tradition of the 1924 classic; Conscription and Conflict in the Confederacy; written by the chair of the history department at the University of Alabama and descendant of Confederate veterans; Albert Burton Moore. They Went Into The Fight Cheering focuses on the inner workings of conscription and its related enforcement in North Carolina. It is meticulously researched and presents the often overlooked aspect of troop procurement by the Confederacy in North Carolina as initial enlistment periods expired. The discussion of conscription (and desertion) in this book does not besmirch the honor of southern soldiers. A good case can be made; however; that those who hang on to the myth - in the face of overwhelming factual evidence - that conscription did not occur or was not necessary to field Confederate armies; do dishonor those soldiers by failing to acknowledge and accept the realities they faced and the choices they made. Serious students of the war will appreciate this book; others may want to take a pass.2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Extensively Researched and DocumentedBy Daniel L. HoneycuttThe Draft during the Civil War is not a well known topic... Many believe their ancestors up and left family and home to fight and die for a cause willingly. It is understandable we all wish to believe we have had a hero or two in our past; that believe so strongly in a cause; many of us have been raised to believe only that. Yes many young men ran off to war for adventure and excitement; but many more would rather stayed home and taken care of their wives; children and farms. From what I learned in this book and supported by other first hand accounts; soldiers tried to position themselves where they could best survive the war and return home. Just as in Vietnam; many men enlisted rather than be drafted in hopes of finding a better position away from the fire. There is no difference between yesterday and todays soldier. (I speak this as a ARMY veteran) Regardless of duty station and post; every American Soldier should be regarded as a hero for doing his duty for God Country and Family. This book has clearly covered the aspect of Conscription from all angles; From the soldiers perspective-through the eyes of a private in a conscription camp; through the State Govt'and how to enforce; all the way to the Confederate Congress and how they needed men for the war. Also including some battles and tragedies these men fought through to keep the aggressors off their home soil. Its a extremely intresting subject and is another one of a kind book to give to any Civil War or military buff...