Additional information
by Coralou Peel Lassen (Editor)
Over 80 letters from Corporal John Pardington to his wife paint a vivid portrait of the life and everyday concerns of a Union soldier and his transformation from simple Michigan country boy to seasoned fighter. His touching love letters are made even more poignant because the reader is aware of the young soldier's impending death at the Battle of Gettysburg.
Back Jacket
Cpl. John H. Pardington, a member of the 24th Michigan Infantry of the famous Iron Brigade, was an articulate and observant soldier. His letters are filled with patriotic dedication to the cause, longing for his wife and baby, details of camp life, and reflections on the Battle of Fredericksburg, the Battle of Chancellorsville, and other engagements. They are also touching love letters, made even more poignant by the knowledge that Pardington will be killed at the Battle of Gettysburg. The letters reflect John's concerns about everything at home: how Sarah is being treated by relatives, the baby's exposure to scarlet fever, Sarah's money needs, and their plans to buy a home. The letters also reveal the stresses of war and the heroics of everyday life, whether at home or on the battlefield.""--BOOK JACKET. ""The collection also includes letters to his sister and father-in-law in which his opinions of President Lincoln, the changing leadership of the Army of the Potomac, and the hoped-for outcome of the war are expressed with wisdom and insight.""--BOOK JACKET.
Author Biography
The author was born in Michigan in 1930. After moving to Massachusetts with her family, graduating from Boston University with a degree in psychology, and marrying, she taught sixth grade for a few years until motherhood became her full time career. It was during her teaching years, while teaching history, that she gained an appreciation for the Civil War letters that had been in her family for generations. She is the mother of two, the grandmother of two, and lives with her husband on Cape Cod.
