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Through Blood and Fire at Gettysburg: General Joshua L. Chamberlain and the 20th Main
In 1913, Hearst's Magazine published an article written by General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain. During the Battle of Gettysburg, on July 2, 1863, General Chamberlain recounted the story of how he and his twentieth Maine Regiment Volunteers, saved the crucially strategic Little Round Top from the Confederates. By thwarting repeated enemy assaults, through daring and innovation, he was able to save the day and preserve this vital segment of the battlefield for the Army of the Potomac and ultimately the Union. For daring heroism and great tenacity in holding his position on the Little Round Top against repeated assaults and carrying the advance position on the Great Round Top, General Chamberlain was awarded the Medal of Honor. His first-hand account of the action on Little Round Top is presented herein with few minor editing changes. It is embellished with several photographs of key Union commanders. In addition, we have included photograph of monuments erected to those regiments responsible for saving this critical hilltop. By providing this information, it is hoped the reader will better understand and appreciate the courage and sacrifices made by both sides during this epic battle.
60 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 1994
8 people are currently reading
385 people want to read
About the author
Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain
46 books43 followersChamberlain was a college professor at Bowdoin College before the U.S. Civil War. When the faculty refused him permission for a leave of absense so that he could enlist he took a sabbatical and enlisted anyway.
He played a Key role in the Battle of Gettysburg as depicted in Michael Shaara's Pulitzer Prize-winning historical novel about Gettysburg, The Killer Angels, and the movie based on that novel, Gettysburg (in which Chamberlain was played by actor Jeff Daniels, who repeated that role in the Gods and Generals prequel).
Chamberlain was later seriously wounded in the war and was propted to General but survived and went on to become governor of Maine and President of Bowdoin College where he was proud to say that he eventually taught every course in their curriculum with the exception of mathematics
He played a Key role in the Battle of Gettysburg as depicted in Michael Shaara's Pulitzer Prize-winning historical novel about Gettysburg, The Killer Angels, and the movie based on that novel, Gettysburg (in which Chamberlain was played by actor Jeff Daniels, who repeated that role in the Gods and Generals prequel).
Chamberlain was later seriously wounded in the war and was propted to General but survived and went on to become governor of Maine and President of Bowdoin College where he was proud to say that he eventually taught every course in their curriculum with the exception of mathematics
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 19, 2014
Most of us had never heard of Joshua L. Chamberlain until we either read the book The Killer Angels or saw the movie Gettysburg. In the movie, the conflicted Chamberlain is portrayed by Jeff Daniels. Some reviewers have stated that they felt that Chamberlain single-handedly won the Civil War. This is not the case. But you must admit that his actions with the 20th Maine and other Army of the Potomac troops in the late afternoon of July 2, 1863, certainly created stories that became legend.
This short book, sixty pages in total, is a very quick read. Only twenty-nine pages of it contains Chamberlain's account of the second day of the battle of Gettysburg. The remaining part of the book contains photos and maps of the events of the day. At the end we see a facsimile of Chamberlain's report written on the 6th of July. It is extremely hard to read but can be found on the Internet if you do a simple search.
Keep in mind that Through Blood and Fire at Gettysburg is also the second chapter of Chamberlain's Bayonet! Forward: My Civil War Reminiscences. The only reason why I purchased the smaller volume was that it had additional photos that are not contained in the longer memoir.
Will I read this short book again? Definitely!
This short book, sixty pages in total, is a very quick read. Only twenty-nine pages of it contains Chamberlain's account of the second day of the battle of Gettysburg. The remaining part of the book contains photos and maps of the events of the day. At the end we see a facsimile of Chamberlain's report written on the 6th of July. It is extremely hard to read but can be found on the Internet if you do a simple search.
Keep in mind that Through Blood and Fire at Gettysburg is also the second chapter of Chamberlain's Bayonet! Forward: My Civil War Reminiscences. The only reason why I purchased the smaller volume was that it had additional photos that are not contained in the longer memoir.
Will I read this short book again? Definitely!
August 24, 2019
“The inspiration of a noble cause involving human interests wide and far, enables men to do things they did not dream themselves capable of before, and which they were not capable of alone.” — Joshua Chamberlain
November 5, 2019
Though the book covers only the War years, the reader is given a clear picture of the man Chamberlain was. From the letters presented here, it’s obvious that Chamberlain was an exceptional man. He gives up a sabbatical to Europe in order to fight for his country. That he does so, even after facing stiff resistance from Bowdoin College where he taught, adds to his stature.
He appears to love his new life, relishing the weather extremes and leaving to providence his own survival. Yet when lauded with praise, he would always lay those honors on “the Army,” the men he commanded.
1863 would bring Gettysburg and Little Round Top, where his reputation as a soldier was solidified. His letters describing this and other battles are detailed and precise. Though never dull, his letters to his wife give a more rounded view of the man, even if they tended to get somewhat flowery.
He would almost die more than once, first from “mararial fever,” in 1863. He was recovered enough to return to service by May of 1864. Almost immediately he would suffer wounds in the Battle of Petersburg. There was internal damage, yet Chamberlain would return to duty by November.
He would need additional surgery the following year, yet he would lead his men once again into battle and be given the honor of commanding the formal laying down of the colors and weapons of the Confederate Army at Appomattox.
He would serve his state and country for almost another fighter years. It was an extraordinary life of an extraordinary man.
He appears to love his new life, relishing the weather extremes and leaving to providence his own survival. Yet when lauded with praise, he would always lay those honors on “the Army,” the men he commanded.
1863 would bring Gettysburg and Little Round Top, where his reputation as a soldier was solidified. His letters describing this and other battles are detailed and precise. Though never dull, his letters to his wife give a more rounded view of the man, even if they tended to get somewhat flowery.
He would almost die more than once, first from “mararial fever,” in 1863. He was recovered enough to return to service by May of 1864. Almost immediately he would suffer wounds in the Battle of Petersburg. There was internal damage, yet Chamberlain would return to duty by November.
He would need additional surgery the following year, yet he would lead his men once again into battle and be given the honor of commanding the formal laying down of the colors and weapons of the Confederate Army at Appomattox.
He would serve his state and country for almost another fighter years. It was an extraordinary life of an extraordinary man.
April 1, 2020
The prose, passion and humanity Chamberlain brings to his report on his actions at Little Round Top are uplifting, heroic, horrific and inspiring. His writing style certainly from a previous age is that of a educated man with a gift for the right phrase. His narrative is reason enough to read this periodical and anything else he may write.
The actions that earned him the Metal of Honor like a number of actions during these three days of fighting were somewhat mystical in nature. When you look at the totality of this battle, the difference between winning and losing this reviewer believes could be describe as the intervention of Providence, "The hand of God". Each days' action could have swung in the direction of the Confederacy except for these mystical interventions. For instance, Chamberlain's brilliance and the courage of his men certainly were responsible for the victory on the second day, yet, Chamberlain noted how quick action by General Warren who saw the movement of Confederate soldiers towards Little Round Top saved the day for the Union and possibly the entire battle. This reviewer believes that all three days could have be won by the Confederate army except for these mystical interventions.
This periodical has made me want to read more by General Joshua Chamberlain because as gifted he was as a general, he was just as talented as a writer.
The actions that earned him the Metal of Honor like a number of actions during these three days of fighting were somewhat mystical in nature. When you look at the totality of this battle, the difference between winning and losing this reviewer believes could be describe as the intervention of Providence, "The hand of God". Each days' action could have swung in the direction of the Confederacy except for these mystical interventions. For instance, Chamberlain's brilliance and the courage of his men certainly were responsible for the victory on the second day, yet, Chamberlain noted how quick action by General Warren who saw the movement of Confederate soldiers towards Little Round Top saved the day for the Union and possibly the entire battle. This reviewer believes that all three days could have be won by the Confederate army except for these mystical interventions.
This periodical has made me want to read more by General Joshua Chamberlain because as gifted he was as a general, he was just as talented as a writer.
March 18, 2023
This reads like a great historical fiction about what happened at Gettysburg. Only it's not. It's the real, live story about the 20th Maine and their part in the battle at Gettysburg, in the Civil War.
Gettysburg is one of those important, pivotal moments in the Civil War. It wasn't really a single battle, but a series of battles, skirmishes, near misses and catastrophes.
Over three days the Union and Confederate armies fought across this area, ending with the Confederate army retreating back out of Pennsylvania, into Virginia. They never really recovered. They certainly never tried to come north again.
Then there are the political consequences and the enormous, on-going impact of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.
And through all this, the 20th Maine (regiment) played its part. Joshua Chamberlain was a gifted writer who lets us see what it was like, how men fought, died or survived, acted with or against other men. Like I said, this reads almost like historical fiction. Only it's not. It's real.
This is not the first time I've read this book and it won't be the last. Hopefully, you'll have the same experience.
Gettysburg is one of those important, pivotal moments in the Civil War. It wasn't really a single battle, but a series of battles, skirmishes, near misses and catastrophes.
Over three days the Union and Confederate armies fought across this area, ending with the Confederate army retreating back out of Pennsylvania, into Virginia. They never really recovered. They certainly never tried to come north again.
Then there are the political consequences and the enormous, on-going impact of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.
And through all this, the 20th Maine (regiment) played its part. Joshua Chamberlain was a gifted writer who lets us see what it was like, how men fought, died or survived, acted with or against other men. Like I said, this reads almost like historical fiction. Only it's not. It's real.
This is not the first time I've read this book and it won't be the last. Hopefully, you'll have the same experience.
August 2, 2021
Though long overlooked by Civil War enthusiasts, Joshua Chamberlain has become a twentieth-century hero thanks to novels, film, and television. In Through Blood and Fire you’ll learn why Chamberlain, a college professor, joined the war and how he triumphed through it. Chamberlain was a highly motivated man, and you’ll come to understand what drove him as you read the letters he wrote during the long days at the battlefield.
Here, for the first time, Chamberlain’s known wartime writings—letters both official and personal, his private notebook, and battle reports—are gathered in one volume.
Author Mark Mesbitt sets the scene and describes the larger context of a war in which, through blood and fire, a college professor of sterling character sacrificed his comforts and job to serve the country the country he loved.
Here, for the first time, Chamberlain’s known wartime writings—letters both official and personal, his private notebook, and battle reports—are gathered in one volume.
Author Mark Mesbitt sets the scene and describes the larger context of a war in which, through blood and fire, a college professor of sterling character sacrificed his comforts and job to serve the country the country he loved.
November 5, 2021
Excellent compilation of letters and source materials that fill in many gaps in our knowledge of GEN Chamberlain outside of Little Round Top. The only downside to this book is an indirect reference to “the lost cause mythology “ often referenced by writers trying to divert attention from the reasons the South ceded from our country. Otherwise an excellent book.
August 1, 2019
I loved the letters it contained, but I found it a bit repetitive and thus made it a slow read, which was disappointing because it started out so strong.
July 11, 2020
A poetic retelling of one of the bloodiest days in American history, by the person who altered the course of it. I might have known the outcome, but reading Chamberlain’s words gave me chills.
September 4, 2015
I've been to the Gettysburg National Park twice, and have watched the movie at least three times over my actual visits to the battlefield.
While I know the overall history of the American Civil War, or as wargamers abbreviate it "ACW," I've read very few specific books on the subject, so I don't have a fine grasp of the details.
And I've never read any personal accounts of the war, until a few days ago. I unearthed the booklet, Through Blood & Fire Gettysburg, that a former coworker gave me and I had stashed away in a file cabinet.
The booklet is Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain's account of the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment's valiant defense of Little Round Top on the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg.
Through Blood & Fire at Gettysburg was originally published in Harper's back in 1913 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the battle. This particular copy was published by Stan Clark Military Books back in 1996, of which the back half is composed of maps and photos. I think my friend picked this up at the Gettysburg Museum Gift Shop.
As to the story itself, I have very little to offer other than praise. Nothing I write here can compare to Chamberlain's lofty and eloquent prose. He was a firm believer in the Union's cause, and his narrative is heavily influenced by his religious convictions.
Chamberlain calls little attention to himself, and instead focuses on the gallantry of the soldiers--both Union and Confederate. Most of his praise was of course heaped on the soldiers of the 20th Maine. According to Chamberlain; regimental clerks and cooks, along with the walking wounded joined-in the fight. Everyone knew what was at stake.
When the do-or-die moment was upon them, Chamberlain said one word: Bayonets.
And every solider still standing knew what to do.
Through Blood & Fire at Gettysburg is an epic poem of the American Civil War.
Most reviewers (18 out of 20) on Amazon.com gave the booklet high praise, giving it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. The 1 & 2-star raters thought this was a rip off, because the booklet either didn't go into details about Gettysburg as a whole, or that half of it was "filler" with maps.
Even if I had purchased the book, I doubt I'd give this less than a 5-star rating. It's hard to take-down a first-hand account, especially from such a notable historical figure.
Now I have to admit, ever since reading The Killer Angels and watching the movie Gettysburg, I've become a Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain fan.
When my youngest sister was stationed in Maine, we stumbled across Chamberlain Museum, after her wedding and she bought me a T-shirt at the gift shop. I had it for years until it became unserviceable.
On the left breast was a small bust of Chamberlain and below were part of his words spoken at the Commemoration of the Monument to the 20th Maine:
In great deeds something abides
While I know the overall history of the American Civil War, or as wargamers abbreviate it "ACW," I've read very few specific books on the subject, so I don't have a fine grasp of the details.
And I've never read any personal accounts of the war, until a few days ago. I unearthed the booklet, Through Blood & Fire Gettysburg, that a former coworker gave me and I had stashed away in a file cabinet.
The booklet is Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain's account of the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment's valiant defense of Little Round Top on the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg.
Through Blood & Fire at Gettysburg was originally published in Harper's back in 1913 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the battle. This particular copy was published by Stan Clark Military Books back in 1996, of which the back half is composed of maps and photos. I think my friend picked this up at the Gettysburg Museum Gift Shop.
As to the story itself, I have very little to offer other than praise. Nothing I write here can compare to Chamberlain's lofty and eloquent prose. He was a firm believer in the Union's cause, and his narrative is heavily influenced by his religious convictions.
Chamberlain calls little attention to himself, and instead focuses on the gallantry of the soldiers--both Union and Confederate. Most of his praise was of course heaped on the soldiers of the 20th Maine. According to Chamberlain; regimental clerks and cooks, along with the walking wounded joined-in the fight. Everyone knew what was at stake.
When the do-or-die moment was upon them, Chamberlain said one word: Bayonets.
And every solider still standing knew what to do.
Through Blood & Fire at Gettysburg is an epic poem of the American Civil War.
Most reviewers (18 out of 20) on Amazon.com gave the booklet high praise, giving it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. The 1 & 2-star raters thought this was a rip off, because the booklet either didn't go into details about Gettysburg as a whole, or that half of it was "filler" with maps.
Even if I had purchased the book, I doubt I'd give this less than a 5-star rating. It's hard to take-down a first-hand account, especially from such a notable historical figure.
Now I have to admit, ever since reading The Killer Angels and watching the movie Gettysburg, I've become a Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain fan.
When my youngest sister was stationed in Maine, we stumbled across Chamberlain Museum, after her wedding and she bought me a T-shirt at the gift shop. I had it for years until it became unserviceable.
On the left breast was a small bust of Chamberlain and below were part of his words spoken at the Commemoration of the Monument to the 20th Maine:
In great deeds something abides
Read
May 29, 2023Joshua Chamberlain is on a small list of Union Army military figures who not only achieved the status of hero during the war, but carried that through into civilian life, eventually becoming governor of Maine. And in fact, a drive to Maine a few years ago apocryphally demonstrated to me that he's the only figure outside of Grant to be remotely universally famous. Grant's tomb and a marker about Chamberlain are about the only Civil War figures from the North I think I saw. Robert Gould Shaw obviously has a huge place, but so much of the war from the North centers around Grant and Lincoln. That is NOT to say that the South doesn't have its huge centerpieces, Lee and Jackson, but there are so many more figures who became actual or folk heroes to the people of the South.
This small memoir piece is part of that puzzle for Chamberlain. He is most well-known for, as a colonel, holding the line against numerous Southern assaults of the wooded hill of a Round Top and Little Round Top during the middle of Gettysburg. This is in addition to folding in a band of renegade troops who were set for prison or execution and having them become part of his force. This is all melded together is presentable prose throughout.
This small memoir piece is part of that puzzle for Chamberlain. He is most well-known for, as a colonel, holding the line against numerous Southern assaults of the wooded hill of a Round Top and Little Round Top during the middle of Gettysburg. This is in addition to folding in a band of renegade troops who were set for prison or execution and having them become part of his force. This is all melded together is presentable prose throughout.
August 5, 2009
Given its short length, low price, riveting title and popular author, this account of the battle on Little Round Top at Gettysburg seems a great choice. But as histories go, it’s not great. The prose is excessively poetic, resulting in lavish sentimentality at times. The whole thing reads like an attempt to capitalize on a brutal day in our nation’s history. If my take sounds overly pessimistic, it’s because this used to be my favorite account of the battle.
Now I recommend Stand Firm Ye Boys From Maine . It is a more comprehensive account of the battle and the legends it produced.
Now I recommend Stand Firm Ye Boys From Maine . It is a more comprehensive account of the battle and the legends it produced.
July 4, 2016
Lovely compilation of the letters and reports filed by Joshua L Chamberlain of the 20th Maine. He was 35 year old professor of Classics at Bowdoin College. He became the "Audie Murphy" of the Civil War. He instinctively knew his way around a battlefield and could inspire men who knew they were going to die in minutes, if not seconds. He led from the front and paid the price for it. He almost died twice and came back to his men. He was a paragon of Victorian manhood and gallantry. We, in this first quarter of the 21st Century have much to learn from him.
December 28, 2012
Although I cannot get enough of Chamberlain, the organization and structure of this left much to be desired. I should have preferred to have Chamberlain's letters alone, without the intrusive and facile narrative Nesbitt offers as accompaniment. Perhaps I was just spoiled from reading "The Grand Old Man of Maine" which offered only footnotes to give required background information, rather than seemingly endless prose.
October 19, 2019
I personally love the writing of MG Joshua Chamberlain but I recognized that most other people won't find his writing style easy to digest. I do think it will give you a pretty good idea of his mindset, his personal sense of duty and commitment to the preservation of the Union. It's invaluable to understand his, and other prominent Military Leaders, mindsets during this time in American history.
January 20, 2015
Nice to get the words about Little Round Top "straight from the horse's mouth." That being said, words written some fifty years in hindsight should be balanced with other, more scholarly works if possible-- so if you're reading this, I recommend that you pair it with Desjardins' Stand Firm Ye Boys from Maine.
September 25, 2009
Chamberlain was a true hero of the Civil War and spent his lifetime in service to his country. His is a fascinating story, and well told through this collection of his letters and writings. Great reading.
May 8, 2007
The man was a true hero, but as a chronicler of Gettysburg, Chamberlain resorts to the same flowery language and Biblical metaphors that hampered many a writer of his time.
November 14, 2008
A must read for all fans of the 20th Maine. It's essentially Chamberlain's after action report.
June 15, 2014
This is one of the many books that is getting me ready for my trip to Gettysburg. An amazing historical time in our nation.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews