Customer Reviews

Recollections of a Confederate Staff Officer

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As Civil War autobiographies go, this one is more delightful than informative. Well, Sorrel does tell us what he saw during the war, much of which he spent as adjutant to Lt. General James Longstreet. And in that capacity, he saw a lot. Near the end of the war, after Longstreet was wounded at the Wilderness, he was given a command of his own. Not long afterward he, himself, was seriously wounded.

Written at the suggestion of his wife while he recovered from an illness, the general gives a ground level view of the war as a young soldier. Although privy to many decisions made by his superiors, he was not in on the decision making. Sometimes there is a certain naivete about his observances.

This more personal view of the battles and times between would be of interest to any student of the Civil War. It is a valuable story, if only for his view of the controversial Longstreet.

Excellent book for someone trying to obtain insight into characters of the conflict. Sorrel is candid and generally does not fall into the "hero worship" that many Confederate Officers did when writing their memoirs.

He makes it very clear throughout the book that his observations are his own and may be flawed when viewed historically (and some are).

Very easy reading -- not a lot of Victorian memorializing and generally flows well. A real good book for the beginner or historian alike.

Outstanding history from Robert E. Lee's most important aide. Tremendously insightful into Lee and the ANVA

General Gilbert Moxley Sorrell's memoir of the War Between the States is a must-read for any serious student of the War and a fascinating historical account of soldierly life and experiences. Sorrell served in Longstreet's Brigade beginning at Manassas and as his staff officer until his promotion to Brigadier-General in 1864. He paints a vivid picture of camp life and of the political climate of the times that is often overlooked in military accounts. Highly recommend