Under Both Flags: Personal Stories of Sacrifice and Struggle During the Civil War

by Tim Goff (Editor)

Although the cataclysm of the Civil War altered American life forever, by 1896 the scars left from those four long years of turmoil and strife had begun to heal, making it possible for both Union and Confederate veterans to come together and share their stories. In these vivid firsthand accounts you'll feel as if you are standing on the smoke-enshrouded deck of the Hartford with Admiral Farragut as flaming shells leap over its bow, experience the desperate exhaustion of the lone scout making his way from Vicksburg to New Orleans through enemy country, and suffer alongside the army surgeon who can save so few of his wounded comrades.
UNDER BOTH FLAGS is an unvarnished presentation of the issues that divided our country, as told in the personal recollections of those who participated in the campaigns, marches, sufferings, and countless instaances of courage during this gigantic struggle. As its original editors "The war of the sixties is over; but the price of its lesson was the blood and treasure it cost. The men of the North and the men of the South each fought differently; but the bravest and most sincere expressed their opinions on the battlefield, and in their glorious record the world recognizes the unparalleled valor of the American soldier."
Richly illustrated with contemporary photographs and illustrations, this is a unique collection that will prove an invaluable reference for Civil War enthusiasts and history buffs.

Genres: History, Civil War

608 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1896

About the author

I was raised on an Alaskan homestead at the edge of civilization, an upbringing that brought with it passing knowledge of everything from mechanics to gardening to carpentry.

I was an avid reader from an early age - and started my first writing efforts as a teenager. It took me a while to actually get published.

Reviews

[Paul Lunger · Rating 2 out of 5]

Originally published in 1896, "Under Both Flags: A Panorama of the Great Civil War as Represented in Story, Anecdote, Adventure & the Romance of Reality" is perhaps one of the most important books you'll ever read regarding the Civil War & also the most frustrating at times. The book itself is a collection of personal recollections of the various battles & moments from throughout the war as well as moments of soldiers meeting up well after the battles in some cases that the fought on opposite sides of. Interspersed throughout the book are various poems that were relevant to that era as well as a collection of the common battle songs. What makes this book so hard to read at times is that for someone in the 21st century, late 19th century formatting makes the book tedious. Also, the book is in so random an order it almost makes me wish that the original authors would've taken the time to do so since it would've perhaps made this book a little easier to follow. At over 500 pages, this book will require a lot of patience & plodding to get through (it took me off & on nearly 5 months to complete it), but if you can you'll gain a much different perspective on the Civil War.

[Dick · Rating 3 out of 5]

My copy of this old book is dated 1896 and is a fun read. Not sure where I got it anymore, but is is locked up - not in good shape - binding torn and pages loose in some places. But an interesting memory book of those who served and watched the war.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and epic stories of the American Civil War as told from both sides by the soldiers on the fields. Many a great story of heroism and simply being human in a rough point in history.