One Man's Opinion

[tomh]

Folks,

Follow this link for a remarkable look into one man's experience in the waning days of the war. Julius Franklin Howell, a corporal in the 24th Virginia Cavalry, made the recording on a wax cylinder recorder and recounts his experience and capture in 1865. While a prisoner at Lookout Point he becomes aware of the assasination of Lincoln and his comments reflect the common soldier's view of the former president.

http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/story.cfm?story=84525&ran=187608

Simply one of the most remarkable first person accounts that I have ever heard.

TomH

 

[william42]

Tom, that's awesome. It's the first and only 1st person account from any Civil War soldier that I've ever heard. I didn't know that there were any recordings in existence.
Mr. Howells memory was a little hazy on how he lost his horse, but very sharp when he recalled the flags at half-mast. Thank you for posting this link to a living piece of Civil War history.

Terry

 

[aphillbilly]

Very cool indeed. I wonder how I have missed this all these years. I'd like to hear other recordings of him. Earlier experiences. I can feel myself sitting on the porch steps listening to him.

 

[dawna]

Tom:

This is simply amazing...thank you.

Dawna

 

[Johnny Rube]

On the subject of old recordings, years ago I read or heard that somewhere there is a very scratchy old recording of Abraham Lincoln's voice. Has anyone else ever heard of this...and has anyone here ever heard the recording, if in fact it exists?

 

[DB Curtis]

I think I've heard that recording played by the mans very grandson, while looking at a picture of him. It was amazing. I haven't heard this one because the computer I'm using doesn't have speakers.