Memoirs of the Civil War
Memoirs of the Civil War
Between the Northern and Southern Sections of the United States of America 1861 to 1865
Memoirs of the Civil War, though relatively little known because of its rarity in the original edition, contains much valuable information and engaging narrative passages. A Virginian whose Confederate career included service in an infantry regiment early in the war, Chamberlaine’s most important military service was as a staff officer attached to Brigadier General Reuben Lindsay Walker, who commanded the Third Corps artillery in the Army of Northern Virginia.
Includes excellent material on the duties of staff officers, operation of Confederate conscription, and the role of artillery in Lee’s campaigns. He is especially eloquent and revealing about a number of famous battles: the Seven Days; Antietam, where Chamberlaine distinguished himself and was wounded; and the Wilderness, where he had a memorable encounter with Lee.
Unlike many artime memoirists, Chamberlaine chooses to remain relatively neutral in terms of events and characters . . . Chamberlaine’s account is well worth reading. His voice is unique, and he includes 'general remarks' at the end that reveal much about his views on the significance of the events he lived through.’
—Civil War Times
Gary W. Gallagher is the John L. Nau III Professor in the History of the American Civil War at the University of Virginia and author of several books, including The Confederate War: How Popular Will, Nationalism, and Military Strategy Could Not Stave Off Defeat; Lee and His Generals in War and Memory; and Stephen Dodson Ramseur: Lee’s Gallant General.
Editor’s Preface vii
Editor’s Introduction ix
Introduction 1
Chapter 1: Service with the Infantry 2
Chapter 2: Battles near Richmond 10
Chapter 3: March to Winchester 17
Chapter 4: Sharpsburg 20
Chapter 5: Fredericksburg 29
Chapter 6: Field Artillery 33
Chapter 7: Service on the Artillery Staff 35
Chapter 8: Chancellorsville 40
Chapter 9: Artillery of the Third Corps 43
Chapter 10: Battle of Gettysburg 46
Chapter 11: Comments on the Battle of Gettysburg 53
Chapter 12: Battle of Bristow Station 56
Chapter 13: Army Returns to Orange Court House 59
Chapter 14: Mine Run 60
Chapter 15: Battle of the Wilderness 65
Chapter 16: Spottsylvania 69Chapter 17: Siege of Petersburg 73
Chapter 18: End Approaches 84
Chapter 19: Last Battle 87
Chapter 20: Return 91
General Remarks 93
Index 99
