J. Michael Joslin has written a lively story based on his great-great grandfather Ralph Terry and his history of being a soldier in the 24th Michigan Infantry which was part of the famed Iron Brigade in the Civil War. As a tribute to Ralph Terry, Mr. Joslins book is part novel and part regimental history of the 24th Michigan and their involvement in numerous battles in the Army of The Potomac. Ralph Terry is a farmer from rural Michigan with a young expectant wife, and lives a quiet and peaceful life surrounded by family and friends. Hearing the news reports of the local men joining the Union Army, Ralph is compelled to join and fight for the Union and is also worried about leaving his wife and later on, young son to fight. In this good read, Ralph becomes a mule team driver to support the troops, and later on participates as an infantry soldier and fights in numerous battles including Gettysburg where as a part of the Iron Brigade is in the thick of battle. Ralph has a definite adventure during his time in the 24th from being a mule-driver, to encountering numerous enemy soldiers where Ralph finds he has much in common with the ordinary Rebel soldiers, he soon learns that war is brutal and bloody, and it leaves a lasting impression on him and his friends from home who are also in the regiment. He writes numerous letters to his wife and reflects on what he has seen and learned about war, and soldiering. Mr. Joslin in this great read also weaves in the history of the regiment and the great men who fought in it. It is a combination that leaves the reader not only learning more about the actual experiences of Private Terry, but also the history of the 24th Michigan Infantry, who participated in most of the battles of the Army of the Potomac. Private Terry participated in many of the battles the regiment fought in, he also caught Malaria which left him in the hospital for many months during the war. Private Terry survived the war but some of his friends did not. He was a brave soldier, and Mr. Joslin gives him a great tribute by writing this great read. This is a novel-regimental history book that I recommend for anyone who wants to know more about what a common soldier of the Iron Brigade went thru during the Civil War, and it is also a great regimental history of the 24th Michigan and is a recommended read for anyone who wants to know more about the 24th Michigan Infantry Regiment and the Iron Brigade. A GREAT READ!
Posted on: Mon, 25 Aug 2014 12:28:15 +0000
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