Brother of Mine

The Civil War Letters of Thomas and William Christie

Nonfiction, History, Americas, United States, Civil War Period (1850-1877)
Cover of the book Brother of Mine by Hampton Smith, Minnesota Historical Society Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Hampton Smith ISBN: 9780873518109
Publisher: Minnesota Historical Society Press Publication: December 1, 2010
Imprint: Minnesota Historical Society Press Language: English
Author: Hampton Smith
ISBN: 9780873518109
Publisher: Minnesota Historical Society Press
Publication: December 1, 2010
Imprint: Minnesota Historical Society Press
Language: English

In 1861, as President Lincoln called for volunteers to defend the Union, Thomas Christie wrote to his father, voicing desires shared by many an enlistee: "I do want to 'see the world,' to get out of the narrow circle in which I have always lived, to 'make a man of myself,' and to have it to say in days to come that I, too, had a part in this great struggle."

As it turned out, Thomas had an excellent partner in his quest: his brother William. Both signed on with the First Minnesota Light Artillery, working as "cannoneers," responsible for loading and aiming big guns at the enemy. The First Minnesota saw action in major battles at Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, and Atlanta. But the adventurers also endured the monotony of camp life, the hunger of poor supply lines, and, in William's case, the challenges of enemy capture. The ups and downs, the doubts and thrills are recounted from their differing perspectives in this collection of letters to worried parents, a winsome sister, and a younger brother eager to join in the fight. Their vivid epistles are enhanced by the familial connection of brothers in arms who eventually did see the world—and returned home changed.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In 1861, as President Lincoln called for volunteers to defend the Union, Thomas Christie wrote to his father, voicing desires shared by many an enlistee: "I do want to 'see the world,' to get out of the narrow circle in which I have always lived, to 'make a man of myself,' and to have it to say in days to come that I, too, had a part in this great struggle."

As it turned out, Thomas had an excellent partner in his quest: his brother William. Both signed on with the First Minnesota Light Artillery, working as "cannoneers," responsible for loading and aiming big guns at the enemy. The First Minnesota saw action in major battles at Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, and Atlanta. But the adventurers also endured the monotony of camp life, the hunger of poor supply lines, and, in William's case, the challenges of enemy capture. The ups and downs, the doubts and thrills are recounted from their differing perspectives in this collection of letters to worried parents, a winsome sister, and a younger brother eager to join in the fight. Their vivid epistles are enhanced by the familial connection of brothers in arms who eventually did see the world—and returned home changed.

More books from Minnesota Historical Society Press

Cover of the book Twin Cities Picture Show by Hampton Smith
Cover of the book Creating Minnesota by Hampton Smith
Cover of the book Wild and Rare by Hampton Smith
Cover of the book Unto A Good Land by Hampton Smith
Cover of the book The Summer of Ordinary Ways by Hampton Smith
Cover of the book Go If You Think It Your Duty by Hampton Smith
Cover of the book Beware of Cat by Hampton Smith
Cover of the book Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask by Hampton Smith
Cover of the book The Old Way North by Hampton Smith
Cover of the book Hard Work and a Good Deal by Hampton Smith
Cover of the book Finns in Minnesota by Hampton Smith
Cover of the book Blues Vision by Hampton Smith
Cover of the book Land of The Burnt Thigh by Hampton Smith
Cover of the book Somalis in Minnesota by Hampton Smith
Cover of the book Keepsakes & Other Stories by Hampton Smith
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy