"Let Us Meet in Heaven": The Civil War Letters of James Michael Barr, 5th South Carolina Cavalry [Hardcover]

Thomas D. Mays (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 24, 2001

The most revealing and touching passages written during the American Civil War are found in letters exchanged by loved ones. The letters of South Carolina Cavalryman James Michael Barr to his wife Rebecca offer an excellent example. Barr enlisted as a private in the 5th S.C. Cavalry Regiment in January 1863, just as the fortunes of war began to turn against the South. After serving more than a year in its native state--away from the great battles farther north--the 5th S.C. Cavalry was called to the killing fields of Virginia.

All the while James Barr sent letters home. According to editor Thomas D. Mays, the most valuable of these concern the family farm--a middling operation supported by several slaves. Through his vigorous correspondence, Barr participated in his farm's operation, asking for details and providing instructions.

But Barr also supplied news from the front and described his life as a soldier, including word of the clash at Trevilian Station, where Barr was wounded.

Barr's letters have been preserved over the years by family members and were originally transcribed and compiled for publication by his granddaughter Ruth Barr McDaniel. This new and thoroughly researched volume springs from the efforts of her sons Raymond and Robert McDaniel to bring this unique and informative story to a wider audience.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"These letters are a nice addition to the genre." -- The Civil War Courier

About the Author

THOMAS D. MAYS holds a Ph.D from Texas Christian University and teaches history at Quincy University in Illinois. He is author of The Saltville Massacre and has contributed articles to numerous historical journals and reference works.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 280 pages
• Publisher: State House Press (September 24, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1893114244
• ISBN-13: 978-1893114241
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,394,409 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A compelling, informative primary source, December 13, 2001

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: "Let Us Meet in Heaven": The Civil War Letters of James Michael Barr, 5th South Carolina Cavalry (Hardcover)

Let Us Meet In Heaven is a compendium of letters written by James Michael Barr of the 5th South Carolina Cavalry, during the American Civil War. Editorial notes explaining place names and the like help make the letters instantly and immediately understandable to any reader; extensive familiarity with the battles of the Civil War is not needed to read and understand Barr's testimony. Let Us Meet in Heaven also includes an index makes for quick and easy reference. Let Us Meet In Heaven is a compelling, informative primary source and an invaluable contribution to Civil War studies reading lists and historical reference collections.