THe Citizen Soldier THe Memoirs of a Civil War Volunteer

[johan_steele]

The Citizen Soldier THe Memoirs of a Civil War Volunteer by John Beatty

I first read this in college upon a professors recomendation; whiule I only read snippets of it I remember thinking it was interesting because it dealt w/ the average life so well and certainly didn't glorify the war. I picked it up again while at Half Price Books recently and am glad I did.

THis is a must read for any interested in the life and times of the Army of the Cumberland. John Beatty rose from a Captain to Brigader General commanding a Brigade at Chickamauga and Mission Ridge. HIs accounts of Stones River and Chickamauga give a good account of how men of the line were aware of their own position and little else. His observations of daily life and times of the Army are a worthy read simply because they are so frank and honest. While not earthshattering in its revalations it is an entertaining read... especialy for those interested in the Army of the Cumberland and Ohio troops in particular.

[ewc]

I have this book as well Shane. One of my favorites, I like Beatty's lively and descriptive style; he paints marvelous word pictures. ed