Rough Enough: : Including Richard H. Clow's Letters and Diary from the Civil and Indian Wars, 1865 - 1875 - Softcover

McBee Jr., Mr Richard H.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1494257661 ISBN 13: 9781494257668

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2013

Synopsis

Rough Enough is a work of historical non-fiction detailing ten years in the life of Richard McBee's great grandfather, a teenager who goes off half cocked to fight the Civil War! Richard Clow is 17 when the excitement of the final year of Civil War conflict entices him to enlist in the Union Army. Very quickly he finds that even getting to the battle front can have its own challenges: tewo weeks in a thug dominated holding camp followed by the ship voyage from Hell in getting from Boston to the Petersburg front. His thirteen letters home to his sisters describe poignant military experiences, bloody battles to take Petersburg, close calls, and the stresses of war. These are mingled with his daily observations of the Virginian countryside, hardships and small joys by a young man who has a flair for description. The accompanying text documents the changes from snotty nosed youth to blooded infantryman. It describes parallel battle situations and how the stresses of the battlefield lead Richard Clow towards a "Soldier's Heart" PTSD type syndrome. What is it that makes this young man reenlist two years after the war and join the 13th Infantry fighting in the mountains and plains of Montana and the Dakotas from ill designed forts. As his heart grows weary of battles, Clow shares his dreams of married life with his sister as he describes yet another ambush oo travelers through Indian territory. Clow's post military marital bliss is cut short by the specter of death which nearly wipes out his immediate family. With a heavy heart he again seeks solace in the wilderness and the cold creeks and gun ruled world of Deadwood in the heart of the Black Hills gold rush. As he strikes it rich and then goes on to live out his dreams of being a farmer, rancher and Oregon hotelier, we see how perseverance in the face of overwhelming life struggles can lead to a family and forty more years of productive life on the waning frontier.

About this title

About the Author

Richard (Rick) McBee lives outside of Hood River, Oregon and between episodes of fomenting new writing finds time to ferment his local grapes into fine wine. He enjoys skiing, reading, seashell collecting, scuba diving and orienteering when not glued to the front of his computer and lost in the imagination and research world of the author. Rick has been a Civil War fan since his father first told stories about great grandpa and showed him the historic letters and diary upon which the book "Rough Enough" is based. As an international school principal and teacher travelling throughout South America, Africa, Europe and the U.S. this interest has remained intact. With retirement, it has blossomed into a whole new and exciting career. If you enjoy historical fiction, McBee has another book, "Kalahari", which covers the intrigue, suspense and dangers of Southern Africa during the struggle for Black African rule during the 1970’s. A fast moving novel which will keep you on the edge of your seat with hours of enjoyment.

Edition details

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1494257661
• ISBN 13: 9781494257668
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 278