Rebel Private: Front and Rear: Memoirs of a Confederate Soldier [Paperback]

William A. Fletcher (Author), Richard S. Wheeler (Introduction), Vallie Fletcher Taylor (Afterword)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1997

First published in 1907, the memoirs of a former Confederate soldier who fought at Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, Second Mannassas, and Chickamunga reveal the ground-level perspective of a Civil War private. Reprint.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

William Fletcher joined the Confederate Army in 1861. He served with the Army of Northern Virginia's elite Texas Brigade until the Battle of Chickamauga. Unable to march because of wounds, he transferred to the cavalry and finished the war with the Texas Rangers, then wrote his memoirs 40 years later. Most of the original copies were destroyed in a fire. The current edition presents unvarnished images of hard marches, short rations and battles in which being wounded could prove worse than being killed. Fletcher describes the horrors of being a Civil War casualty as vividly as any firsthand account from either side. The author emerges from these pages as fighting less for a cause than for his own pride in being a good soldier. His narrative does more than many learned monographs to explain the Confederacy's long endurance against overwhelming odds.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

William Fletcher isn't different from other soldiers be it outstanding or horrible, but he is the average Confederate soldier from Texas involved in many conflicts. When it comes to soldiering, he is brave and daring but not afraid to admit being scared as he is very honest in his chosen words. The best part of this book isn't the fighting as much as it is the daily life. For the person looking to gain further knowledge, Fletcher writes about his experiences firsthand. Coming up from Texas Fletcher is involved in the Seven Days Battle, 2nd Manassas, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg and Chickamauga campaigns. It was interesting to read about fighting in the 5th Texas, Company F and the thoughts that ran through Fletcher's mind at Gettysburg. The uncertainty, the horrors and the patriotism all wrapped into one was very rewarding to read about. His escape from Union hands was inspiring as he did what he could do to get back to Texas. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Plume (March 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0452011574
• ISBN-13: 978-0452011571
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #835,313 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best 10 first hand accounts of the war, July 1, 2001

By 

Steve Quick - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rebel Private: Front and Rear: Memoirs of a Confederate Soldier (Paperback)

Just as compelling as "Co.Aych", this would make an incredible movie. That is certainly one of the reasons it is found on so many bookstore shelves. It does not receive the attention it deserves because, like every other book of its kind written as a participant, it deflates slavery aa a possible motive for fighting. This is the adventure if one tough, daring, funny young rebel whose brawn, wits and insticts got him through the WBTS alive. The business of jumping off a POW train seemed more like something out of an Indiana Jones adventure. If he'd worn the "blue" he'd be in every textbook. Tired of other writers interpretations and want to go to the well for yourself? This is a great place to start.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Source for the Common Soldier, December 21, 1999

By 

"garebel" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rebel Private: Front and Rear: Memoirs of a Confederate Soldier (Paperback)

One of the best CW books I have read to date. Fletcher's experiences reflects the true hardships and nastiness of war. Excellently written in a first person format. Mr. Fletcher seemed to be a level headed and unbiased man, and his book showcases this.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Civil War narrative ever written, May 17, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: Rebel Private: Front and Rear: Memoirs of a Confederate Soldier (Hardcover)

William A. Fletcher's account of service in all the major theaters of the Civil War is easily the most compelling thing yet written about service in the War Between the States. According to the publisher, Margaret Mitchell relied upon the book in researching Gone with the Wind. It is not difficult to see why, so vivid are Fletcher's recollection and so great is his ability to command the imagination and give the reader a real you-are-there experience