A Quaker Colonel, His Fiancee, and Their Connections: Selected Civil War Correspondence

A Quaker Colonel, His Fiancée, and Their Connections provides a window into the lives of elite Northern women on the homefront during the American Civil War, revealing their separation, adaptation, work, political involvement, and anxieties. The book also explores the experiences of their menfolk in the army, including training camp, action, and the military-political-industrial complex.

Format: Hardback
Length: 488 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2023
Publisher: Lehigh University Press

A Quaker Colonel, his fiancée, and their connections offer a captivating glimpse into the lives of elite Northern women on the homefront during the American Civil War. Through a series of letters exchanged between a Union officer, his fiancée, and their acquaintances, the book provides a profound window into their experiences.

The letters reveal the deep pain and separation experienced by these women as they faced the loss of loved ones and friends at the front lines. They adapted to unfamiliar work and acquired new skills, tirelessly laboring for the soldiers both at the front and in hospitals. Their political involvement, ranging from advocating for the Union cause to participating in relief efforts, further showcased their resilience and determination.

In addition to the women's experiences, the book also delves into the experiences of their menfolk in the army. The reader accompanies them through training camp, their service in the Pennsylvania Reserves, and their participation in the Army of the Potomac's various campaigns. The principal male correspondent, after leaving the Army of the Potomac following the Battle of Fredericksburg, assumed the role of lieutenant colonel in a regiment of Pennsylvania Cavalry, engaging in action in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi.

Throughout the letters, evidence of the military-political-industrial complex that played a pivotal role in winning the war is evident. The book also sheds light on abolitionism and African-Americans, providing insights into the social and cultural dynamics of the time.

A Quaker Colonel, his fiancée, and their connections is a valuable resource for scholars and historians seeking to understand the complexities of the Civil War era. Through the personal narratives and historical context provided by these letters, the book offers a deeper understanding of the lives and sacrifices of those who lived through this tumultuous period.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781611463446