This book contains both a history of the First and Second Missouri Confederate Brigades as well as a personal memoir of the Civil War.

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1879 edition. Excerpt: ... ministering at a divinely simple altar, beneath the stately forest trees, the results of their labors are now found all over Missouri and the Southern States, in the earnest, honest, sterling piety of men whose thoughts they turned towards heaven amid the smoke and carnage of carnal conflict. CHAPTER III. THE BEGINNING IN MISSOURI CAMP JACKSON, MAY 10, l86l STERLING PRICE. . /HE politics of Missouri had always been strongly I Southern. As early as 1848-9, when the North was evidently intent upon excluding the South from the territory obtained in the Mexican war -- acquired principally by the blood of Southern soldiers -- the Legislature of Missouri passed resolutions affirming the rights of the States, as interpreted by Calhoun, and pledging Missouri to "co-operate with her sister States in any measure they might adopt" against Northern encroachments. On account of his opposition to these resolutions Mr. Benton was defeated for the United States Senate; and they remained on the statute-book of Missouri unrepealed at the commencement of the war. In the last Presidential campaign, Missouri, under one of those apparent contradictions or delusions not uncommon in American politics, had given her vote for Douglas. This result was obtained chiefly through the influence of Sterling Price, who had formerly been Governor of the State, had previously represented her in Congress, and was a man of commanding influence. Price and his party were firmly attached to the Union and hoped that it'might be perpetuated with safety and honor to the South. Of the Convention called in January, 1861, not a single member was yet ready to avow the policy of secession; and Price himself, who had been returned as a Union man without opposition, was elected its...

This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.

Tracing the origins and history of Missouri Confederate units that served during the Civil War is nearly as difficult as comprehending the diverse politics that produced them. Deeply torn by the issues that caused the conflict, some Missourians chose sides enthusiastically, others reluctantly, while a number had to choose out of sheer necessity, for fence straddling held no sway in the state after the fighting began. The several thousand that sided with the Confederacy formed a variety of military organizations, some earning reputations for hard fighting exceeded by few other states, North or South. Unfortunately, the records of Missouri's Confederate units have not been adequately preserved—officially or otherwise—until now. James E. McGhee is a highly respected and widely published authority on the Civil War in Missouri; the scope of this book is startling, the depth of detail gratifying, its reliability undeniable, and the unit narratives highly readable. McGhee presents accounts of the sixty-nine artillery, cavalry, and infantry units in the state, as well as their precedent units and those that failed to complete their organization. Relying heavily on primary sources, such as rosters, official reports, order books, letters, diaries, and memoirs, he weaves diverse materials into concise narratives of each of Missouri's Confederate organizations. He lists the field-grade officers for battalions and regiments, companies and company commanders, and places of origin for each company when known. In addition to listing all the commanding officers in each unit, he includes a bibliography germane to the unit, while a supplemental bibliography provides the other sources used in preparing this unique and comprehensive resource.

The South's Finest chronicles one of the best remaining untold stories of the Civil War. The First Missouri Confederate Brigade earned the most distinguished record of any comparable unit. Yet, earlier historians have ignored its accomplishments during some of the most strategically important engagements of the war. Significantly, they had major roles from their first battle at Pea Ridge in early 1862 to their last at Fort Blakely in April 1865.

Few infantry regiments in the Civil War compiled a more distinguished record than the Fifth Missouri. The unique blending of fiery Irish Confederates from St. Louis with rural pro-Southern Missourians forged an unshakable esprit de corps, making the unit the crack infantry regiment in the western sector. Most of Colonel James C. McCown's troops were young men in their 20s, and their good health and physical conditioning allowed them to carry out their "shock" missions throughout the region. From the perspective of the common soldiers and the unit's leaders the activities and battles of the Fifth Missouri are recounted here.