For Honor, Glory, and Union: The Mexican and Civil War Letters of Brig. Gen. William Haines Lytle - Softcover

Lytle, William

Softcover

ISBN 10: 081319296X ISBN 13: 9780813192963

Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky, 2009

Synopsis

<p>The letters of Lytle, a Union brigadier general with strong Southern ties who was killed at Chickamauga, edited by the curator of Historical Collections for the University of Pittsburgh Library System. Lytle, a general whom few but Civil War scholars and the most dedicated buffs buffs will have heard of, was an Ohio-born son of a US congressman who was raised as a Southern gentleman with strong ties to Kentucky. A volunteer in the Mexican War, he served with distinction and returned to run successfully for a position in the Ohio legislature, as well as to build his legal practice. He later ran for further office with no success notably, on a position of support for the Dred Scott decision, which denied blacks citizenship. When the Civil War broke out, Lytle was torn in his loyalties, but ultimately chose to support the Union. The letters compiled here offer a witty, bright look at the workings of the Union army, as well as Lytles relations with his family and friends. Although the descriptions of actions and life in the army are crisp and informative, one has to wonder whether readers really need to pick through the trivia of Lytles personal life to find the nuggets of history to which he offers testimony. Lytles account of his actions at Carnifex Ferry and Perryville are engaging, and his descriptions of relations with Southern civilians are a unique facet, adding to what is known about the everyday life of Union officers and their interactions with Southerners. Well researched and clearly organised, but this ones for the scholars, not the general reader, even among Civil War buffs. </p>

About this title

Review:

"Shows a Union soldier working to reconcile his southern sympathies with his root allegiance to the Union." -- McCormick (SC) Messenger

"Carter's edition of the letters of General William Lytle helps us understand why many partisan Democrats who despised abolitionists and Republicans, supported states' rights, and respected southerners and the South, decided to fight and, in Lytle's case, die for what they believed to be their nation." -- Van Hall

"This is one book that should be on the shelf of every Civil War buff or scholar as a prime example of the so many promising young lives lost in the war." -- West Virginia History

"His observations and commentary are valuable additions to knowledge of the concluding campaigns of the war." -- Choice

"A remarkable, engaging work of superb scholarship, and an invaluable contribution to the growing body of Civil War literature." -- The Midwest Book Review

From the Author:

Highlights of Lytle's career and letters.
William Haines Lytle was the son of a prominant Cincinnati, Ohio family. He served in the Mexican War during late 1847 - mid 1848 and returned to practice law and serve in the Ohio legislature from 1851-1853. During the 1850's he joined the Ohio Militia and held rank as a major general when the Civil War broke out. He continued his legal practice, participation as a Democratic politician and orator, and his avocation as a poet. The latter gained him considerable fame among contemporaries for his romantic, stirring poetry. His Union commands included the 10th Ohio as its first colonel. In 1862 he commanded the 17th brigade, 3rd division, Army of the Ohio which included the 10th Ohio, the 15th Kentucky, the 3rd Ohio, and the 42nd Indiana. After his promotion to brigadier general in 1863 he commanded the 1st brigade, 3rd division, 20th army corps, Army of the Cumberland. Generals under whom he served included William S. Rosecrans, Don Carolos Buell, Ormsby Mitchel, Lovell Rousseau, and Philip Sheridan. Lytle's letters describe events leading up to the three battles in which he fought: Carnifex Ferry (1861), Perryville (1862), and Chickamauga (1863). They also highlight his relationship with citizens in some of the communities in which he was stationed including Bardstown, Ky., Murfreesboro, Tenn., and Huntsville Alabama. Other topics of particular fascination to me as editor include his insights into African-Americans as support to Union troops in the field, his concerns about his promotion and responsibilities of command, his values and motivation for fighting, and such everyday concerns as food, clothing, sleeping accommodations, and family matters. Lytle's last speech, given in Bridgeport, Alabama six weeks before his death at Chickamauga is telling for its compassionate view toward the South and its peoples at the same time that his fervor for the Union was paramount.

About this edition

• Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 081319296X
• ISBN 13: 9780813192963
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 266