In Lieu of a Draft: A History of the 153rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Regiment documents the daily chores of camp life and the long hours spent waiting to engage the enemy; Historian James I. Robertson; Jr. has noted that soldiers spent "more time in camp than on marches and in battle combined." This book presents the uncensored story and explores the deep political divisions within the regiment. William R. Kiefer; the regiment's historian; admitted that many incidents recorded in diaries had to be omitted; because they dealt with "certain personal matters;" offensive to some of the survivors; but which admittedly "would otherwise have added relish to the stories." Kiefer also had to exclude material he felt was "heavily tainted with odium cast upon certain officers" and "written in such partisan style" that the reader would find it unacceptable. The battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg are retold through the eyes of the 153rd volunteers as only they could have seen and experienced them. Every effort has been made to present this story as a chronological narrative of their service.
#3231222 in Books John Harding Peach 2011-08-04Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .64 x 6.00l; .83 #File Name: 1463419333280 pagesOn The Banks Of The Rappahannock
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. I really want to like this book...By L. LammersI was made aware of this book through the Northern Neck Historical Society. I was really excited to buy it - my favorite genre is historical fiction; my favorite time period is colonial America ( with a huge fondness for Colonial Williamsburg) and my favorite place is the Northern Neck. I ran to and bought the Kindle version of this book; and jumped into it immediately.I am so very sorry to say that I am very underwhelmed. The subject matter could be absolutely fascinating; I have no doubt! I give the author major props for his research. However; his decision to self-publish without the benefit of a proof reader or an editor was extremely unfortunate. The writing is clunky and disjointed; hard to follow at times. He could have spent a lot of time at Colonial Williamsburg; learning the vernacular and speech patterns of the day. For instance; I highly doubt that a young lady of 1699 would have addressed her father and brother as "you guys". The author seems to struggle with the flow of language altogether. It is very distracting to read; as the sentences are no constructed in a polished or professional manner. The author appears to have done quite a bit of research along the genealogy lines; but did not take the time to research much else about the time period. For instance; in the chapter dated 1709/Epping Forest; George rides up on his favorite stallion "Rappahannock"; an appaloosa with white splotches. Appaloosa horses were native to the Nez Perce tribe of the south west; and were not "discovered" by white men until the 1870's. There may have been spotted horses in the eastern states in 1709; but they most assuredly were not Appaloosa's.I will continue to read this book; since I paid for it. But I would strongly encourage the author to seek out an editor and a proof reader; and then republish this book. There is a tremendous appetite for this type of novel; but not for one poorly researched and poorly written.It pains me to give this book a low rating. I really want to like it. The subject matter could be outstanding; if only a little polish were applied.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating view of an area and a period in American ...By Linda TaliaferroFascinating view of an area and a period in American history and a home that is now in our family. Thorough research of the period and Virginia residents create an educational genealogical read. Thank you; John Peach !
