ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY OF SOURCES ON THE LAWTON-GORDON-EVANS BRIGADE (CSA)
The following is a partial bibliography of useful sources on the Lawton-Gordon-Evans brigade with annotations. Links are typically to listings at Amazon.Com. A portion of each sale through Amazon.Com helps offset the costs of maintaining the Lawton-Gordon-Evans Georgia Brigade website.
Joseph H. Crute, Jr., Units of the Confederate States Army, (Midlothian, VA: Derwent Books 1987).
This work contains brief descriptions of Confederate units and their service. Regiments of the Georgia Brigade are highlighted as follows:
13th Georgia (pp. 93-94), 26th Georgia (pp. 101-102), 31st Georgia (p. 104), 38th Georgia (pp. 106-107), 60th Georgia (p. 115), and 61st Georgia (p. 115).
S. C. Douglas, The Fighting Boys of Wiregrass, (Bogart, GA: Shetland Publications, 199x).
According to the author, this book "details the activities of the 38th Georgia Volunteer Infantry Regiment, with special emphasis upon Company C, also known as the Ben Hill Guards. The text follows Company C and the Georgia 38th from their inception through the surrender at Appomattox Courthouse. Personal stories, anecdotes, and biographies of soldiers are also included.".
Gen. Jubal A. Early, Autobiographical Sketch and Narrative of the War Between the States, (reprinted by the Nautical and Aviation Publishing Company, 1989 and Smithmark Pub., 1994).
Recollections of the General who commanded the division in which the Georgia brigade saw much of its service during the war. Although hot tempered and opinionated, and bearing some animus toward Gordon in later years, Early generally gives credit to his troops where credit is due.
Ralph Lowell Eckert, John Brown Gordon: Soldier, Southerner, American, (Louisiana State University Press, 1989, reprinted 1993).
A critical, but favorable scholarly biography of General Gordon's pre-war, wartime, and postwar careers, which by necessity follows the exploits of the Georgia brigade while under Gordon's command. Chapters 3-6, pp. 39-124, recount Gordon's wartime service as brigadier, division commander, and finally corps commander and highlights the Georgia brigade's service from the 2nd Battle of Frederickburg through the surrender at Appomattox Court House.
Clement A. Evans, ed., Confederate Military History, Extended Edition. Vol. 7. Georgia. (Wilmington, NC: Broadfoot, 1987). (E484C65.1987v7).
Monumental 13 volume southern history of the Civil War edited by a commander of the Georgia Brigade. This post-war reference, first published in 1899, also contained capsule histories of Confederate units. The regiments of Lawton-Gordon-Evans' Georgia Brigade were covered in Volume 7: 13th Georgia (pp. 35-36), 26th Georgia (pp. 49-50), 31st Georgia (p. 112), 38th Georgia (p. 116), 60th Georgia (p. 129), 61st Georgia (pp. 129-130).
Gen. John B. Gordon, Reminiscences of the Civil War, (Charles Scribner's Sons, 1903; reprinted Louisiana State University Press, 1993). (Also see on-line edition by War Times Journal.)
These are Gordon's own recollections of the war, written at the turn of the century. Although an indispensible source, Gordon's recollections are not always reliable; suffering perhaps from the nostalgia, the passage of time and his emphasis on North-South reconciliation, his animosity toward Jubal Early, and his defense of Lee from post-war critiques.
Lillian Henderson, ed., Roster of the Confederate Soldiers of Georgia, 1861-1865, Georgia. State Division of Confederate Pensions and Records, (Hapeville, GA: Longino & Porter, 1959). (E559.3G4v2).
This massive series contains the published war and pension records of every Georgia soldier preserved in the Georgia state archives. Soldiers are organized by units, so that the series provides in effect a "muster roll" of each regiment. Note that period records available to the state archives were incomplete and that with any work of this scope there are inevitable ommissions and inconsistencies. Nevertheless, if you are tracing your ancestor, this is the standard reference for Georgia soldiers who served in the Civil War. Soldiers of the Lawton-Gordon-Evans' Brigade can be found listed with their regiments in the following volumes/pages: 13th Georgia (Vol. 2, pp. 245-338), 26th Georgia (Vol. 3, pp. 183-286.), 31st Georgia (Vol. 3, pp. 576-659), 38th Georgia (Vol. 4, pp. 116-249), 60th Georgia (Vol. 6, pp. 105-201), and 61st Georgia (Vol. 6, pp. 201-275). See also this reference site.
Pharris Deloach Johnson, ed. Under the Southern Cross: Soldier Life with Gordon Bradwell and the 31st Georgia, (Macon, GA: Mercer University Press, Nov. 1999). -
Compilation of the letters of Isaac Gordon Bradwell published as articles in the Confederate Veteran magazine regarding his service in the 31st Georgia. Bradwell's articles (listed above) are one of the primary sources of information in print regarding both his regiment and the service of the Lawton-Gordon-Evans' Brigade. This collection, edited by Pharris Johnson of Savannah, Georgia, is an outstanding compilation that makes this information readily accessible to interested readers.
Charles E. Jones, Georgia in the War, 1861-1866, (Atlanta, GA: Foot & Davies, 1909). (E559.4J76).
A post-war history of Georgia's role in the civil war. This book also includes abbreviated (and incomplete) lists of officers for each of the Georgia regiments that fought in the war, including regiments of the Georgia Brigade: 13th Georgia (p. 26), 26th Georgia (p. 28), 31st Georgia (p. 29), 38th Georgia (p. 30), 60th Georgia (p. 33), and 61st Georgia (p. 33).
Terry Jones, ed. Campbell Brown's Civil War With Ewell and the Army of Northern Virginia (Baton Rouge: Louisiana State Univ. 2001).
Campbell Brown was an aide, officer and stepson to General Richard Ewell. This book, compiled from Browns memors, letters, diaries and memoranda, touches on his interactions with Generals Lawton, Gordon and Evans and includes references to the 13th, 26th, 31st, 60st and 61st Georgia.
Alton J. Murray, The True Wartime Experiences of the
26th Regiment, Georgia Volunteer Infantry, Lawton-Gordon-Evans Brigade, Confederate States Army., (St. Marys, Georgia: Alton J. Murray, 1976). (E559.5.26th.M87.l976)
A privately published history of the 26th Georgia, with background on the organization of the brigade and its operations during the war. Contains a regimental roster with corrections/additions to the listing from Hendersons. Excellent history although it relies heavily on Nichols' accounts.
Pvt. G. W. Nichols, A Soldier's Story of His Regiment (61st Georgia) and
Incidentally of the Lawton-Gordon-Evans Brigade, Army of Northern Virginia, (Kennesaw, GA: Continental Book Co, 1961). (E559.5.61st.N53.1961).
A superb regimental history that captures the life of an ordinary soldier while providing an largely accurate recounting of the regiment's (and brigade's) operations during the war.
William R. Scaife, The Georgia Brigade, (Atlanta, GA: William R. Scaife, 2d Edition, 2002). (Also 1st Edition, 1988; E559.4L3S27.1988).
A privately published history of the brigade written by a descendant of Dr. William Lovejoy Scaife, who served as a regimental surgeon with the 31st Georgia. Although summary in its treatment, it provides useful details including maps and a roster of brigade soldiers surrendering at Appomattox Court House by company.
Stewart Sifakis, Compendium of the Confederate Armies: South Carolina and Georgia, (New York, NY: Facts on File, 1995). (E577S53.1995).
Part of a series organized by state, the South Carolina/Georgia volume includes brief service histories for units from each state, including the regiments of the Georgia Brigade: 13th Georgia (pp. 210-212), 26th Georgia (pp. 231-233), 31st Georgia (pp. 241-242), 38th Georgia (pp. 248-249), 60th Georgia (pp. 273-275), and 61st Georgia ( pp. 275-276).
Robert Grier Stephens, Jr., ed. Intrepid Warrior: Clement Anselm Evans, (Dayton, Ohio: Morningside House, Inc. 1992).
Excerpts from General Evans' wartime letters and journals collected with introductory and background material by Evan's grandson, a former Georgia Congressman. An invaluable resource.
Henry C. Walker, Letter to John W. Johnston, May 9, 1863, reprinted in Mills Lane, ed., "Dear Mother: Don't grieve about me...": Letters from Georgia Soldiers in the Civil War," (Beehive Press, 1977)
Account by a veteran of the 13th Georgia of his involvement in the Chancellorsville Campaign, and especially the 13th Georgia's defense of Fitzhugh's Landing and their role in the fighting to regain Marye's Heights.
Gregory C. White, This Most Bloody and Cruel Drama: A History of the 31st Georgia Volunteer Infantry," (Baltimore, MD: Butternut & Blue, 1997)
This regimental history draws on a wealth of unpublished letters, newspaper accounts, diaries, and other sources to tell the story of the 31st Georgia from its mustering in to the surrender at Appomattox Court House. The first 192 pages comprise the history of the regiment's service told largely through the words of its members. The book includes a roster of the regiment with musters by company based on Henderson's but with additions and corrections. Also included are chapters on the turncoat Captain Sanders of Company C, an epilogue on key figures after the war, and a regimental miscellaneous including the lyrics of company songs. Mr. White has made an outstanding contribution to the history of the Brigade. Expected soon, I understand, is his next book, which will relate the service of Georgians at the Battle of Gettysburg.
Magazine Articles
Isaac Gordon Bradwell, recollections in Confederate Veteran:
- "In Camp Near Savannah, Georgia," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXXI, pp. 338-339, 1923)
- "The Battle of Gaines Mill," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXIV, p. 23, 1916) and (XXXIII, pp. 382-383, 1925)
- "The Georgia Brigade at Fredericksburg," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXX, p. 20, 1922).
- "The Chancellorsville Campaign," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XX, p. 447, 1915)
- "Chancellorsville," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXX, pp. 257-260, 1922)
- "Crossing the Potomac," Confederate Veteran (Vol. XXX, pp. 370-372, 1922)
- "The Burning of Wrightsville, Pennsylvania," Confederate Veteran (Vol. XXVII, pp. 411-412)
- "Mine Run-A Ghost Story," Confederate Veteran (Vol. XXVI, pp. 445-446, 1918)
- "Battle of the Wilderness," Confederate Veteran (Vol. XVI, pp. 447-448, 1908)
- "Battle of the Wilderness," Confederate Veteran (Vol. XXVII, pp. 458-459, 1919)
- "One Hour Saved the Union", Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXXIV, pp. 252-253, 1926)
- "Second Day's Battle of the Wilderness," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXVIII, pp. 20-22, 1920)
- "Spotsylvania, Va., May 8 and 9, 1864," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXVIII (1920), pp. 56-57, 1920)
- "Spotsylvania, Va, May 12, 13, 1864," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXVIII, pp. 102-103, 1920)
- "First Valley Campaign of General Early," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XIX, pp. 230-231, 1911)
- "Cold Harbor, Lynchburg, Valley Campaign, etc., 1864," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXVIII, pp. 138-139, 1920)
- "The Battle of Middletown, Virginia" Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXXVIII, pp. 245-247, 1930)
- "Early's Demonstration Against Washington in 1864," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXII, pp. 438-439, 1914)
- "Early's March to Washington in 1864," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXVIII, pp. 176-177, 1920)
- "In the Battle of Monocacy," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXXVI, pp. 55-57, 1928);
- "On to Washington," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXXVI, pp. 95-96, 1928)
- "The Battle of Monocacy, Md.," Confederate Veteran (Vol. XXXVII, pp. 382-383, 1929)
- "With Early in the Valley," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXII, pp. 504-506, 1914)
- "Early's Valley Campaign, 1864," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXVIII, 1920)
- "Scouting in the Valley," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXVII, 1919)
- "The Fight at Winchester, VA-Jim Graham," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XV, p. 411, 1907)
- "Battle of Fisher's Hill," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXVII, pp. 338-340, 1920)
- "Troops Demoralized at Fisher's Hill," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXV, 1917)
- "Battle of Cedar Creek, Virginia," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXII, 1914)
- "Battle of Cedar Creek, Virginia," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXVII, 1919)
- "Gordon's Brigade After the Valley Campaign," Confederate Veteran (Vol. XXVIII, p. 418, 1920)
- "In Front of Fort Steadman," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXV, p. 308, 1917)
- "On Picket Duty in Front of Fort Steadman," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXXVII, p. 302, 1920)
- "Fort Steadman and Subsequent Events," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXIII, pp. 20-23, 1915)
- "Holding the Lines at Petersburg," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXVIII, p. 457, 1920)
- "The Retreat from Petersburg," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXIII, p. 21,
1915).
- "Last Days of the Confederacy," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXIX, pp. 56-58, 1921).
- "After the Surrender at Appomattox," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXVII, p. 467, 1909)
- "Soldier Life in the Confederate Army," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXIV, pp. 20-25, 1916)
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- "Under the Southern Cross," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXXIII, pp. 182-183, 1925)
- "David and Goliath," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXXII, pp. 419-420, 1924)
- "When General Mulligan Was Killed," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXXV, 1927)
- "Carlos Maximilian Casini, Our Old Band-Master," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXXIV, p. 333, 1926)
Clement A. Evans, "Northern Boys in Southern Armies," Confederate Veteran (Vol. V, p. 5, 1897). -- Post-war account by the Georgia Brigade commander C. A. Evans of the capture of the 61st Georgia's colors during fierce hand-to-hand fighting at Spotsylvania Court House, May 12, 1864.
Post-war recollections by a veteran of the 31st Georgia (Company I, Arnett Rifles) who was a prolific contributor to Confederate Veteran magazine. Bradwell enlisted as a private on November 11, 1861 and served until paroled at Appomattox Court House on April 12, 1865. Bradwell's articles have been compiled in Pharris Deloach Johnson, ed. Under the Southern Cross (see above)
F. L. Hudgins, "The Last Charge at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, April 9, 1865," Watson's Jeffersonian Magazine (September 1911, pp. 425-426.) -- Veteran of the 38th Georgia recounts last action of Lowe's Brigade, Evan's Division, and Gordon's Corps at Appomattox Court House, allegedly the last shots fired by Lee's Army of Northern Virginia.
F. L. Hudgins, 38th Georgia Regiment at the Wilderness, 5th, 6th, 7th of May 1864, (Confederate Veteran Papers, Duke); reprinted as "With the 38th Georgia Regiment," Confederate Veteran, (Vol. XXVI, pp. 161-163, 1918) -- Post-war recollections of the Battle of the Wilderness by a veteran of the 38th Georgia.
Selected Newspaper Accounts
James Van Valkenburgh, "A Gallant Achievement," Macon Telegraph, (June 1, 1864) -- Contemporaneous account by Major Van Valkenburgh, 61st Georgia, of the capture by bluff of the 7th Pennsylvania Regiment at the Battle of the Wilderness.
Unpublished Manuscripts
Charles Thompson Stuart, Autobiographical Sketch of the War Service of Charles Thompson Stuart, Lieutenant, Company H, 26th Regiment, Georgia Volunteers, (available from United States Army Military History Institute Archives).
Thomas J. Berry, Joel W. Berry, and the Berry Family, Letters and Papers Concerning Service in the 60th Regiment, Georgia Volunteers, (available from United States Army Military History Institute Archives).
William Paul, Memoir of Service in the 60th Regiment, Georgia Volunteers, (available from United States Army Military History Institute Archives).
Other Sources
Joseph Gould, The Story of the Forty-Eighth: A Record of the Campaigns of the Forthy-Eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry, (Philadephia, 1908), pp. 179-180 (recounting surrender of soldiers from the 13th Georgia to the 48th Pennsylvania during confused fighted at Spotsylvania Court House).
Note of Availability of Resources
Titles not available through Amazon.Com may be available through specialty booksellers. See The Civil War Center's list of on-line booksellers. I have made good use of Olde Soldiers Shop (301-963-2929), a veritable mecca for civil war book collectors, which is located in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
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Last Update: Sept. 22, 2002
Questions, comments, or notices to Chris Brantley, brant@erols.com
Copyright © 1999 Chris J. Brantley. Rights claimed only as to original material.
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