In Their Letters, in Their Words: Illinois Civil War Soldiers Write Home

During the Civil War, soldiers wrote letters to their families and friends, providing a valuable insight into the lives of those who lived and shaped this tumultuous era. This impressively researched book documents 165 Illinois Civil War soldiers and sailors lives through the lens of their personal letters, allowing them to speak for themselves and capture what mattered most to them. The letters cover a range of topics, including reasons for enlisting, training and duties, Southern culture, slavery, opinions of commanding officers, prisoner-of-war experiences, and attempts to manage homes and farms.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2020
Publisher: Southern Illinois University Press

A significant and enduring connection to home during the Civil War, the letters written by soldiers to their families and friends continue to hold immense value for those who seek to delve deeper into and comprehend the most turbulent chapter in American history. This meticulously researched book presents the lives of 165 Illinois Civil War soldiers and sailors through the lens of their personal letters, offering a broader perspective than the accounts of a select few witnesses. Editor Mark Flotow has carefully selected a diverse group of letter writers, hailing from various counties across the state, serving in different branches of the military at different ranks, and representing a wide range of social experiences and war outcomes.

Flotow includes extensive quotations from these letters, allowing the soldiers to speak for themselves and convey the essence of what mattered most to them. The soldiers' letters cover a wide range of topics, including their motivations for enlisting, the nature of their training and duties, the challenges they faced in harsh and chaotic circumstances, their observations of Southern culture, slavery, their opinions of commanding officers and the president, their experiences with disease, medicine, and hospitals, their prisoner-of-war experiences, and their eventual departure from the army.

Through their letters from afar, soldiers sought to manage their homes and farms, while some single men attempted to win the affection of their sweethearts. Flotow includes brief biographies for each soldier quoted in the book, providing historical context and analysis alongside the letters, and organizing them by relevant topics. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of the significance of the intimate details cited in individual letters, shedding light on the lives and experiences of those who lived through this tumultuous era.

The result of Flotow's meticulous research and thoughtful presentation is not only an insightful history but also a captivating read. The letters evoke a sense of empathy and connection, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the lives of these soldiers and gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices and hardships they endured. This book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the Civil War and its impact on American society.

Weight: 478g
Dimension: 155 x 235 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780809337637