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| Joined: | Tue Oct 6th, 2009 |
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Years ago, a nearly three year collection of original letters and diaries written by my wife's great-great-grandfather, American Civil War soldier George W. Belles, was passed on to Kathi. The writings occurred during George's military service with the 139th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, from Sept. 1862 to July 1865. It wasn't until four or so years ago, when the writings were rediscovered in a bedroom closet, that I began to realize just how significat, interesting and enjoyable historical personal writings are.
Initially, I was most taken by George's battle narratives. It was, and still is, almost incomprehensable to hold in your hand and read letters written during or following such historical events as the Battle of Fredericksburg or Gettysburg. (I'm sure you all realized that long before I did.) A forthright man who left little to one's imagination, I grew to know the soldier of years long passed through his written words. In short time, I found just about everything in Corporal Belles' writings intriguing. Eventually arranging the letters in chronological order and rereading them from first to last, I felt as though I was with George during his Civil War journey.
If only I'd realized earlier how rewarding personal, historical in nature, writings are. But as they say, "Better late than never." I would greatly appreciate references to Civil War writings similar to Corporal Belles'. If you are interested in Georges' letters and diaries, they've been put in book form, Preserve It Reader in Remembrance of Me: The Writings and Saga of American Civil War Soldier George W. Belles. Further information is available at http://www.authorronbardnell.com.
Best regards.