Customer Reviews

Let Us Die Like Brave Men: Behind The Dying Words Of Confederate Warriors

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I found Barefoot's book to be a powerful read; truly well researched and strong in delivery of death messages that run the gamut from almost humorous to heart-wrenching. The meticulous research does not encumber the reader and the stories flow easily one to another. The overall end result of the Confederate cause is apparent throughout the book, though the moments of elation, often just before the death of the named participants in this book, create a happy/sad reading experience that cannot leave your soul untouched.

A well-put-together account of the lives and deaths of Confederate warriors. It includes a synopsis of each man's life, military service and ultimate death in the line of duty. Some of these men recognizing that their time is near, utter powerful words of courage. Others, perhaps not recognizing that they'll fail to see another sunrise, utter more commonplace statements or, in some cases, there is no record of their final words, because they are only discovered dead, following a battle.

This is a record of a time, attitudes and military tactics now largely gone. Men die riding on white horses leading troops into an impenetrable storm of lead and iron. Others die clutching at flag staffs, previously held by other wounded and dying men. There can be little question that many of these warriors--similar to the defenders at Alamo--recognized that they couldn't possibly survive, but did their duty, anyway. This isn't to say that our presentday soldiers are any less courageous than they were during our Civil War but charges in the open against heavy enemy fire went out of fashion with the enormous casualties of WW I.

Some of these stories are seldom-read tales, such as a black man who refused to 'desert' despite his wounded master/friend's directive to do so. He died wearing Confederate gray...perhaps contary to Confederate policy. There are several tragic stories of men who refused to divulge information to their Federal captors and wound up at the end of a Yankee rope.

I have no doubt that most of these stories could be told by Federal officers and men, as well. There was courage on both sides of the line.

These were fine men and their last words told that.
They died as they had lived, true to their cause.
Book was in very good shape, very interesting stories.

This is one of the MOST emotional books that I have read. Each chapter specifically covers 1 person. Each chapter is 3 to 5 pages long. As a result, each chapter gets straight to the point, sets the stage for the person, and tugs at your heart. I am about 10 people in and have cried about as many times. The author paints a vivid picture, the person in each chapter is not only eloquent, but a true patriot to their state. This is one of the best books that I have read and I highly recommend it. Each tale is a heart wrenching story of Courage and Fortitude! I LOVE how the author brought forth such stories of strength that otherwise would have languished in the dusty annals of letters and journals. Excellent Job!!!

This truly is a great book and I recommend to any person wanting to know true history. It makes me even prouder as a Southerner and someone who has Confederate ancestors to know that brave men like these fought for the South.