Inside the Army of the Potomac

The Civil War Experience of Captain Francis Adams Donaldson

Nonfiction, History, Americas, United States, Civil War Period (1850-1877)
Cover of the book Inside the Army of the Potomac by J. Gregory Acken, Stackpole Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: J. Gregory Acken ISBN: 9780811766395
Publisher: Stackpole Books Publication: September 15, 2017
Imprint: Stackpole Books Language: English
Author: J. Gregory Acken
ISBN: 9780811766395
Publisher: Stackpole Books
Publication: September 15, 2017
Imprint: Stackpole Books
Language: English

At the outbreak of war, twenty-year-old Francis Adams Donaldson enlisted in the 1st California Regiment (later known as the 71st Pennsylvania Volunteers) of the famous Philadelphia Brigade of the II Corps, Army of the Potomac. He fought at Ball’s Bluff (where he was captured) and participated in the Peninsula Campaign until he was wounded at the Battle of Fair Oaks.
Upon his recovery, Donaldson reluctantly accepted promotion to a captaincy I the Corn Exchange Regiment (also known as the 118th Pennsylvania Volunteers), which served throughout its existence in the V Corps. In his new position, Donaldson participated in all the major campaigns and battles in the East through late 1863, including Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Bristoe Station, and Mine Run.
Although Donaldson made no secret of his distaste for writing he consistently sent home some of his letters filled as many as fifty pages of writing paper. Nearly all of his letter were written in camp of while on active campaign, imparting a freshness and immediacy that is rarely seen. His comments on fellow soldiers—be they lowly privates of major generals—were pointed and unvarnished. In addition to writing ably and including his combat experience, Donaldson also revealed much about the seldom-mentioned factors of army life—the internal feuding, the backbiting, and the politicking that coursed through many Civil War regiments.
For more than 125 years, Donaldson’s letters have lain virtually untouched in the Civil War Library and Museum of Philadelphia. J. Gregory Acken has painstakingly edited these remarkable collection, making these never-before-published letters available for the first time. Their detail and honesty will astonish and enthrall anyone who has ever taken an interest in the Civil War.

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

At the outbreak of war, twenty-year-old Francis Adams Donaldson enlisted in the 1st California Regiment (later known as the 71st Pennsylvania Volunteers) of the famous Philadelphia Brigade of the II Corps, Army of the Potomac. He fought at Ball’s Bluff (where he was captured) and participated in the Peninsula Campaign until he was wounded at the Battle of Fair Oaks.
Upon his recovery, Donaldson reluctantly accepted promotion to a captaincy I the Corn Exchange Regiment (also known as the 118th Pennsylvania Volunteers), which served throughout its existence in the V Corps. In his new position, Donaldson participated in all the major campaigns and battles in the East through late 1863, including Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Bristoe Station, and Mine Run.
Although Donaldson made no secret of his distaste for writing he consistently sent home some of his letters filled as many as fifty pages of writing paper. Nearly all of his letter were written in camp of while on active campaign, imparting a freshness and immediacy that is rarely seen. His comments on fellow soldiers—be they lowly privates of major generals—were pointed and unvarnished. In addition to writing ably and including his combat experience, Donaldson also revealed much about the seldom-mentioned factors of army life—the internal feuding, the backbiting, and the politicking that coursed through many Civil War regiments.
For more than 125 years, Donaldson’s letters have lain virtually untouched in the Civil War Library and Museum of Philadelphia. J. Gregory Acken has painstakingly edited these remarkable collection, making these never-before-published letters available for the first time. Their detail and honesty will astonish and enthrall anyone who has ever taken an interest in the Civil War.

More books from Stackpole Books

Cover of the book Identifying Trees by J. Gregory Acken
Cover of the book Classic Salmon Fly Patterns by J. Gregory Acken
Cover of the book Panzer Gunner by J. Gregory Acken
Cover of the book The 12th SS by J. Gregory Acken
Cover of the book Making Mosaics with Found Objects by J. Gregory Acken
Cover of the book The Kamado Grill Cookbook by J. Gregory Acken
Cover of the book Battle of Paoli by J. Gregory Acken
Cover of the book Panzers in the Sand by J. Gregory Acken
Cover of the book Lincoln Highway Companion by J. Gregory Acken
Cover of the book Medieval Celebrations by J. Gregory Acken
Cover of the book The Curious Morel by J. Gregory Acken
Cover of the book Don Troiani's Campaign to Saratoga - 1777 by J. Gregory Acken
Cover of the book Practical Tracking by J. Gregory Acken
Cover of the book Outdoor Careers by J. Gregory Acken
Cover of the book The Battle of Prokhorovka by J. Gregory Acken
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