Characterized by precision of statement and clarity of detail; W.W. Blackford's memoir of his service in the Civil War is one of the most valuable to come out of Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. It also provides a critically important perspective on one of the best-known Confederate cavalrymen; Major General J.E.B. Stuart.Blackford was thirty years old when the war began; and he served from June 1861; until January; 1864; as Stuart's adjutant; developing a close relationship with Lee's cavalry commander. He subsequently was a chief engineer and a member of the staff at the cavalry headquarters. Because Stuart was mortally wounded in 1864; he did not leave a personal account of his career. Blackford's memoir; therefore; is a vital supplement to Stuart's wartime correspondence and reports.In a vivid style; Blackford describes the life among the cavalrymen; including scenes of everyday camp life and portraits of fellow soldiers both famous and obscure. He presents firsthand accounts of; among others; the battles of First Bull Run; the Peninsular campaign; Second Bull Run; Antietam; Fredericksburg; Gettysburg; the Wilderness; and Cold Harbor; and describes his feelings at witnessing the surrender at Appomattox.It is not certain precisely when Blackford penned his memoir; but evidence suggests it was before 1896. The book was originally published in 1945; four decades after his death; but until now has never been reprinted.
#1134410 in Books 2011-05-03 2011-05-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.97 x .49 x 4.50l; .35 #File Name: 080707747X176 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Well written; surprising viewpointBy BunsenHoneydewReally one of the most informative and entertaining volumes on this subject. Church is always a thoughtful writer; but his work here is well-researched and detailed. He clearly shows that the people involved in this conversation during the early days of this country were of varied ideologies and backgrounds; and had widely disparate viewpoints (few matching the picture painted by politicians today).1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The Other Side of StoryBy Lance G.I have always been firmly on the pro-religious side of the issue of Separation of Church and State. Because I generally witness those espousing the view that church and state need to be separate as being on the rabid left fringe of society; I never gave any thought to whether or not there was a legitimate reason for wanting this beyond the kook fringe simply wanting to erase all moral controls in order to do whatever they liked in society. I now find that the reason the separation of church and state was designed to prevent the government from dictating religious issues to the churches. That I can buy into. I'm still rather concerned about how our government can function in an overly secular environment; but I've at least modified my view to comprehend that we do need to be mindful that barriers to government intrusion in religious matters need to remain firmly in place.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Wake up AmericaBy Bruce KesslerEvery citizen in the USA should be familiar with the content of this book.
