John F. Schmutz

Positives: Gave a good account of the specific "Texas" qualities of the unit, as well as the perception by other Southerners of their uniqueness and combat quality. Good coverage of the unit's combat operations, and provided a good feel for the daily camp life. But there was too much background, general information on campaigns that should have been presumed in an audience that would select a unit history from the war. There was also lacking a certain sympathetic portrayal of specific figures. The best unit histories are almost like a novel in the development of the characters; there did not seem to be many such familiar characters developed through first person accounts in this book. Perhaps first person letters and diaries were not as extensive.… (more)