Customer Reviews

African American Soldier in the American Civil War: USCT 1862-66 (Warrior)

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Before starting my own review, I'd like to comment on a previous "reviewer's" comments on this book. He remarked that he refused to even open the book, on account of the fact that the title's designation of these soldiers as `African Americans' offended him. You cannot review a book if you've never read it! This brings to mind the old adage about not judging books by their cover - something Mr. Cagle has done here - to his own loss.

I found this book to be well-written and well-researched, describing the troops of the USCT at every level of their careers, from recruitment until the end of the war. Many of the colored troops were `contraband', slaves who had been captured or run away during campaigns against the South, though some were free Northern blacks who had enlisted - or even been forcibly conscripted - for service.

By 1865 ten percent of the Union's soldiers were of African descent, and these regiments found themselves in possession of some of the smartest uniforms and highest quality weapons in the Army. Their reputations were equally excellent - they were just as capable of acts of bravery and self-sacrifice as their white comrades, but were also more dutiful, compliant, and well-behaved in camp. Time that many troops of European descent spent making drunken nuisances of themselves Colored troops spent learning to read and listening to preachers.

Overall, this is a good resource on the African American soldiers of the US Army during the Civil War and its immediate aftermath - for those who can stand to look past the cover without being offended.

Mark Lardas' AFRICAN AMERICAN SOLDIER IN THE CIVIL WAR surveys the history of the U.S. Colored Troops who fought bravely during the war. Chapters consider their transition from slave to warrior to free man and provide insights on how they fought the war, and their lives thereafter. Black and white drawings and photos throughout supplement details.

This book provides a very brief overview of African Americans soldiers in the Civil War. I would probably be tempted to say it's more a pamphlet than a book (64 pages including index)--which may be the planned nature of the entire series (Warrior Series from Osprey Publishing). It provides a 30,000-foot view of the subject, only briefly descending to closer looks through individual quotes. It's brevity did not provide me added insight into the emotional experience of soldiers in their challenges, successes and tragedies, nor did I get added appreciation for profound changes in attitude the country experienced as it leaned more and more on African American soldiers.

The book might well serve young readers. It has a section of color illustrations that might appeal particularly to young people who are just beginning to learn about the Civil War. The book may also appeal to youthful students who are looking for facts for a school report.

Other options that give more detail and more insights into the emotions involved among African Americans and the nation as a whole include Dudley Taylor Cornish's classic "The Sable Arm," and Ira Berlin's books on the subject.

I would be very interested in purchasing this book however, I refuse to purchase books which are not appropriately titled or named for the period they are representing. This books title should be: Colored Soldiers of the American Civil War, or Negro Soldiers of the American Civil War. Either would be appropriate for the time, and even so today. Hyphenating a class or group of people only further denigrates the erosion of our society and culture. When we deliberately hyphenate ourselves in any manner we show our devisiveness and our inability to be an American with one desire and purpose, to put our country first and to be loyal to our country, our flag and our people & history. Change the name & I may purchase it.