At Gettysburg or What a Girl Saw and Heard of the Battle

by Tillie Pierce Alleman

The eyewitness account of Tilly Pierce, a 15-year-old girl living in Gettysburg at the time of the battle. Tillie’s account was originally published in 1889. This is an exact rendering of her text based on that addition.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

Hardcover

Published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am pretty surprised that I actually really enjoyed this. I've never enjoyed reading historical books, but this book was written by a girl around my age and I was really interested about her story.

"' Will you promise me to come back in the morning?' I replied: 'Yes, indeed.'" "I had kept my promise, but he was not there to greet me."

[Katie Holtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating!!! After visiting Gettysburg and attending an evening ghost tour and the Shriver House Museum, I couldn’t read enough about the civilians in the town at the time of the battle. Tillie’s writing is beautiful and informative. I loved this book, and I highly recommend it to anyone who has visited or knows a lot about the battle.

[Barb Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative! The last chapter was boring as the battle was over and nothing of note was happening.

[Amelia King · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very helpful account from a civilian point of view for the battle of Gettysburg. It is an excellent glimpse into the time period, not too long, very well organized, and Alleman is so well-spoken. I learned a lot but it was very easy to read.

[Paige Leitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing about the writing of this book particularly stood out to me, but the fact that it is written by an eye-witness of the events at Gettysburg, I was interested the whole time. It is a very short book, with a few lines that stand out, but most of it follows a simple journal format. One line that I thought was well written was "Her darling boy lay before her in the embrace of death; but a mother's tender love had traced a peaceful smile upon his countenance." It was very interesting for me to get an insight into what it felt like to be in Gettysburg at the time, especially because I enjoy history so much.

[Isabella Whiten ✧˖° · Rating 5 out of 5]

** I wouldn’t call it spoilers as it’s history but I do talk about what happens in the book :) **

It was such an amazing book that I finished it in one sitting! I think it provides crucial yet touching insight into the Battle of Gettysburg. Having been to Gettysburg, I definitely appreciated and understood the terminology in the account (ex; knowing where Little Round Top and Taneytown Road).

I think it also gives a beautiful insight into the heroic soldiers at the time. Through their absolute worst, they still were eternally grateful for all the care they received and all they asked for was the company of someone (like General Weed). Not to mention that amidst battle, soldiers helped locate a wagon for Miss Tillie and her neighbour to safely get to Weikert Farm.

I saw many say the last chapters are unimportant (the chapters after “the third day of battle”), but this is not the case!!! The story of Private Walter S Reed gifting her a gun that he himself bought was truly heartwarming. Hearing about how thankful Colonel William Covill was towards Tillie and her family for taking care of him was also touching. Not to mention the bow that General Meade gave her for giving him a tin of water. Additionally, Corporal Michael O’Brien also returned to thank the Alleman family.

This book put in perspective the kindness and hospitality that the people of Gettysburg showed to their soldiers, but also the kindness that they returned. Truly a beautiful memoir.

My favourite exert (which America should remind itself of) is:
“May the heart of this fair land be forever inclined unto wisdom, so that we may never fall into the folly of another war, and be compelled to pay the fearful penalty that is sure to follow.” (pg.76)

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

On my recent trip to Gettysburg, going to tour the Shriver House Museum was a last-minute decision. In their gift shop, I purchased this book. I didn't get a chance to read it while still on my trip, and instead packed it into my bag and spent my time in Gettysburg taking several tours of the battlefields, visiting the Jennie Wade House, walking up and down Steinwehr Ave and Baltimore St, and walking through the National Cemetery feeling as though I was about to start sobbing.

There's something to be said about reading a nonfiction book and being able to so clearly picture all of the places mentioned, to be able to recognize the names as people you've heard stories about recently, to hear a story about a Confederate soldier who died and to be able to say that you stood in nearly the exact spot where he fell, to hear Tillie recount Jennie Wade's death and to be able to say that you saw the holes from the bullet that killed her.

Near the end of her recounting of the Battle of Gettysburg, Tillie writes: "Whoever can, should not fail to visit this place." Whoever can, should also purchase and read this book after their trip. I, for one, am so glad that I went, and so glad that I picked this book up to bring home with me.

[Tracie Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everytime Rich and I visit Gettysburg, we always have the privilege to stay at Tillie's residence, which is now a bed and breakfast.I thought it only right and proper to read her witness of the battle, & I am very glad to have read this first hand account.

As she says and which I find poignant for these times.

"To enter into detail concerning the present appearance of the battlefield is not my desire. It must be seen and studied to be appreciated. Whoever can shall not fail to visit the place."

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, but interesting eyewitness account of the battle of Gettysburg. A lot is written about the military strategy and tactics of that battle, but this account, as told through the eyes of a 12-year old girl, interjects the human element into it. It shares the disruptions to the normal town folk and some of the aftermath they experienced.

Worth an evening read if nothing else but for the writing style of yesteryear.

[Jeffrey David · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick easy read. After visiting Gettysburg, was motivated to pick it up and give it a go. I appreciate that her story telling still translates well to today’s reader and is not overly wordy. Direct and to the point - lots of historical nuggets that had me researching the characters in her story further online.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This narrative adds a unique perspective in understanding the battle of Gettysburg. The brief account affords its readers the ability to imagine the plight of the townspeople not only during the fighting, but also in dealing with the battle's horrific aftermath. I had a hard time putting this book down.

[Mmiller400m · Rating 4 out of 5]

We went to Gettysburg on a quick side trip for easter and picked up this great little book. A first-hand account by a 15 year old girl that wound through all three days of the battle and the aftermath. Very short but worth your time.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stayed at the Pierce house - it is a bed and breakfast. This is where I found the book. I was so interested in what the civilians faced during the Civil War. Tillie Pierce’s words are so impactful.

[Chris Sunderland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative book written by an eyewitness to the unfolding battle at Gettysburg. She was 15 when the troops converged on the city to face off in one of the major battles of the Civil War. She wrote the book 25 years after the battle and captured the facts from a young girl's eyes.

[Eric Burroughs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good account that has oft repeated anecdotes such as the quote “a strange and blighted land”. Pierce witnessed the black population fleeing the town, the death of General Weed, and the capture of Jennie Wade’s brother. A quick and readable account from a 15 year old girl.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book most interesting because we had recently been to Gettysburg and toured the battlefield so it was easy to envision the scenes she wrote about.

[NDH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite enjoyable.

[Jane Gerber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring & heartfelt. Endearing. Gives me strength to endure whatever hardship I feel I’m going through.

Time to watch Gone With the Wind as a follow-up.

[Melissa M Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sad but touching.

[Rebecca Brubaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting first-hand account of the battle at Gettysburg. It’s a quick read as well.