A Wisconsin Boy in Dixie: Civil War Letters of James K. Newton

Rating:
Summary: From Wisconsin to Vicksburg!
Review: It is difficult to rate a book by 5 Stars or less when it is someone's diary. The book covers Newton's journey from enlistment in 1861 to final discharge in 1865. It is a rather quick read of his letters sent home although it covers the monthly grind of soldiering in the 14th Wisconsin. Newton skips many descriptions of horrific content in his letters home that was common back then and manages to keep them clean. His hardships endured through out the many years of soldiering are toned down in his writing. Perhaps, like other soldiers, he didn't want family to worry at home. His attitude towards black soldiers brings about expression that by today's standards would be considered racist. His letters do bring to light the emotion and desire to return home and also helps illustrate the psychological profiles of soldiers close to him. You can never go wrong studying letters from the Civil War as they always help bring new life to the realities of the conflict. This book certainly can bring new insight and thought to anyone looking understand more about soldiering during the Civil War.

Rating:
Summary: From Wisconsin to Vicksburg!
Review: It is difficult to rate a book by 5 Stars or less when it is someone's diary. The book covers Newton's journey from enlistment in 1861 to final discharge in 1865. It is a rather quick read of his letters sent home although it covers the monthly grind of soldiering in the 14th Wisconsin. Newton skips many descriptions of horrific content in his letters home that was common back then and manages to keep them clean. His hardships endured through out the many years of soldiering are toned down in his writing. Perhaps, like other soldiers, he didn't want family to worry at home. His attitude towards black soldiers brings about expression that by today's standards would be considered racist. His letters do bring to light the emotion and desire to return home and also helps illustrate the psychological profiles of soldiers close to him. You can never go wrong studying letters from the Civil War as they always help bring new life to the realities of the conflict. This book certainly can bring new insight and thought to anyone looking understand more about soldiering during the Civil War.