Liddell's Record

by St. John Richardson Liddell, Nathaniel Cheairs Hughes Jr. (Editor)

A prominent Louisiana planter and conspicuous combat leader in the Army of Tennessee, St. John Richardson Liddell traveled in the upper circles of the Confederate military and political high command. In 1866, he penned his memoirs for his sons. Liddell's judgment on why the Confederacy failed, offers blunt, often harsh criticisms of Confederate leadership and fellow soldiers rarely found in such personal accounts .

Genres: Civil War, American Civil War

217 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Sean Chick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Among the memoirs left by the generals, I most enjoy those who are frank, succinct, and observant. On the Rebel side Liddell's lacks the polish of Alexander and Taylor, but has an emotional touch. Liddell is of course sure of himself and his judgements, but his combat record was stellar. Mostly I liked this honest, intimate window into his soul. He discusses his dreams at one point. The work ends with "Hope still lingers, such that it is." The portrait that emerges is of a difficult and moody man, but also a brave, intelligent, compassionate leader. He was utterly devoted to independence, even going so far to support emancipation when many balked at losing their property. I still contend that one reason for Confederate defeat was the preening, self-righteous, faux-aristocratic pretensions of its leadership. This book supports my thesis, because Liddell is often discussing the arrogance of those he meets, particularly the passage about Earl Van Dorn.

[Avis Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liddell was a brigadier general in Braxton Bragg's command, and this gossipy memoir did not see print until (if memory serves me correctly) 1985. The late publishing date is unfortunate, because Liddell is one of the few persons who bothered to write an account of the vicious infighting that took place between Bragg and his subordinates. An absolutely necessary book if you want to understand the troubled command structure inside the Confederate Army of the West.

[JerryDeanHalleck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent primary source on the AoT high Command. Liddell is one of the few who thought the Bragg's subordinates rather than Bragg were responsible for the AoT's lack of success.