Reminiscences Of A Private First Regiment South Carolina

Description: Beginning service as a confederate soldier around Charleston, South Carolina, young Frank Mixson soon proceeded to Virginia. After Gettysburg he followed Longstreet in the transfer of his army from Virginia by rail through Weldon, Wilmington, and Atlanta to the Chattanooga front. He spent the winter of 1863-64 in East Tennessee with Longstreet's army and continued to Virginia in the Spring to help stop Grant's march on Richmond. This is his extraordinary account of his service in the 1st South Carolina Volunteers and Lee’s Army. Frank Mixson was but one of thousands of boys who, believing in the defense of their state and the glory of the field, rushed to enlist for their “grand adventure.” There was no cause for concern, not in the early months of 1861. Few would believe this during those heady days of secession. Determined to join one of the local companies, rejection only strengthened his resolve. Mixson finally won out and was accepted as a solder in the ranks. Being from a large family and surrounded by friend and kinsmen, the young soldier was comfortable in his surroundings. This comfort was, for the confederate solid, a mixed blessing. While he was at ease among his comrades in camp, his conduct was observed by those who knew him best…and reported home. Whether by letter, visitor, soldiers on sick leave, or later, by survivors, his conduct and exploits would be remembered and recounted. The glory of soldiering soon lost its appeal in dull routine of camp life and drudgery of drill. With name and personal honor at state, Mixson and his comrades served until graceful withdrawal was permitted. Many refused to seek escape, or accept it when offered. They held duty and loyalty to company and comrades higher than personal safety. So it was with young Frank Mixson. Perhaps the close knit units made up of family, friends and neighbors accounts for the quality of character of the service of the Confederate soldier in the field. Perhaps, too, it accounts for the candor and the memoirs and reminiscences. At home after the war, he was surrounded by his comrades of the field. His tales were subject to challenge and correction by those who shared the experience. Unlike many reminiscences written after the war, Mixson’s were written for publication. Common practice during the latter part of the century was for local newspapers to publish the tales, profiles and reminiscences of the old soldiers. They were widely read and served to dramatize the service of local men and organizations formed in the district. It also served to present a “true” knowledge of the war to the younger citizens of the locale. Mixson’s story was of such length and range so true that a small book was compiled from the manuscript. Mixson does not have the gift of making us fell the sorrow of the soldier kneeling over a fallen brother, or the excitement of the advance. Few are so gifted. He does give us, in an unvarnished way, a means to understand some of this experience during ht war and through this, the experiences of others in similarly circumstances. Reminiscences of a Private does for the South Carolina soldier of the Army of Northern Virginia what Sam Watkins’ Co Atych does for the Tennessee soldiers in the west. For this reason, it has been left as written by Frank Mixson that we might peer over his shoulder to read the words of him who lived it. A roster of Company E, 1st South Carolina Volunteers, a brief sketch of the regiment, and a list of those who followed their colors in the end has been added for the information of the reader. This is a used copy with minor wear as shown in pictures .

Price: 19.99 USD

Location: Powell, Tennessee

End Time: 2024-08-16T19:14:44.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD