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Rating: 
Summary: THIS ONE NEEDS TO BE IN YOUR COLLECTION
Review: Excellent, first had observations made by a common private in during the Civil War. The author IS NOT a professional writer. This makes it all the more valuable. The author is not writing the book to entertain, or to pass along old, gory war stories. This is a story by a simple man trying to tell us his point of view, simple as that. This account is quite valuable to anyone interested in the study of this horrible conflict. Recommend it's reading and recommend you add it to your collection. I do wish there had been more like this one.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best 10 first hand accounts of the war
Review: Just as compelling as "Co.Aych", this would make an incredible movie. That is certainly one of the reasons it is found on so many bookstore shelves. It does not receive the attention it deserves because, like every other book of its kind written as a participant, it deflates slavery aa a possible motive for fighting. This is the adventure if one tough, daring, funny young rebel whose brawn, wits and insticts got him through the WBTS alive. The business of jumping off a POW train seemed more like something out of an Indiana Jones adventure. If he'd worn the "blue" he'd be in every textbook. Tired of other writers interpretations and want to go to the well for yourself? This is a great place to start.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Source for the Common Soldier
Review: One of the best CW books I have read to date. Fletcher's experiences reflects the true hardships and nastiness of war. Excellently written in a first person format. Mr. Fletcher seemed to be a level headed and unbiased man, and his book showcases this.
Rating: 
Summary: Nice, but lacks personality
Review: Overall, this is a pretty good book.The pro is the narrow focus of reporting what he actually saw. The con is the dry reporting. I never got a sense of Fletcher's personality. I don't need to know his views on things because there's plenty of that out there, but at least put some passion into what you want to talk about. He was part of a brigade that lost over 50% of their strength at Sharpsburg. Not even a mention of hey, I lost some of my good buddies today. There are several instances of interesting camp life (delousing, snow ball fights, foraging, etc.). The battle accounts aren't very lively however. In short, if you're looking for a down in the ditch account of war and the hell that it is, you'll probably be a little disappointed. The best way to describe this account is the decaf version. Still very good, but a bit tame and uninspired.
Rating:
Summary: Rebel Private
Review: This is a good, first hand account of the life of a Confederate soldier. Fletcher writes of only what he seen during the war. The only judgement he cast is upon his leaders actions at Gettysburg. This book will definitely change your perspective on the life of a common soldier.
Rating:
Summary: Great book, shines light on confederate life
Review: This is a great book even though I am not done wih it, I am enjoying it. It shows you a side of the conferedacy you don't learn about in high school or college. I recommend this book to any civil war buff.
Rating:
Summary: Confederate soldier life- FIRSTHAND!!
Review: William Fletcher isn't different from other soldiers be it outstanding or horrible, but he is the average Confederate soldier from Texas involved in many conflicts. When it comes to soldiering, he is brave and daring but not afraid to admit being scared as he is very honest in his chosen words. The best part of this book isn't the fighting as much as it is the daily life. For the person looking to gain further knowledge, Fletcher writes about his experiences firsthand. Coming up from Texas Fletcher is involved in the Seven Days Battle, 2nd Manassas, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg and Chickamauga campaigns. It was interesting to read about fighting in the 5th Texas, Company F and the thoughts that ran through Fletcher's mind at Gettysburg. The uncertainty, the horrors and the patriotism all wrapped into one was very rewarding to read about. His escape from Union hands was inspiring as he did what he could do to get back to Texas. This book is a must have for those seeking further knowledge and input from a soldier account. 5 STARS!!
Rating:
Summary: Confederate soldier life! FIRSTHAND!
Review: William Fletcher isn't different from other soldiers be it outstanding or horrible, but he is the average Confederate soldier from Texas involved in many conflicts. When it comes to soldiering, he is brave and daring but not afraid to admit being scared as he is very honest in his chosen words. The best part of this book isn't the fighting as much as it is the daily life. For the person looking to gain further knowledge, Fletcher writes about his experiences firsthand. Coming up from Texas Fletcher is involved in the Seven Days Battle, 2nd Manassas, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg and Chickamauga campaigns. It was interesting to read about fighting in the 5th Texas, Company F and the thoughts that ran through Fletcher's mind at Gettysburg. The uncertainty, the horrors and the patriotism all wrapped into one was very rewarding to read about. His escape from Union hands was inspiring as he did what he could do to get back to Texas. This book is a must have for those seeking further knowledge and input from a soldier account. 5 STARS!!
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