The Defense of Vicksburg: A Louisiana Chronicle is the story of the Louisiana soldiers who fought at Vicksburg; as told through their letters; diaries; and remembrances. Most histories of this famous Civil War siege have been written by the victors; this one presents a day-by-day account from the Confederate vantage point. Indeed; these long-dead men come to life as we read their experiences and perceptions told in their own voices; which ring clear and without apology.In 1862 the Dixie Rebels of DeSoto Parish left for New Orleans. They and other Louisianians were formed into regiments and dispatched for Vicksburg. In the year that followed; the troops witnessed the shelling of Vicksburg by Union gunboats; the outbreak of disease; the lonely heroics of the Confederate ironclad Arkansas; the daily drudgery of camp life; and Jeff Davis’s visit to the beleaguered city.With immediacy and in intriguing detail several correspondents describe daily life in the trenches from their individual perspectives during each of the forty-seven days of the siege. Yet their stories do not end with the capitulation of the city; but continue in an epilogue as the troops return home and then continue their service for the balance of the war. Their experiences transcended their own worlds. These young men of Louisiana still have something important to tell us.
#80247 in Books Counterpoint 2010-05-18Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.92 x .41 x 6.48l; .29 #File Name: 1582434867160 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Book All America Should Have An Opportunity To ReadBy Carter McBrideExcellent read! Perspective presented by Wendell Berry is one I have never read from a White American Male in modern day America. It is both a privilege and pleasure to have come across this book. Every American should have the same privilege to be exposed to this writing. Do not get me wrong; I questioned his reasoning and as you read farther Wendell Berry also questions his own stance and understanding of "Why" I (Black American Male) would question him. Afterword is very important part of this writing....2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Wendell Berry is a great writer; unique in many waysBy Joan BaileyWendell Berry is a great writer; unique in many ways. He is a man of the land and writes about it in varying ways. This book is not so much about the land; but of the different people of the land; depending upon their skin color. It is a strong message to white men; an important message and should be read by all men. Doesn't hurt the women either.7 of 8 people found the following review helpful. About so much more besides "just" racismBy Augustus Carmichael"The Hidden Wound" is one of the best books on American racism I've ever read by a white man; but this book is so much more than that- it's a fantastic addition to anyone's collection of books by Wendell Berry; whether fiction or non-fiction; and makes his political philosophy (perhaps better described as his political "attitude") clearer than in almost any other book of his I've read.The first section of the book revolves around Mr. Berry's retelling of various legends and pieces of history from the civil war era; and how legends are often used to cover up the intense spiritual pain that society thrusts upon individuals. Usually; we hear about the horrors of slavery and white supremacy from its black victims; or white liberal activists who stood out in their opposition to these evils. However; Berry courageously places himself in the middle of the white culture that promoted the immoral exploitation of American black folk. In the process; he brings to light the incredible amounts of spiritual masochism; political double-think; and cultural paranoia that white supremacy wrought; all from an insider's point of view.From here; the book moves towards Berry's more direct experiences with the contradictions of white supremacy. We learn about Berry's childhood relationship with the black work-hands on his father's farm. The purpose of this section; as Berry himself tells us; is to show how the personal experience of love and mutual companionship is capable of cutting to the heart of societal evils. If "The Hidden Wound" had been written by an academician; this section would have taken the form of a more abstract; ideological critique of white supremacy. Instead of this well-traveled road; Berry opts for a much more personal touch. We are faced with the power of Berry's feelings of brotherly love for the black folks he knew growing up; and when juxtaposed with the morally insane cultural doctrines of white supremacy he describes in the beginning of the book; the repugnant nature of racism becomes undeniable.Berry; rightfully; tells us that we're making a mistake if we see the problem of "racism" as "just racism." Here; Berry connects the problem of racism to America's abuse of God's creation and our general cultural denigration of working-class and agrarian work. According to Berry; one of the main economic components of white supremacy was a disgust with what whites termed "n-word work;" that is; the simple acts of work that are necessary for the maintenance of good communities and good topsoil. Ultimately; Berry's thesis can be put in these terms: The southern slave owner was addicted to the comfort that his slaves brought him; and was willing to trade his moral dignity for that comfort. The modern middle class suburbanite is addicted to the comfort that ecological degradation and class exploitation brings them; and is willing to trade their moral dignity for that comfort.
