Brothers in Gray: The Civil War Letters of the Pierson Family
Editorial Reviews
Midwest Book Review
Brothers In Gray is an extensive collection of Civil War letters written by the three sons of William H. Pierson of Bienville Parish, Louisiana. They offer riveting glimpses of almost every variety of experience faced by the Rebel soldier. Prolific letter writers, the Piersons were articulate, observant, and well placed to comment not only on the battles and campaigns of their regiments, but also on their commanding officers, the effect of political activity on soldier morale, and (most of all) their entire family's understanding of and commitment to the Confederate cause. Residents of antebellum northwest Louisiana held strong pro-Union sentiments, and the Piersons were no exception as they opposed secession in 1861. Yet once war began, the region contributed its full share of support to the southern army, and four of William Pierson's nine sons enlisted. Three became officers, the fourth a sergeant, in the Third, Ninth, and Twenty-Seventh Louisiana Infantries, rendering outstanding service in Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Fortunately for posterity, three of the brothers (David, Reuben Allen, and James) wrote often of their experiences, generating one of the richest bodies of Civil War correspondence composed by Confederate soldiers. The letters vividly depict the life and duties of the private soldier, the noncommissioned officer, the company-grade officer, and the field-grade officer. They range in subject from the early battles of the Trans-Mississippi (including the campaigns at Wilson's Creek and Pea Ridge) to the epic battles of the Army of Northern Virginia, and from the brutal trenches of Vicksburg to provost guard duty in north Louisiana in the waning days of the war.
Book Description
Residents of antebellum northwest Louisiana held strong pro-Union sentiments, and the Pierson family of Bienville Parish, Louisiana, were no exception, opposing secession in 1861. Yet once war began, the region contributed its full share of support to the southern army, and four of William H. Pierson's eight sons enlisted. Ranging from the early battles of the Trans-Mississippi to the epic battles of the Army of Northern Virginia, and from the brutal trenches of Vicksburg to provost guard duty in north Louisiana, this extensive collection of Civil War letters, written by three of the Pierson brothers, offers riveting glimpses of almost every variety of experience faced by Confederate soldiers. Prolific letter writers, the Piersons were educated, observant, and well placed to comment not only on the battles and campaigns of their regiments but also on their commanding officers, the effect of political activity on soldier morale, being taken captive, and, most of all, their entire family's understanding of and commitment to the Confederate cause.
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
Brothers in Gray: The Civil War Letters of the Pierson Family
Brothers in Gray: The Civil War Letters of the Pierson Family,Thomas W. Cutrer,T. Michael Parrish,Louisiana State University Press,0807121347,Bienville Parish,Biography / Autobiography,Correspondence,Historical - U.S.,History,History: American,Louisiana,Military - Other,Military History - U.S. Civil War,Military Personal Narratives,Pierson, David,,Pierson, James,Pierson, Reuben,Soldiers,b. 1837,Pearson family,Pierson, David
Books Report:
Recommended Books