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Gene Barr
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A Civil War Captain and His Lady: A True Story of Love, Courtship, and Combat Kindle Edition

by Gene Barr (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 40 ratings
A True “Cold Mountain” from the Northern Perspective

More than 150 years ago, 27-year-old Irish immigrant Josiah Moore met 19-year-old Jennie Lindsay, a member of one of Peoria, Illinois’s most prominent families. The Civil War had just begun, Josiah was the captain of the 17th Illinois Infantry, and his war would be a long and bloody one. Their courtship and romance, which came to light in a rare and unpublished series of letters, forms the basis of Gene Barr’s memorable A Civil War Captain and His Lady: A True Story of Love, Courtship, and Combat.

The story of Josiah, Jennie, the men of the 17th and their families tracks the toll on our nation during the war and allows us to explore the often difficult recovery after the last gun sounded in 1865.

Josiah’s and Jennie’s letters shed significant light on the important role played by a soldier’s sweetheart on the home front, and a warrior’s observations from the war front. Josiah’s letters offer a deeply personal glimpse into army life, how he dealt with the loss of many close to him, and the effects of war on a man’s physical, spiritual, and moral well-being. Jennie’s letters show a young woman mature beyond her age, dealing with the difficulties on the home front while her brother and her new love struggle through the travails of war. Her encouragement to keep his faith in God strong and remain morally upright gave Josiah the strength to lead his men through the horrors of the Civil War. Politics also thread their way through the letters and include the evolution of Jennie’s father’s view of the conflict. A leader in the Peoria community and former member of the Illinois state house, he engages in his own political wars when he shifts his affiliation from the Whig Party to the new Republican Party, and is finally elected to the Illinois Senate as a Peace Democrat and becomes one of the state’s more notorious Copperheads.

In addition to this deeply moving and often riveting correspondence, Barr includes additional previously unpublished material on the 17th Illinois and the war’s Western Theater, including Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Vicksburg, and the lesser known Meridian Campaign—actions that have historically received much less attention than similar battles in the Eastern Theater. The result is a rich, complete, and satisfying story of love, danger, politics, and warfare, and it is one you won’t soon forget.
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  1. Print length
    446 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Savas Beatie
  4. Publication date
    May 19, 2016
  5. File size
    30.3 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
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  8. Enhanced typesetting
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"...this book offers a different perspective on the American Civil War that should remind wargamers of the individual human stories behind the campaigns and battles they recreate on the tabletop."
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From the Back Cover

Advance Praise
"Walt Whitman famously wrote that 'the real war will never get into the books,' but we can get close to the 'real war' by reading and learning from those who lived it. Gene Barr's engaging and revealing collection of letters from Lincoln country directly links the battlefield with the home front. In the letters the personal became the political, as the captain and his lady share their wants and worries about the war and their own lives with ever greater intimacy, poignancy, and even practicality. One of the beauties of this fine collection is that it provides the give-and-take of a developing courtship and understandings between a soldier ever more caught up in war's terrors and a loved one at home ever more unsure of war's human costs. The focus here is also on the war's Western Theater, which has been so much less studied and appreciated. The result is a book that brings the "real" war into view in ways readers will not forget."
-- Randall M. Miller, professor of history, St. Joseph's University and editor of Lincoln & Leadership
"In this rare and remarkable collection of letters readers come to know two young lovers brought together and then separated by the exigencies of war. From their values and social customs to their spirituality and politics that divided the nation, communities, and even families, these letters provide us with a more comprehensive view of the fabric of everyday life in Civil War America and the yearning of soldiers and civilians for the return to a normalcy they all knew would be different when the guns fell silent. Coupled with expert annotation and rich narrative that place the letters in context, this work makes for a unique, enlightening, and most delightful read."
-- Terrence J. Winschel, Historian (ret.), Vicksburg National Military Park and author of Triumph & Defeat: The Vicksburg Campaign, volumes I and II
"Gene Barr has produced a fascinating new book grounded upon a unique (and large) collection of letters and several previously unpublished sources including Frank Peats' commentary on Fort Donelson and Senator Lindsay's notes on the Vicksburg Campaign. The plot line is interesting, the dialogue crisp, and we meet the real Captain Josiah Moore, his love Jennie, and many of the brave men of the 17th Illinois Infantry. It is an important slice of the war readers rarely catch a glimpse of, let alone understand."
-- Scott Mingus, author (with Eric J. Wittenberg) of The Second Battle of Winchester
"Gene Barr has done students of the Civil War a great service in editing A Civil War Captain and His Lady. These letters reveal not only life at the front, but challenges at home for families of servicemen. This volume is a welcome addition to our understanding of the war as a whole."
-- Wayne E. Motts, author (with James A. Hessler and Steven A. Stanley) of Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01HEPA2CE
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Savas Beatie; Reprint edition (May 19, 2016)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 19, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 30.3 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 446 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 40 ratings

About the author

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Gene Barr

Gene Barr

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Gene Barr is the president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, the commonwealth's largest broad based business advocacy group. Prior to his work at the Chamber, he spent almost twenty years in the energy field including more than twelve years with BP America, the U.S. subsidiary of British Petroleum, and seven years at the Pennsylvania office of the American Petroleum Institute including three years as executive director of that operation. He also served for ten years as a local elected official in the Philadelphia area.

Barr is a board member and past chair of the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, PA, among numerous other community and professional activities.

A native of the Philadelphia area, Barr has had a longstanding interest in American history, particularly the Civil War period, sparked by his first visit to Gettysburg as a youth. He enhanced his knowledge while residing in Atlanta where he became familiar with the western theater of the conflict. He was active in living history for more than a quarter century and participated as an 'extra' in four films depicting the Civil War period, including "Glory" and "Gettysburg."

He has a bachelor's degree in political science from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia. This is his first book.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
40 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's narrative style engaging, with one review highlighting its focus on the western theater of the Civil War. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its readability, with customers describing it as well-written.

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7 customers mention "Narrative style"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the narrative style of the book, with one review highlighting its focus on the western theater of the Civil War, while another notes how it takes readers into the world of long ago.

"Well written and enjoyable. Takes you into w world of long ago. Great escape from today's crazy world." Read more

"A well organized Civil War history lesson and collection of the letters between two people in love...." Read more

"...Also interesting was the focus on the western theater of the war, which hasn't been given nearly enough attention by historians...." Read more

"...two people is very interesting especially given the historical background of the story." Read more

4 customers mention "Enjoyment"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thoroughly enjoyable and wonderful to read.

"Well written and enjoyable. Takes you into w world of long ago. Great escape from today's crazy world." Read more

"...rarity of being in possession of the soldier's letters made it an intriguing read." Read more

"...Great read." Read more

"This was a gift for my wife and she thoroughly enjoying reading the book...." Read more

3 customers mention "Readability"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well written and easy to read.

"...to put down because of the participants themselves and also that it reads easily flowing from Josiah and Jenne's written words while keeping you in..." Read more

"Well written and enjoyable. Takes you into w world of long ago. Great escape from today's crazy world." Read more

"...Mr. Barr has done a very good job of describing the elements of the Civil War battles and locations that the Regiment Josiah and his Company F..." Read more

Family Comes Alive
5 out of 5 stars
Family Comes Alive
A well organized Civil War history lesson and collection of the letters between two people in love. The actual transcripted letters between two people who met at the beginning of the war in May of 1861 in Peoria Illinois expose the reader to the budding romance of a 19 year old woman from Peoria and a 27 year old student at Monmouth College in Illinois. We read and feel the relationship blossom, along with the lonelinness both admit as well as the boredom and anguish they both experience. Jennie is often blue and Josiah is torn between his responsibility as a Captain in the 17th Illinois and his growing feelings for Jennie. Mr. Barr has done a very good job of describing the elements of the Civil War battles and locations that the Regiment Josiah and his Company F Soldiers are involved in. I have gained a better understanding of certain aspects of the Civil War and the personal stories of people who endured the tumultuous times over 150 years ago. Josiah and Jennie Moore are also my Great Grandparents and I am very pleased to get a peek at their personalities as well as adding to my maternal family history. It is a real treat.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Matthew Anderson
    5.0 out of 5 stars I really like first person accounts of the Civil War and in ...
    Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I really like first person accounts of the Civil War and in this case it is from the perspective of the soldier and a civilian which is rare to have both.While reading Josiah and Jenne's letters you get to know them and after finishing the book, I wish I could sit down and talk with them. I also like the western theater of the Civil War of which Josiah Moore was a part of, enlisting in the 17th Illinois Infantry.The little known Meridian Campaign was of particular interest to me because the 17th IL was brigaded with the 30th IL Inf, a regiment which many of my ancestors joined and what the 17th IL went through and experienced, the 30th IL was not far away in battle and weather.
    Gene Barr has authored a very well written book that is hard to put down because of the participants themselves and also that it reads easily flowing from Josiah and Jenne's written words while keeping you in touch with what is happening in the big picture of the war and it's commanders. Th author has researched the material well and references and sources many.
    I thank Gene Barr for gathering all this information and putting into book form for others like myself to read and enjoy!
    3 people found this helpful
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  • J. Robert Byers
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book.
    Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Well written and enjoyable. Takes you into w world of long ago. Great escape from today's crazy world.
    One person found this helpful
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  • GC
    4.0 out of 5 stars Civil War true courtship story
    Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I became interested in the book after having heard the author review it. The circumstances of his obtaining the letters and the rarity of being in possession of the soldier's letters made it an intriguing read.
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  • Richard Pemberton
    5.0 out of 5 stars Family Comes Alive
    Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    A well organized Civil War history lesson and collection of the letters between two people in love. The actual transcripted letters between two people who met at the beginning of the war in May of 1861 in Peoria Illinois expose the reader to the budding romance of a 19 year old woman from Peoria and a 27 year old student at Monmouth College in Illinois. We read and feel the relationship blossom, along with the lonelinness both admit as well as the boredom and anguish they both experience. Jennie is often blue and Josiah is torn between his responsibility as a Captain in the 17th Illinois and his growing feelings for Jennie. Mr. Barr has done a very good job of describing the elements of the Civil War battles and locations that the Regiment Josiah and his Company F Soldiers are involved in. I have gained a better understanding of certain aspects of the Civil War and the personal stories of people who endured the tumultuous times over 150 years ago.
    Josiah and Jennie Moore are also my Great Grandparents and I am very pleased to get a peek at their personalities as well as adding to my maternal family history. It is a real treat.
    Customer image
    Richard Pemberton
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Family Comes Alive

    Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2016
    A well organized Civil War history lesson and collection of the letters between two people in love. The actual transcripted letters between two people who met at the beginning of the war in May of 1861 in Peoria Illinois expose the reader to the budding romance of a 19 year old woman from Peoria and a 27 year old student at Monmouth College in Illinois. We read and feel the relationship blossom, along with the lonelinness both admit as well as the boredom and anguish they both experience. Jennie is often blue and Josiah is torn between his responsibility as a Captain in the 17th Illinois and his growing feelings for Jennie. Mr. Barr has done a very good job of describing the elements of the Civil War battles and locations that the Regiment Josiah and his Company F Soldiers are involved in. I have gained a better understanding of certain aspects of the Civil War and the personal stories of people who endured the tumultuous times over 150 years ago.
    Josiah and Jennie Moore are also my Great Grandparents and I am very pleased to get a peek at their personalities as well as adding to my maternal family history. It is a real treat.
    Images in this review
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    9 people found this helpful
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  • Jennifer Algoe Keaton
    5.0 out of 5 stars I feel like I know so much more know about Vicksburg and ...
    Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    As a Civil War buff interested in the events happening on the homefront, I found Mr. Barr's book to be an insightful look at both the military and homefront sides of the war. Also interesting was the focus on the western theater of the war, which hasn't been given nearly enough attention by historians. Along with the detailed letters between the two, the book is thoroughly researched with well-documented footnotes about the various battles and sieges of the war. I feel like I know so much more know about Vicksburg and the military campaigns in Tennessee. Thank you, Mr. Barr, for allowing these letters to yet again bring history to life and for showing what history is truly all about -- people.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Book lover
    5.0 out of 5 stars Can’t wait to read
    Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Book is in new condition, shipping was fast
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  • Stephanie
    5.0 out of 5 stars The narrative perspective this book provides is crucial for future ...
    Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    The narrative perspective this book provides is crucial for future generations to avoid the needless tragedies that it brings to life. This is an illuminating and inspirational true life story of the intertwining grand themes of personal and national evolution wrought by our nation's "work in progress" foundation that was designed to avert the ongoing tragedy it has thus far failed to avoid but demonstrates the ability to overcome.
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  • PP
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Civil War Captain and His Lady; a humanizing account of the Western Campaign
    Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Gene Barr's account of the western civil war campaign and the developing relationship between a northern soldier and his soon to be wife allows one to understand the war in a new way. Barr has a knack for simplifying complicated battles leaving the reader with an overall understanding. It would be interesting to walk the battlefields of Vicksburg, Fort Henry, and so forth. Great read.
    One person found this helpful
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