Through Ordinary Eyes - The Civil War Correspondence of Rufus Robbins, Private, 7th Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers

This extensive two-way exchange of letters between Rufus Robbins and members of his family provides a highly personalized view of the life of a Union soldier, as well as life on the home front in South Abington, Massachusetts, an important source of war materiel. Enlisting in the Seventh Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment at the seasoned age of 31, Rufus carefully crafts letters that are articulate, graphic, and often witty and that contribute much to our understanding of the daily course of the war. Notes from home reflect the Robbins family's ever-present worry and concern for Rufus' well-being. His brothers detail their involvement in the sewing of army boots, an activity for which South Abington held a large contract.

As a confirmed Universalist, Rufus struggled to live a life of faith in the midst of war. His letters demonstrate the depth of his character, showing both maturity and confidence. However, as the war continued, one sees his belief in the righteousness of the Union cause, his confidence in God, and his sometimes naive simplicity replaced with a more realistic form of idealism. In this collection, those interested in military affairs can learn about the economic workings of the camps, the recreational outlets for the soldiers, and the grim realities of the Peninsula Campaign, while scholars focussing on civilian life will gain a greater understanding of the impact of the war on the families and friends left behind.

Table des matières

Preface
Introduction
Letters from 1861
Letters from 1862
Letters from 1863
Appendix I: Chronology of the Seventh Regiment
Appendix II: Captain George Reed's letter to the Abington Standard
Index

A propos de l'auteur

ELLA JANE BRUEN teaches at Sacred Heart High School and Intermediate School in Kingston, Massachusetts./e She has served on the boards of F.C.P., Family Continuity Program, a social service agency and also on the Plymouth Antiquarian Society, an historical society in Plymouth.

BRIAN M. FITZGIBBONS has been a Civil War re-enactor with the Massachusetts Twelfth Regiment of Volunteers. He has visited and studied many Civil War battlefields, including Manassas, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg.

Détails du produit

• Auteurs: Rufus Robbins
• Collaboration: Ella Jane Bruen (Editeur), Bruen Ella Jane (Editeur), Brian M. Fitzgibbons (Editeur), Fitzgibbons Brian M. (Editeur)
• Edition: Bloomsbury
• Langues: Anglais
• Format d'édition: Livre Relié
• Sortie: 30.08.2000
• EAN: 9780275965891
• ISBN: 978-0-275-96589-1
• Catégories: Sciences humaines, art, musique > Histoire > Histoire par région/pays; USA, Modern history to 20th century: c 1700 to c 1900, American History, HISTORY / United States / Civil War Period (1850-1877), HISTORY / Military / United States, HISTORY / United States / 19th Century, c 1800 to c 1900, 19th century, c 1800 to c 1899, 18th century, c 1700 to c 1799, United States of America, USA, History of the Americas, Early modern warfare (including gunpowder warfare), c 1860 to c 1869, Civil wars, American Civil War, HISTORY / Military / Early Modern Warfare (1500-1800)