In Gilbert Moxley Sorrel's "Memoirs of a Confederate Staff Officer," readers are transported back to the American Civil War through the eyes of a key figure in the Confederate Army. Sorrel's first-hand account provides a unique perspective on the military strategies, battles, and daily life during this tumultuous period in American history. His writing style is straightforward and engaging, making it accessible to readers interested in both history and memoirs. The detailed descriptions of Civil War campaigns and interactions with notable figures such as Robert E. Lee offer valuable insights into the Confederate perspective. As a former Confederate staff officer, Gilbert Moxley Sorrel was well-positioned to document the events and experiences that shaped the outcome of the Civil War. His insider knowledge and personal involvement in key battles add credibility to his narrative, shedding light on the motivations and challenges faced by the Confederate leadership. Sorrel's dedication to preserving the memory of the Confederate cause is evident throughout the memoir, making it a valuable primary source for historians and enthusiasts alike. I highly recommend "Memoirs of a Confederate Staff Officer" to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Civil War from a Confederate standpoint. Sorrel's account offers a compelling blend of historical insight and personal recollection that is sure to captivate readers interested in this pivotal period of American history.

This work presents a compelling account of the Civil War. It follows the narrative of a man who witnessed it from the beginning, always in the center of the action. When the war broke out in April 1861, G. Moxley Sorrel worked as a bank clerk in Savannah. He left this job to watch Fort Sumter fall, then offered his services to the new Confederacy. He found himself working as a staff officer for James Longstreet, then a brigade commander, in no time. It was the start of a long and beneficial partnership that lasted till the war's end. Published posthumously, this work comprises vivid descriptions of his thrilling experiences. His reminisces are easy to read, pleasant, and moving. Many critics called it one of the best portrayals of the personalities of prominent participants in the Confederacy, marked by a touch of humor and swift characterization.

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Originally published by UNC Press in 1989, Fighting for the Confederacy is one of the richest personal accounts in all of the vast literature on the Civil War. Alexander was involved in nearly all of the great battles of the East, from First Manassas through Appomattox, and his duties brought him into frequent contact with most of the high command of the Army of Northern Virginia, including Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and James Longstreet. No other Civil War veteran of his stature matched Alexander's ability to discuss operations in penetrating detail-- this is especially true of his description of Gettysburg. His narrative is also remarkable for its utterly candid appraisals of leaders on both sides.

This memoir takes the reader inside the workings of the Confederate army staff. Sorrel was a relatively unknown officer who rose through the ranks to become General Longstreet's most trusted associate. Sorrel's memoir makes no claims to strategic analysis. It simply relates what he saw and the events of which he was a part. His vantage point was, however, in many ways unique. His service with Longstreet brought him into the thick of many of the war's decisive engagements.

John C. Reed fought through the entire war as an officer in the 8th Georgia Infantry, most of it with General Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia. The Princeton graduate was wounded at least twice (Second Manassas and Gettysburg), promoted to captain during the Wilderness fighting on May 6, 1864, and led his company through the balance of the Overland Campaign, throughout the horrific siege of Petersburg, and all the way to the Appomattox surrender on April 9, 1865. The Military Memoirs of a Confederate Line Officer is a perceptive and articulate account filled with riveting recollections of some of the war’s most intense fighting. Reed offers strong opinions on a wide variety of officers and topics. This outstanding memoir, judiciously edited and annotated by William R. Cobb, is published here in full for the first time. The Military Memoirs of a Confederate Line Officer is a valuable resource certain to become a classic in the genre. About the Editor: William R. “Ron” Cobb, a retired engineer and management consultant, is a descendant of a Confederate private who fought in the 59th Georgia, a sister regiment to the 8th Georgia. Ron has published widely on baseball. This is his first Civil War-related book.

General James Longstreet fought in nearly every campaign of the Civil War, from Manassas (the first battle of Bull Run) to Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chickamauga, Gettysburg, and was present at the surrender at Appomattox. Yet, he was largely held to blame for the Confederacy's defeat at Gettysburg. General James Longstreet sheds new light on the controversial commander and the man Robert E. Lee called “my old war horse.”