Brass-Pounders: Young Telegraphers of the Civil War

by Alvin F. Harlow

War in any age has depended on the flow of information to and from the decision makers, information passed from the scouts, spies and horse bound messengers to the generals and statesmen in charge. Speed is always key, and in the day of the Civil War, the fastest transmission was by telegraph. As the frontlines advanced and retreated, the wire would have to be strung to the front lines. In this fascinating volume, Alvin Harlow, recounts many of the adventures of the Civil War telegraphers, who despite their civilian status shared the dangers of the soldiers as they sent massages back to the various headquarters and generals. As the title suggests the telegraphers were often no more than teenagers, and their stories form an interesting sidelight on the Civil War.

233 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1962

Reviews

[William O. Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real eye opener of a read. I thought I knew some of the more obscure historical facts surrounding warfare during the civil war. Sure I knew the importance of how the newly invented telegraph contributed to military strategies on both sides, but I did not know that nearly all the telegraph operators were just young lads-- some pre-teens even—most were under the age of 21 and many dodged bullets as they sent messages out from the battlefield. Since they were non-military and employed by private telegraph companies, they were not provided any military service pension or assistance when the war ended. I am glad books like this have recorded the contribution of these brave young souls.

[virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent,spellbinding, exhausting . Brought you into the book and put you their with the telegraphed.

The writer brought me into the book and the telegraphed key is almost in your hands, the fear and excitement are yours. As a CW operator I felt the key in my hand and I copied, with great anticipAtion what was being received. Well done.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent account of the telegrapher’s lot in the Civil War. It describes their crucial role and the skirmishes and narrow escapes they had at that time.

[Jim Perry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating collection of vignettes of "the little guys" in the Civil War. The use of the "new technology" telegraph figures prominently in the stories, but this is really a story of the grit, boredom, and sacrifice of men during war.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book I found in the souvenir shop at Lincoln's New Salem a long time ago, maybe 1965? Then I found it again, buried in mu book case, and read it again. Liked it both times!