American Citizen: The Civil War writings of Captain George A. Brooks, 46th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry

by Benjamin E. Myers

In the spring of 1861, America was pulling apart at the seams and George Brooks’ life was in shambles. Destitute and reeling from a failed business venture and familial disagreement following a turbulent love affair, Brooks spent the years before the Civil War traveling in search of work. His wife and young son, of whom he saw little, remained at home in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. When war broke out, soldiering offered the first steady job he had held in years.

Sent off to war as a scourge to his family instead of a hero, Brooks became Captain of Company D of the 46th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He proved an admirable leader and recruiter, writing to his hometown paper in patriotic prose about his wartime experiences. Brooks chronicled his regiment’s pursuit of Stonewall Jackson in Northern Virginia in 1862, during which the Union suffered a series of devastating losses, and “Seeing the Elephant” at First Winchester, Cedar Mountain, and Antietam. "American Citizen" combines Brooks’ personal diary, newspaper articles, and personal correspondence to tell the story of a young man trying to balance a life left behind while leading a company of soldiers through some of the Civil War’s most studied campaigns.

Kindle Edition

Published March 3, 2020

About the author

Ben Myers was born and raised just outside of Harrisburg, PA, where an interest in local and family Civil War history found him at a young age. His research on the 46th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry has appeared in The Civil War Times and Military Images magazines, as well as online at fortysixthregiment.org. He holds a B.S. in Computer Science from American University and works as a web designer and developer in Washington, D.C. American Citizen is his first book.

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met the author at the Cedar Mountain Battlefield near Culpeper, VA, during the 2021 Commemoration. His knowledge of the history was extensive, so I bought his book and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The subject, Captain George Brooks from Harrisburg, PA, wrote extensively in his journal, and penned many letters to his family and the local newspaper. These writings provide terrific insight into what life was like during the Civil War for the average soldier. This book includes maps, drawings, and photographs that help set the scene. I would think that the book would be especially interesting to people who live in the areas in which these events took place. The first-hand accounts of what happened in places like Harrisburg, PA, Frederick, MD, and Virginia towns such as Winchester, Front Royal, Warrenton and Culpeper, provide a glimpse into these locations in 1861-62. Great read, I hope Mr. Myers writes more books.

[Christopher Kügler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-edited first-person account of the war. Though mostly letters & diary entries, the author does a great job interspersing context when needed. Together, the story of Brooks and the 46th PA is fleshed out nicely. The biography provides new insight into the early Shenandoah campaign and the realities of a Union soldier's experience: Supplies, boredom, and lost mail were regular points of contention. But unfortunately, such trivialities didn't last long —the Battles of Cedar Mountain & Antietam awaited them. But through it all, Brooks has an unwavering patriotism and sense of duty that is still inspiring today. As Brooks wrote in his journal: "Our flag must be maintained—our honor and government must be sustained at whatever cost." -- words that surprisingly resonate with me, a fellow Pennsylvanian in the year 2022, more than I ever could have imagined.

[Barb Foltz · Rating 5 out of 5]

"American Citizen gives the reader personal insight into the life of a civil war soldier. The letters between the subject of this book and his wife, make Captain George A. Brooks a real person with which the reader can relate. The details of everyday life leading up to the war and then during the war paints a picture of what life was like during this time. Pictures, map, letters and journals combine to give a complete picture of Pennsylvania's contributions during the Civil War.