Private Elisha Stockwell, Jr., Sees the Civil War

Rating:
Summary: good if first-person accounts are what you're after
Review: I unwrapped and read this book on Christmas Day, so you can see it's a quick read. It reads like a conversation, since that's what it is, a transcribed chronology of this soldier's memory of his time in the union army. I wish he had written the book earlier in his life ( he waited something like 62 years) because he might have added different details and been more reflective on certain things. But as it is, his recollections give you a way to view the war first-hand. And, since none of us can really go back to 1862 ourselves, these accounts are the best way to do it. Stockwell's book does a great job of clarifying what a civil war soldier's number one concern was - getting something to eat. A large part of his remembering of the war is the continual search for food. The book really brings this home. As you read certain passages you can get a very clear picture in your mind just how hard of a life this soldierin' actually was. The book also gives a good account of how casually death came to some soldiers. They are killed when they are eating, standing in line, etc. by stray bullets. And Stockwell is a witness and his descriptions of these scenes bring home the absurd horror of war. If the book has a failing it is that it is not in 7 volumes. That way, when you finish this first part so quickly, there would be six more to read. So, quick read or not, Rest in peace, old soldier. I enjoyed your adventure.

Rating:
Summary: He lives on
Review: JUST AMAZING. This book is a first-hand account of my grandfather's grandfather's experiences in the Civil War. Byron Abernethy, my grandfather, took Elisha's writings and edited them for publishing. While I am a bit biased because this is part of my family history, I can guarantee you it is quite an interesting read to see how a high-school age boy reacted to war. At times lighthearted, but never treating the subject matter lightly, it is an engrossing, eye-opening read. I am so grateful he left his memories to share with us all. -His great great grandchild