Customer Reviews

Blue Bonnets O'Er the Border: The 79th New York Cameron Highlanders

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1 star:		(3)

 

 

McKnight's "Blue Bonnet's O'er the Border" fell well short of this reader's expectations. First, it is woefully brief: the text of the book is but 163 pages, at least 40 of which are occupied by illustrations or maps. As any student of the Civil War knows, a mere 120 to 130 pages is not nearly enough to cover the exploits of a three-year volunteer regiment. Second, the work is full of factual errors and misleading statements, too numerous to recount here. Two exaples stand out in my mind. Clearly, the author, a 79th New York reenactor and self-proclaimed Scottish enthusiast, has used this book to prove the Scottish identity of the members of the 79th New York. To do so, he has taken liberties with historical fact. For instance, the regiment, contrary to McKnight's claims, was not comprised predominently of Scots. Though at the core of the regiment were the Scottish members of the prewar 79th New York State Militia, these 300 men were eventually equalled--or even outnumbered--in the unit by Irish immigrants. The book is also advertised as the first history of this colorful regiment. It is not. 79th New York veteran William Todd published a history of the regiment in 1886. Unlike McKnight's flimsy book, Todd's work is refreshingly candid, objective, and thorough. If you really want to learn about the 79th New York, track down a copy of Todd's regimental history.

I was truly disappointed in this book. It is filled with inaccuracies, and frequently presents the author's assumptions and predispositions as fact, without sufficient documentation to back up his claims.

The book is terribly biased towards providing "documentation" for those who wish to portray the 79th as a bunch of Celtic yahoos, when the original 79th was nothing of the sort. He consistently ignores the decidedly non-Scottish ethnic majority of the regiment. Again and again, he seems more determined to put a Scottish spin on the regiment, rather than contibute any worthwhile historical research on it.

The only good thing that can be said of the book is that some of the photos are rather interesting. Unfortunately, he also published many modern drawings and sketches without indicating that they are not contemporary to the Civil War, or made by members of the regiment.

It is highly disappointing, as I hoped that the book would not be yet another ex! ample of the usual nonsense and drivel written about this fine regiment. As another reviewer commented, see Todd's regimental history for a real look at this highly honored regiment.

This is a horrible book. I don't recommend it at all. The 79th New York "Highlanders" were mostly consisted of Irish immigrants and normal New Yorkers. Only 300 actual Scott's were in the unit. They never wore kilts/ trousers etc. Photos from the time period actually show this to be false about the kilt wearing. The stupidest mistake yet in the book, is how he refers to "lieutenant" Todd, when in actuality Todd only reached the rank of Sergeant. His misleading info is a horrible glance at this great unit. I'm ashamed to say I bought the book thinking it was historically accurate...only to find is was the worst book ever written. For a true glimpse at the 79th, get Sgt. Todd's book.

Most will agree that the 79th was in its day a very controversial unit and still is to this day. What I appreciated about this book was the fact that it challenged me to do some of my own research into this unit. It's interesting that most people have a preconceived notion about this unit. Break from the pack and don't just take the opinion of others and find out for yourself. I have found that most of the evidence that McKnight presented is readily available in most Public libraries, museums, or on the internet. Try to find reliable sources if you do research on the net. I challenge you to read this book and do some of your own independent research then make your own conclusion. I know if you do your homework like I did, you might reach some of the same conclusions as Mr. McKnight

so after looking at some of the comments witch place this book on the downside i would just like to say one word can only describe this book: GREAT!

This book is most likely the most accurate history of the 79th New York Highlanders! it is i must say the best!

if you need anything any little detail on the highlanders this book has it. from origins to medal of honor recipents.

this book not only talks about their history but the feelings and courage of the men. men that i must say against another comment DID WARE KILTS! and i think if you happen to see it in a book store or on a friends bookshelf read it and as you do as said in another comment you will serve with the 79th Highlanders.

As a member of the 79th Co.c, I have to say that this is,in my opinion, the most accurate civil war group I have ever seen.
This is a great book and I am proud to be a part of the 79th
Highlanders!
Pvt.Ford

The 79th Cameron Highlanders was a volunteer New York City regiment that spawned from The New York Caledonian Club and went on to become one of the hardest fighting groups of immigrants in the Civil War. Scottish-Americans and military history buffs will appreciate this book as McKnight debunks many myths about the 79th.

Harlan D. Whatley Director The New York Caledonian Club