Soldiering: Diary Rice C. Bull: The Civil War Diary of Rice C. Bull

by Rice C. Bull

"An excellent firsthand account of the Civil War from a soldier's point of view. It is a masterful description of war's grim reality."--VFW Magazine

Genres: Civil War, History, Memoir, Nonfiction, American Civil War, Biography

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[E B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a oddity of war diaries as it was written some 50 years later by Rice C. Bull based on his journals during the war. Instead of a moment to moment progression, it shows a broader stroke of the feeling and emotion of the journey of a soldier through the Civil War. This specific Journal follows the western front pushing south ultimately culminating with Shermans March to the Sea. While the author did nothing to stop some of the travesties of the March to the Sea, he did feel bad for its inhabitants.

[Laura Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting, if somewhat dry account of a Civil War soldier's experiences.

[Heidi Klinowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll admit I originally read this book because the author is buried in Oakwood Cemetery (Troy, NY) where I am a volunteer historic tour guide. But once I started reading, I found it fascinating. Rice Bull was a witness and soldier-participant at many of the major Civil War battles we learn about in school. The daily diary he kept gives detailed accounts not found elsewhere. This book is considered one of the top-rated first person accounts of the life of a Civil War soldier and I understand why. Highly recommend it.

[Holly Lindquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

A top-notch addition to any Civil War library, this memoir was written by the author decades after the war, using his original diary as a foundation. Despite the time that passed, Bull doesn't leave anything out (and considering what he went through, I'm sure his memories remained sharp and indelible). He covers the day to day army routine one expects from any decent Civil War diary, the drudgery of camp, marches, drills, and inclement weather. However, where Bull's story becomes extraordinary is when he gets shot through the jaw at the battle of Chancellorsville (Antietam). He ends up in a filthy log cabin with other wounded Union soldiers and they suffer through several days of rain, sweltering weather, lack of food, and increasing sickness. His description of that hellish situation is gruesome but riveting. One of the best Civil War accounts I've read.

[Straw · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2..a first rate memoir by Rice Bull. Really captures being wounded and left behind enemy lines in addition, to Sherman's March to the Sea. Best Civil War memoir I've read thus far.. By the way, the super 70's version I have from the library has a really ridiculous cover that I wish was the cover photo here...

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding 1st hand account of campaigning during the Civil War. Bull was wounded and taken prisoner for a short time following the Battle of Chancellorsville and later served with Sherman during his march through Georgia & the Carolinas.

[Joseph Hofmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best 1st person accounts of life within the ranks that I have ever read. Cannot reccomned it highly enough for not only the buff but for the reenactor as well

[Teej · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rice made me feel like I was there. An amazing book!