Gettysburg: A Lovely Summer Morning

by Frank A. Haskell

In the league of great military memoirs, which includes such works as Barry Fixler's Semper One Marine's Fond Memories of Vietnam, this account of the Battle of Gettysburg by then Lieutenant Frank A. Haskell is one of the most moving, and honest accounts of battle ever written. A Lovely Summer Morning is a compilation of vintage civil war photos, Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, and a letter written by Franklin Aretas Haskell, Aide-de-camp to General John Gibbon. Haskell's letter was first published in 1898 as a book entitled The Battle of Gettysburg. Haskell wrote the letter to his brother shortly after his participation in the Battle of Gettysburg. He did not intend for it to be published commercially.

Genres: History

114 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 14, 2011

Reviews

[John Parrott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful and sad

First person narrative by an aide to Federal Gen. Gibbons. Haskell tells you what he saw and his powers of description are compelling.
I am come late to reading about our civil war and I am shamed at my lifelong superficiality and grotesque abandonment by my friends on the left and right of this monumental, bloody testament to what America is really about. The proof of the American experiment- as Pres. Lincoln was it. While the aristocrats of Europe were laughing that this ' rule by the people's was falling apart , Americans fought to prove them wrong.
And they did. This was our Odyssey. This was our Iliad. This was incomparable to any war in history. Let there be no mistake about the causes of this conflict. History is clear and it is readily available . The civil war was fought to end slavery. The nobility of the American people was cast in steel and lead and blood. Let my friends on the left awaken to the incredibly magnificence of when an how America can be great. My friends on the right should remember that Lincoln was a Republican and so was the party that knew what this war would mean. And how much it could cost. And ,please start teaching kids-especially new immigrant kids this-this war and what it was about is WHY we are a great nation. And let us not ...forget.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Aide-de-Camp to General John Gibbon of the Army of the Potomac's II Corps, Haskell's involvement in the Battle of Gettysburg makes for required reading for any student of the American Civil War. Haskell's account details the tactics of the Union Commanders he personally accompanied that made Gettysburg a stunning victory for the North, as well as providing deep criticisms of Union decisions that in his view, created unnecessary casualties. Haskell singles out Sickles in particular, deeming his forward movement of the III Corps on July 2nd to have drawn a hardened Confederate attack.

Interesting note: After the wounding of General Gibbon and other officers, Haskell rushed into the the faltering Union lines and rallied various soldiers to return to combat, effectively repulsing a Confederate assault.

[Mr B.R.Fairey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boone mans account of a battle

This is a staff officers account of an important battle in the American civil war. It does not give an account of the battle in general and you are left to guess what was happening in other areas. Nevertheless I found his account readable but you need to take account of some fluid dialogue. Alas it was obviously transcribed last century.

[Robert Hausladen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Personal Account

This is Frank A Haskell's personal account of the battle and, therefore, not a complete picture. It is, however a gripping tale written so soon that the raw feelings are evident. I have read many accounts, but this is the most emotional and, I suspect, closest to the feelings of those who fought.

[Brian E. Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating first-hand account of the Battle of Gettysburg

This is a great book to read to get a personal account of this three-day battle. This battle is considered by many to be the pivotal event of the Civil War.

[Colin Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harrowing

Brilliantly written with great detail. A book that anyone with the slightest interest in the civil war should read. An awesome account.

[Francisco Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read

A must read for the whole world. I enjoyed very much reading this book even though the horror done to both man and animals.

[Ian A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent

Haskell first person account of the battle is one of the best I have read. Nothing beats contemporary accounts from those that were there.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read

Great book. Felt like I was there. Looking forward to going some day. Wonderful descriptions using great atmospheric words also.