gary
Major
- Joined
- Feb 20, 2005
This unassuming book is the journal of Private Franklin Lafayette Riley, Co B., Sixteenth Mississippi. Riley enlisted at the start of the war and fought until he was captured defending Fort Gregg (near Petersburg) at the Battle of Hatcher's Run (April 2, 1865). The editor is Pvt. Riley's grandson who transcribed the journal for publication.
Riley's journal is well written and it should be considering he was a teacher for five years before enlisting. Like other journals of the period, he records the marches, humor, cooking and endless drills that every Civil War soldier endured. While his sketches of the fighting is brief, Riley sometimes throws in insights which makes the book valuable to the Civil War enthusiast. For instance, he mentions that Hooker asked Lee to stop his men from fishing in the Rappahannock to stop the fraternization and possible divulging of secrets (p 142). He complains about Mahone having light bread made instead of hardtack. Light bread is less filling and satisfying to the apetite (p224). He also discusses the issue of Negro soldiers and while not definitely coming out in favor of them, admits that the Confederacy needs more soldiers to fill their depleted ranks (p233-234). Overall it's an excellent companion to Cockrell & Ballard's A Mississippi Rebel in the Army of Northern Virginia.
A good book, it could have been better. There's an extensive bibliography but I can't detect how it was used as there's no commentary by the editor between the journal entries. It makes me wonder if the publisher (Morningside Books) decided to delete it and go with just the journal. The journal also alludes to letters written to Bal, who later married Riley when he was home on furlough. At least 112 letters were written but unfortunately these may not have survived (or were not included).
While long out of print, perhaps with enough pressure, Morningside can be convinced to re-release it. If a newer edition included the letters or the editorial that may have been omitted, I would consider buying a new copy myself.
Riley's journal is well written and it should be considering he was a teacher for five years before enlisting. Like other journals of the period, he records the marches, humor, cooking and endless drills that every Civil War soldier endured. While his sketches of the fighting is brief, Riley sometimes throws in insights which makes the book valuable to the Civil War enthusiast. For instance, he mentions that Hooker asked Lee to stop his men from fishing in the Rappahannock to stop the fraternization and possible divulging of secrets (p 142). He complains about Mahone having light bread made instead of hardtack. Light bread is less filling and satisfying to the apetite (p224). He also discusses the issue of Negro soldiers and while not definitely coming out in favor of them, admits that the Confederacy needs more soldiers to fill their depleted ranks (p233-234). Overall it's an excellent companion to Cockrell & Ballard's A Mississippi Rebel in the Army of Northern Virginia.
A good book, it could have been better. There's an extensive bibliography but I can't detect how it was used as there's no commentary by the editor between the journal entries. It makes me wonder if the publisher (Morningside Books) decided to delete it and go with just the journal. The journal also alludes to letters written to Bal, who later married Riley when he was home on furlough. At least 112 letters were written but unfortunately these may not have survived (or were not included).
While long out of print, perhaps with enough pressure, Morningside can be convinced to re-release it. If a newer edition included the letters or the editorial that may have been omitted, I would consider buying a new copy myself.
Bringing the