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 show more 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. show less

Colonel Fremantle's diary can be kind of slow-going until about the midpoint, with endless accounts of his traveling arrangements and thoughts on how noble the Southerners are (as opposed to those despicable Northerners). But his account of being at Gettysburg with Lee's troops - the getting there and getting ready, the battles, and the leave-taking - is well worth reading for his eyewitness account and on-the-spot commentary.

Gettysburg from very different viewpoints. Fremantle is a fairly typical British, guest of the staff. Does not take a direct role and really does not describe direct action. Even Pickett's charge is told from the reactions of General Lee to his interactions after the battle, it was 'his fault', etc. The charge was not described in any detail. Haskell account from a low ranking Union officer is very detailed, almost excruciatingly so. Everything has a Victorian floridity and exaggeration "the show more Army of the Potomac was quite mad with joy" and "in all these battles that I belieed in the hands of God" "...I am always ready to go where duty calls, no matter how great the danger". According to Haskell, he pretty much saved the Union, sparking a rally at the most critical time. The Offical Record does mention Haskell, but presents a very different persecptive. show less

This is a great book for lover's of history. Essentially Fremantle's diary during his visit to the Confederacy, it's filled with accounts of his adventures and interactions with southerners and soldiers. There are many opportunities for laughter as you read, though it can be somewhat slow at the beginning. It also provides a unique, unbiased, perspective on the beliefs and mindset of Southerners during the War for Southern Independence.