Customer Reviews

The Southern Journey of a Civil War Marine: The Illustrated Note-Book of Henry O. Gusley (Clifton and Shirley Caldwell Texas Heritage)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an excellent resource for learning about the life and duties of Marines during the Civil War. There are only a few existing personal accounts of Marines during that period. Gusley details a lot about daily shipboard life and the actions that he was involved in. Coupled with the drawings of the one of the doctors on board his ship, it makes for a good read for the history buff or the Civil War Marine or Navy re-enactor. As a former Marine and re-enactor, I highly recommend this book.

As other reviews have pointed out, there are loads of Civil War diaries. What makes this unique is because it is by a Marine. The Marine forces were very small compared to the Army and Navy forces of both combatants. This was particularly interesting to me as some of his travels brought him along the Texas Gulf Coast, not very far from where I live. It is obvious from his writings that Marine duty with the Navy blockades in the South could be very boring at times. I enjoyed the book.

Pvt. Henry O. Gusley's diary from (May 1862) aboard ship USS Westfield until its loss, then the USS Clifton until its loss and his capture (Sept 1863) at Second Sabine Pass. A nice mixture of daily routine as well as the major and minor actions he participated in during his time with the West Gulf Blockade Squadron under Admiral David G. Farragut. Bugs or bullets, he gives you the flavor.

Great book into the unknown history of the US Marines. This book is based on the dairy of a US Marine serving in the southern states. Great reference for me and my friends as we re-enact US & CS Marine from 1861-1865. I highly recommend this book.