Arthur James Lyon Fremantle (1835–1901)

For civil war buffs this book is a must read. It provides an alternative perspective on the people of the Old South. The author clearly admires the stoic bravery of the Southern people and, although as an Englishman he abhors slavery, he nonetheless accepts it within the context of the South and its peculiar financial and economic needs. The author is clearly moved by the bravery and stoicism exhibited by the Southerners and particularly their women. Incredibly, in his short three month visit the author met almost all of the principal Southern leaders: Lee (whom, like everyone else, he admired); Longstreet, Hill, Stuart, Hood, etc.; His journey began in Texas and wended its way through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, Virginia and into Pennsylvania - his was one hell of a trip. Ending his sojourn in New York City he witnessed the draft riots and the mob's treatment of negroes - blaming them for the war.… (más)

Like it or not, Fremantle was a witness to history. And you won't like it if you suffer from a Government education. But if you're an Honest Yankee like myself you'll gradually realize that all you learned in high school isn't all there is to learn about the War Between the States. Fremantle supposedly was an anti-slavery English soldier who came over here while on leave from his military duties. He entered the US from Mexico, and spent three months working his way through the Confederacy meeting many of the major players; and crossed into the North right at the time of the Battle of Gettysburg. Along with =Baltimore and the Nineteenth of April, 1861: A Study of the War=, it is my favorite among the primary sources I have for that time.… (más)