Reminiscences of a Rebel

A former captain of the 40th Virginia writes from the quiet of his later years, offering a candid look at the Civil War through the eyes of someone who fought, studied, and survived its early battles. He weaves personal recollections with thoughtful commentary on the leaders and tactics of the time, aiming to give listeners both a vivid sense of the battlefield and a nuanced perspective on the era’s larger decisions.

The narrative begins in 1860, when a nineteen‑year‑old student boards a steamboat for the University of Virginia, only to be swept up by the rising tensions after John Brown’s raid and Lincoln’s election. Torn between a love for the Union and a belief in secession, he ultimately feels compelled to defend his home state as it moves toward war. His early experiences set the stage for a memoir that balances intimate memory with the broader sweep of history.