Synopses & Reviews
The Civil War diaries of David Hunter Strother, known better to his contemporaries as "Porte Crayon," chronicle his three years of service in the Union army with the same cogency and eye for detail that made him one of the most popular writers and illustrators in America in his time. A Virginian strongly opposed to secession, Strother joined the Federal army as a civilian topographer in July of 1861 and was soon commissioned, rising eventually to the rank of brigadier general. He served under a succession of commanders, including Generals Patterson, Banks, Pope, and McClellan, winning their respect as well as their confidence. First published by UNC Press in 1961, A Virginia Yankee in the Civil War is a fascinating firsthand record of the conflict and of the divided loyalties it produced that is further enlivened by Strother's remarkable humor and insight.
Review
Skillfully edited and annotated, Strother's diary offers a rare glimpse into many critical actions.
The Civil War in Books
Review
An incomparable addition to any Civil War collection.
New York Times Book Review
Review
This book is a real find, to be recommended to Civil War 'buffs' of all levels.
Times Literary Supplement
Review
A Virginia Yankee in the Civil War is definitely one of the best personal narratives of the war.
Civil War History
Review
Strother possessed many attributes that qualify him as one of the best reporters of the Civil War.
James I. Robertson Jr., Virginia Magazine
Synopsis
The Civil War diary of David Hunter Strother ("Porte Crayon"), one of the most popular writers and illustrators of his time.
About the Author
Cecil D. Eby, Jr., is a retired professor of English at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. His books include Hungary at War: Civilians and Soldiers in World War II and The Road to Armageddon: British Popular Literature, 1880-1915.Cecil D. Eby, Jr., is a retired professor of English at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. His books include Hungary at War: Civilians and Soldiers in World War II and The Road to Armageddon: British Popular Literature, 1880-1915.
Table of Contents
Contents
Introduction
I. Up the Valley with Banks
II. Down the Valley with Banks
III. With Pope at Cedar Mountain
IV. Chaos at Second Bull Run
V. With McClellan at Antietam
VI. All Quiet Along the Potomac
VII. With Banks in Louisiana
VIII. The Campaign on the Teche
IX. Behind the Lines at Gettysburg
X. In the Department of West Virginia
XI. With Sigel at New Market
XII. The Hunter Raid
XIII. The Colonel Leaves the Army
Index