Riding with Custer: Recollections of a Cavalryman in the Civil War (Paperback)

~ J. H. Kidd (Author), Gregory J. W. Urwin (Introduction)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Years before his fateful stand at the Little Bighorn, George Armstrong Custer fought in the Civil War, a bright and shiny brigadier general of volunteers in the Michigan Cavalry Brigade. Riding with Custer and his “Wolverines” was Captain James H. Kidd, who saw action extending from the raid on Richmond to Appomattox.

 

Riding with Custer is a rousing and vivid illustration of the tactical worth of cavalry in the army. Kidd raised his own company, engaged in more than sixty battles, rose to colonel in 1864, and after conspicuous valor in the Valley Campaign of that year succeeded Custer as commander of the Michigan Brigade. When he wrote these memoirs several decades after the war, his recollections were sharp and indelible—among them the experience of fighting with Custer at Gettysburg, Falling Waters, the Wilderness, Yellow Tavern, and Cedar Creek. He describes life on the move in all kinds of weather and terrain, the sensation of combat, the pleasure of a cup of coffee, and, besides Custer, such famous generals as Judson Kilpatrick, Phil Sheridan, and Wesley Merritt.

 

A reprint of the original 1908 edition, this Bison Book features a new index.

About the Author

The introducer, Gregory J. W. Urwin, is a professor in the department of history at the University of Central Arkansas. His publications include Custer Victorious: The Civil War Battles of General George Armstrong Custer (Nebraska 1990), The United States Cavalry: An Illustrated History, The United States Infantry: An Illustrated History, 1775–1918, and Facing Fearful Odds: The Siege of Wake Island (Nebraska 1997).

Product Details

• Paperback: 502 pages
• Publisher: Bison Books (April 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803277814
• ISBN-13: 978-0803277816
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #257,240 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A judgment of Custer by a contemporary, June 24, 1999

By A Customer

This reprint of the classic "Recollections of a Cavalryman" is a valuable addition to the military history of the nation. It also offers a view of Custer by someone who actually served with him in combat -- extensive combat. The view of Custer that emerges is not that penned by a fawning subordinate; Colonel Kidd simply recounts the battles and activities of the Michigan Cavalry Brigade in a straightforward manner. His later controversy notwithstanding, Custer was an exemplary cavalry commander and arguably the most successful and brilliant cavalry officer on either side in the conflict. This book opens a window on the past and is an excellently written account of the brutal battles fought by our ancestors. The book also offers an unintentional balance to Custer's historical legacy. It's unintentional because at the time it was written, Custer was still considered a national hero. This book explains why he was. Read it.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Personal Recollections of a Cavalryman, December 12, 2002

By	K. Freeman (Apple Valley, CA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This is a memoir with chapters written in and after the 1880's.

An interesting positivist take on the war--also interesting how politically conscious Kidd appears to have been. My general observation is that the Northern accounts seem to be more politicized, more likely to talk about politicians and political beliefs, than Southern.

Kidd started the war as captain of Troop E, 6th Michigan Cavalry, and ended up in command of the regiment. He spends a lot of time discussing recruiting and training, details fighting at Gettysburg and Williamsport, Trevilian Station, Third Winchester, et cetera. Kidd's admiration for Custer, his brigadier, is clear.

A useful account, but not an especially anecdotal or vivid one.