The 55th North Carolina in the Civil War: A History And Roster [Hardcover]

Jeffrey M. Girvan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 8, 2006 | ISBN-10: 0786425202 | ISBN-13: 978-0786425204

With the advent of the Civil War in 1861, young men from both Confederate and Union states rushed to volunteer for military duty in a war that many believed would be quickly resolved. The spring of 1862, however, brought the realization that not only was the conflict going to last longer than expected, but additional troops would be needed on both sides. It was at this time that the 55th Regiment North Carolina Troops entered the war. Composed primarily of farmers and tradesmen, the regiment also presented a microcosm of the Tar Heel State with a regionally diverse membership from more than 20 counties. Along with these members came an equal variety of political ideologies, social institutions and range of economic stability—all differences that faded in the face of a common enemy. Finding motivation for their fight in a simple defense of their homes and families, the men of the 55th North Carolina made significant contributions to the Confederate cause, fighting—and often dying—in some of the war’s bloodiest conflicts. From its formation in 1862 through its dissolution in 1865, this comprehensive history tells the story of the men who served in the 55th North Carolina. Drawing on letters, memoirs, diaries and recollections, it depicts the Civil War through the eyes of the soldiers, enhancing modern-day understanding of what it was like to fight for the Confederate States of America. While providing information on the battles in which the 55th North Carolina took part (including the little known Suffolk campaign), the main focus of the work is the everyday life of the men—the ever-present influence of politics and religion as well as the effects of disease and combat. Appendices provide a breakdown of the companies in the regiment; the regimental roster; a list of men who died of disease; and a record of the men from the 55th who were killed in battle. Contemporary photographs are also included.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jeffrey M. Girvan is an Adjunct instructor at George Mason University and teaches history in Prince William County, Virginia. He lives in Manassas, Virginia.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 200 pages
• Publisher: McFarland (May 8, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786425202
• ISBN-13: 978-0786425204
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,755,462 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The 55th North Carolina in the Civil War: A History and Roster, June 25, 2006

By 

Rubert Brooke "Jack" (South Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The 55th North Carolina in the Civil War: A History And Roster (Hardcover)

This is one of the best regimental histories I have ever read. Girvan's use of primary sources provided a better understanding of what is was like to serve in Lee's Army. Also, the battles covered in the book were described very well, especially the battle for Washington, NC, and the Suffolk campaign, which are two engagements I knew little of before. Gettysburg was a watershed for the Confederacy, but also for this regiment. The 55th NC went in with little experience, but proved their worth by participating in some of the battles bloodiest engagements. Again during the Wilderness the 55th found it self in a tight spot, and after numerous assaults by Federal troops was low on amunition. Colonel Belo, whose own brother had just been killed during the day's battle was prepared, as Chamberlain at Gettysburg, to order a bayonet charge, but relief came. For anyone interested in Civil War regiments, soldier life, and seeing a battle from the eyes of the combat troops I highly recommend this book. J Johnson

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Regimental History, August 4, 2006

By 

BlueGray "Dan" (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The 55th North Carolina in the Civil War: A History And Roster (Hardcover)

I have read several regimental and general Civil War histories, and Jeffrey Girvan's is up there at the top. His narrative is very readable, and the roster and unit listings of those killed in action, missing, and those that died from disease are helpful for any one interested in the 55th NC. The narrative tells the story of a regiment from Gettysburg to Appomattox, but also has information on the little known battle for Washington, NC that occurred in September 1862, and the Sufolk campaign. Girvan's use of primary sources provides the reader with a better understanding of what it was like to fight in the Civil War. The every day camp life, but also the combat. As one man from the unit says about Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg it was like being in "the jaws of death." Also, the description of the 55th and Heth's division on May 5, 1864 in the Wilderness is exceptional. One can feel the desperation these men must have felt after being assaulted numerous times and out numbered 4 to 1. Col. Belo, then commander of the 55th hears of his brothers death during the battle but must keep commanding his troops and is almost forced to order a bayonet charge when the men run out of amunition.A great read!! I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the American Civil War.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Civil War through the eyes of the soldiers, July 3, 2006

By 

Ambrose Hill "Harry" (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The 55th North Carolina in the Civil War: A History And Roster (Hardcover)

I have read many Civil War books, including regimental histories like Pullen's 20th Maine and J Girvan's book about the 55th North Carolina ranks as one of the best. The 55th did not join Lee's army until after the great string of victories, but was there for Gettysburg and, although green, was able to prove its worth. So many exciting incidents stand out in this book. On July 1st the 55th was one of the first on the field, and the regiment's youthful leader Colonel John Kerr Connally wanted his men to prove themsevles to their brigade (which except for the 55th NC wer all unit's from Mississippi under the command of President Davis's nephew Joesph R. Davis) As his men moved forward their color bearer was shot and Connally, wanted to motivate his men, picked up the regimental standard and charged only to be shot several times and severally wounded. When asked if he needed help the brave colonel's response was to instruct his men to keep going and not to let "the mississippians get ahead of you."
The 55th would again face death at Gettysburg on the third day when they participated in the famous charge, and several officers from the unit would be credited with going farther than any other. Again during the Overland campaign the 55th would find themselves in desperate figthing throughout the summer and fall of 1864, and finally to surrender, all 83 left of more than 1000 when the regiment was formed in May 1862, with Lee at Appomattox. But this book is more than a chronical of battle it is a story of the men who fought and sometimes died for the Southern cause. After reading Mr. Girvan's book I gained a better understanding of what it was like to serve in the Army of Northern Virginia. Some men fighting with their fathers, sons, brothers, and cousins. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about the life of the Confederate soldier during the Civil War.