A Carolinian Goes to War: The Civil War Narrative of Arthur Middleton Manigault, Brigadier General, C.S.A.

by R. Lockwood Tower (editor)

Over a hundred years have passed since Arthur Middleton Manigault came home from the Civil War and sat down to write his memoirs. He never intended anyone outside his family circle to read his words and until now, no one has.

We are indebted to the descendants of General Manigault for sharing their legacy with us. R. Lockwood Tower has edited the narrative, resulting in a brilliant account of the major campaigns of the western front, from the debacle immediately following Shiloh the last gasp at Franklin and Nashville.

Arthur Middleton Manigault, of a find old Charleston family, was especially qualified to chronicle these as a general he was privy to information those of lower rank did not have; as a sensitive, careful observer, he describes more than just battlefield logistics; and as a well-educated writer, he was able to put it all into words that are a delight to read.

384 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1992

Reviews

[Danno]

Excellent memoir by Confederate Brigadier General Arthur Middleton Manigault written for only his sons to read. Manuscript was found in a desk in a garage of one of General Manigault's decedents by the editor. Manigault wrote and completed this memoir within a few years of the war's end and has fresh comments and opinions on senior leaders in the Confederate Army. Unfortunately Manigault was wounded leading his Brigade at the Battle of Franklin on 29 NOV 1864 and never served again. More unfortunately Manigault did not write about the horrific battle of Franklin in this memoir. I can only imagine that it was because it was such a devastating event in his life that he did not know how to write about it.

[Andrew]

Overall, this is a pretty good Civil War general's memoir. Since it was originally just written for his family, Manigault's writing is more honest that the average fare from his peers. There isn't all the Lost Cause baloney or axe-grinding to wade through, and that's a big plus. Manigault also offers the rare perspective of a pro-Bragg general.

The narrative is pretty good, readable and informative, but don't count on any of the general's stats. This book would be an excellent accompaniment to further study of the Civil War in the West.