A Hundred Days to Richmond: Ohio's "Hundred Days" Men in the Civil War [Hardcover]

Jim Leeke (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 22, 1999

"... an interesting and readable account of those whose service to the Blue was brief but in some cases dangerous and exciting." — The Civil War News

"This useful and entertaining book presents, mainly in the words of the participants, the experience of the 35,000 Ohioans who served in 100-day regiments during the summer of 1864." —Choice

Drawn from Civil War diaries, letters, and eyewitness accounts, A Hundred Days to Richmond tells for the first time the complete story of Ohio's "100-day men," state militia troops offered for Union service for 100 days. Their tales—unique and memorable, and unmistakably American—reflect the hope, fear, determination, horror, humor, and grit of the Civil War.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This useful and entertaining book presents, mainly in the words of the participants, the experience of the 35,000 Ohioans who served in 100—day regiments during the summer of 1864. Although Lincoln's call for 100—day troops was directed to all of the Northern states, the largest contingent by far was the National Guard of the State of Ohio, whose governor, John Brough, had suggested the 100—day plan to the president. The purpose of the call—up was to provide an additional manpower boost to Union forces at a time when the North believed that a little extra push would win the war. Neither the Ohio National Guardsmen nor the hundreds of thousands of Union troops already in uniform by that time succeeded in ending the war in the summer of 1864, but the 100—day men did make important contributions by guarding Union supply lines and rear areas, replacing more experienced troops. Some of the guardsmen spent their enlistments in monotonous duty guarding depots or prisoner of war camps; others unexpectedly found themselves in frontline combat situations and performed well, considering their inexperience. Their contribution probably shortened the war. All levels." —S. E. Woodworth, Texas Christian University, Choice, April 2000

(S. E. Woodworth, Texas Christian University Choice 2000)

About the Author

Jim Leeke has worked as a reporter in Guam, Michigan, Boston and San Francisco and is now a freelance writer and editor in Worthington, Ohio. His first book was Sudden Ice, a mystery. He is also the editor of Smoke, Sound & Fury: The Civil War Memoirs of Major-General Lew Wallace, W.S. Volunteers.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 296 pages
• Publisher: Indiana University Press (September 22, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 025333537X
• ISBN-13: 978-0253335371
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,766,392 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jim Leeke was born in Angola, Indiana, and grew up in Columbus, Ohio. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he attended journalism school at the Ohio State University on the GI Bill. Jim began his writing career in daily newspapers as a reporter, columnist and sportswriter. He now works in communications and advertising. The author or editor of several books, Jim lives in Cheat Lake, West Virginia.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A nice one for the collection, March 10, 2000

By 

Bradley Honigford - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Hundred Days to Richmond: Ohio's "Hundred Days" Men in the Civil War (Hardcover)

I found this book a pleasure to read. The idea of telling a story and only using the words of the men that took part works perfect. Anyone interested in the Civil War(especially concerning Ohio) needs to add this to their library.