I Rode With Stonewall: Being Chiefly The War Experiences of the Youngest Member of Jackson's Staff from John Brown's Raid to the Hanging of Mrs. Surratt

Premier Civil War Classic

by Henry Kyd Douglas

Stonewall Jackson depended on him; General Lee complimented him; Union soldiers admired him; and women in Maryland, Virginia, and even Pennsylvania adored him—the young, dashing, handsome Henry Kyd Douglas. He rode with Stonewall; he fought by the model of the incomparable Ashby; he lived, joked, and courted with Jeb Stuart.From his meeting with John Brown, alias Isaac Smith, shortly before the Brown Raid, through the long, bitter years of the Civil War, he clung to the Southern cause, fought its battles, and endured its defeats. During and shortly after the war he set down his experiences of great men and great days. In a resonant prose almost unique among soldiers and rare among writers, he wrote as simply and intimately of history as though it were a jovial anecdote, spun out after dinner for the entertainment of his friends.He tells of the persimmon tree that the General climbed but could not descend; the irate farmer who upbraided Jackson for crossing his field;

Genres: Civil War, History, Nonfiction, Biography, War, American Civil War, Memoir

414 pages, Hardcover

First published November 9, 1940

Reviews

[Clinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have wanted to read this book for years. It seemed like it was liberally quoted in almost any book that I read about the Civil War. It did not disappoint. This guy led a fascinating life. Not only did he work regularly with many of the top Confederate generals, he also met many of the big name politicians, John Brown and was called as a witness during the Lincoln assassination trial. Douglas also was one of a handful of Confederates tried for treason after the war. Not even Jefferson Davis received that "honor." Lost Cause sentiment is minimal, probably because he wrote the book years after the war after his emotions had cooled down and age had added some wisdom. Douglas covers only the events that he personally observed, so this is certainly not a comprehensive history of the times. Readers not already familiar with the Civil War should first read a complete history. I recommend Battle Cry of Freedom, where you will find Douglas in the bibliography.

[Avis Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best personal account of Stonewall Jackson during the Civil War. Douglas, who was on Jackson's staff, presents a more balanced view of Stonewall than many others, ranging from praise to wanting to beat Jackson's head in with a rock. A scholarly case has been made that Douglas was the staffer who lost the notorious dispatch that triggered the Battle of Antietam.

Available at Open Library:
https://openlibrary.org/works/OL72122...

[Michael C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 superb first hand account of a survivor of the civil war whose life crossed and shared paths with many, including John Brown, Stonewall Jackson, R. Lee, and Mary Surratt. Born and buried in Shepherdstown, WV.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting perspective of the Civil War - - what I found most interesting is what happened to Douglas after the war was over.

[Sarah Bierle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brilliant combination of history, youthful humor, and solemn reflections!

I enjoyed this fast-paced Civil War memoir. Overall, it seems fairly accurate when compared to other primary sources, but there are a few dates that I think are incorrect. Of course, personal opinion of the writer tends to heavily influence memoirs and I while I didn't agree with Douglas on everything, at least it was very clear what he believed.

A nice collection of stories from one of the youngest staff officers of the Civil War.

[Douglas Humes · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Civil War buffs. A young man who rose quickly in the ranks and served on the staff of Stonewall Jackson and a variety of other Southern officers. In that position, he had an insider's look at the men, and the events of the war. He was a voracious reader, and thoughtful observer, and immediately after the war, he wrote his recollections while still fresh in his mind. And in later years, as some of the anger and partisanship receded, he edited the youthful bile out to give this pretty even-handed history of his war and the men who waged it.

[L Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous, insightful account of someone who literally rubbed shoulders with most of the important commanders in the Army of Northern Virginia. Douglas' firsthand accounts of General Jackson's personality, character and Civil War military career are fascinating. I am a huge fan of Jackson and should have read this book years ago!

[Curt Rude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the different point of view offered in this story. We have all heard the Norths' side of this conflict. Interesting to have the victors called out, such as . . . "It is impossible, therefore, to escape the conclusion that the hanging of Mrs. Surratt was judicial and deliberate murder. This was long before the Innocence Project got after 'em!

[Billy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Entertaining read, but of dubious historical accuracy.

One Civil historian has stated that the book is probably more accurately entitled: "Stonewall Rode with Me."

[William A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This memoir is a timely reminder that not everyone who fought on the wrong side in the American Civil War was an evildoer. Few of them viewed the conflict as a war to defend slavery, most, like the author of this book, thought that they were fighting to keep invaders out of their home state.

I've always found history fascinating, but believed it best to drill down into one or two periods in order to develop a depth of knowledge of one country's past. Nothing aids this process better than reading the diaries of people who lived that history.

In his position as an intrepid aide to General "Stonewall Jackson" Henry Kyd Douglas was in the thick of all the key battles fought in his home state and party to many of the discussions that took place among the senior confederate commanders. Is first hand observations of "Stonewall" in the midst of battle are alone worth the price of this very readable war diary.

[Doug Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

gentlemen all, apparently.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular perspective. Wonderful

[Landon Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

an excellent read for any Virginian

[Thomas C. Hewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good first person recollection of significant events of the war of union aggression. A compelling and objective account.

[Alexander Hilf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fire

[M C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating. from John brown to Appomattox

[Shelly♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I Rode With Stonewall" by Henry Kyd Douglas - Excellent Civil War Memoir  This it the Civil War Memoir of Henry Kyd Douglas - who served the CSA for the entire war.  He shares his recollections of Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee, JEB Stuart and many other Union and Confederate officers. He also shares day to day life, the resilience of the army and the final deterioration. You won't find much of what he speaks of in history books.  While it's possible that he may have embellished his work, there is an unmistakeable larger truth about the war that rings clear.The book was a slow starter, but once I got into it, I could hardly put it down.  I found myself filled with different emotions through it.  The battles were full of heartbreak, but the character of the author and his fellow soldiers along with their relationships was quite heartwarming. Douglas takes a lot of small rabbit trails in his discussions, but it only adds to the charm or the work. A must read for Civil War Buffs.

[Shelly♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This it the Civil War Memoir of Henry Kyd Douglas - who served the CSA for the entire war. He shares his recollections of Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee, JEB Stuart and many other Union and Confederate officers. He also shares day to day life, the resilience of the army and the final deterioration. You won't find much of what he speaks of in history books. While it's possible that he may have embellished his work, there is an unmistakeable larger truth about the war that rings clear.

The book was a slow starter, but once I got into it, I could hardly put it down. I found myself filled with different emotions through it. The battles were full of heartbreak, but the character of the author and his fellow soldiers along with their relationships was quite heartwarming. Douglas takes a lot of small rabbit trails in his discussions, but it only adds to the charm or the work. A must read for Civil War Buffs.

[Al · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a relatively easy read and was a very good book that gives a good snapshot of Stonewall Jackson's staff family, from one of the younger staff members. I found the interactions among the various staff members very interesting, and it made me wish I worked on a staff that small. His view of John Brown was especially interesting. MAJ Douglas gives a young staff officer's perspective of many of the most famous events and battles of Stonewall Jackson's career, through his death at Chancellorsville, including lots of personal details that humanize Jackson. My only quibble is the tone of the end notes, which at times bordered on snarky, the fault of the editor.

[Kellene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Douglas' memoir of his service during the Civil War. However, I would not recommend the book for someone looking for an in-depth study of the Confederate army or the battles in which he was involved. He does not dwell heavily on the technical aspects of the battles, stating that he will leave that to the historians. However, Douglas does give much insight into many of the Generals that lead the troops into these battles, Generals that he knew intimately and with whom he spent much of his military service. His admiration for Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson is obvious, and his portrait of the beloved leader was very enlightening.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a kid, I played and swam in Antietam Creek & had kin who lived on the fringes of the battlefield. My uncle used to pick minnie balls when he was a kid & he would slice 'em up and use 'em for fishing sinkers.

If you lived in the eastern panhandle or tri-state region this is a must read. If nothing else, read Douglas' comments on "Burniside's Bridge." It changed the way I looked at the Antietam battlefield.

[Chris Wolfington · Rating 3 out of 5]

Henry Kyd Douglas was a member of Stonewall Jacksons staff and served on the staff of several other generals after Jacksons death.

This is not a biography on Jackson but a memoir of a staff officer who focuses heavily on his experiences with the general. The book is mostly anecdotes of Jackson and other generals, as well as the romantic sides of war Douglas experienced. I gave it 3 stars because it's not a bad book, but it focuses way more on the romantic side of war than on the military side.

[Alex Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of anecdotes begins cheerful, and progresses despondently as the author's friends and acquaintances experience hardships (e.g., dying, their homes burning down, etc.).

I sometimes wondered how much of this book is really true, and how much is contrived.

It was enjoyable, nevertheless, as a story.

[Richard Whiting · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most informative autobiographical books I have ever read. Renewed my interest in the Civil War. Truly enjoyable; you knew that the writer had actually lived it and was writing what he had lived.

[Don Stanton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good color book that does a good job of describing Thomas Jackson. A very complex man, brilliant strategist and quite possibly the single reason reason that Lee lost momentum after Jackson's death.
A must read for the Civil War enthusiast.

[Doug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many have joked that the booked should be titled "Stonewall Rode with Me" but I don't quite understand the implied criticism. Douglas' association with Stonewall Jackson ended halfway through the book, halfway through the war.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memoir from one of Stonewall Jackson's young staff officers. The book relates some great anecdotes that give valuable insights into Jackson's personality. Douglas may over-emphasize his own importance in some stories, but this book is still a valuable resource on Stonewall Jackson during the war.

[Phill · Rating 5 out of 5]

-Great personal account, could not put it down
-Also should say, from a fellow Marylander...haha

[Richard Whiting · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best Civil War narratives I have ever read. I couldn't put it down until I had finished it. An excellent read.

[Thom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good.