During the Civil War, thousands of wounded Union soldiers and Confederate prisoners convalesced in a general army hospital in rural Portsmouth Grove, Rhode Island. Because of its location on the periphery of the action, the hospital has remained a footnote to the dramatic sweep of Civil War literature. However, its history and the experiences of the doctors, nurses, patients and guards that gave it life provide a new perspective on the interaction between the army and society in wartime and on life in Civil War America. This in-depth account also explores the barbarities of medicine, daily routine in a general army hospital, the role of citizens in providing aid, the later adventures of former patients and staff, and the final resting places of those who died on the grounds.

The story of Jane Stuart Woolsey’s service as Superintendent of Nurses at the Fairfax Seminary Hospital during the Civil War offers insights into the role of women in our nation’s greatest conflict and the beginnings of the nursing profession.

The smallest state to defend the Union and one far from the battlefront, Rhode Island's stories of the Civil War are often overlooked. From Brown University's John M. Hay, later to become Lincoln's assistant secretary, to the city of Newport's role as the temporary headquarters for the U.S. Naval Academy, the Civil War history of the Ocean State is a fascinating if little-known tale. Few know that John Wilkes Booth visited Newport to meet his supposed fiancee just nine days before he assassinated President Lincoln. The state also contributed several high-ranking officers to the Union effort and, more surprisingly, two prominent officers to the Confederacy. Remarkably, Kady Southwell Brownell also openly served as a soldier in a Rhode Island infantry regiment. Join author Frank L. Grzyb as he investigates Rhode Island's rich Civil War history and unearths century-old stories that have since faded into obscurity.

The Ocean State has a remarkable record of service during the Civil War. It supplied over twenty-three thousand men for the infantry, cavalry and artillery units between 1861 and 1865. From Bull Run to Appomattox and many battles along the way, including Antietam, Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, Rhode Island troops were always on the front lines. Civil War historian Robert Grandchamp lets the soldiers tell their stories in their own words, drawing from their letters to retell the accounts of those who fought and died to save the Union. From Woonsocket to Westerly, this book offers a personal connection to Rhode Island during the War Between the States through the voices of its heroic sons.

For both the Union and Confederate soldiers, religion was the greatest sustainer of morale in the Civil War, and faith was a refuge in times of need. Guarding and guiding the spiritual well-being of the fighters, the army chaplain was a voice of hope and reason in an otherwise chaotic military existence. The clerics' duties did not end after Sunday prayers; rather, many ministers could be found performing daily regimental duties, and some even found their way onto fields of battle.

"Battery D, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, inside the Civil War" by Dr. George C. Sumner is a compelling exploration of a vital army unit's research for the duration of the American Civil War. Dr. Sumner meticulously delves into the historic documents to provide a vibrant and precise account of Battery D, shedding mild on its characteristic, demanding conditions, and contributions to the battle strive. The narrative unfolds with precision, chronicling the unit's engagements, strategies, and the non-public stories of the squaddies who comprised Battery D. Dr. Sumner no longer best gives an extensive-ranging view of the battles in which the battery participated however moreover delves into the lives and sacrifices of the guys who served. The book offers a complete information of the Civil War's effect on Battery D and, by way of manner of extension, the more context of the conflict. Dr. Sumner's artwork are marked by using scholarly rigor and a deep appreciation for historic nuances, making them a beneficial useful resource for both students and fanatics interested by the Civil War generation.

 Rhode Island sent 23,236 men to fight in the Civil War. They served in eight infantry regiments, three heavy artillery regiments, three regiments and one battalion of cavalry, a company of hospital guards and 10 batteries of light artillery. Hundreds more served in the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps. Rhode Islanders participated in nearly every major battle of the war, firing the first volleys at Bull Run, and some of the last at Appomattox. How many died in the Civil War is a question that has long eluded historians. Drawing on a 20-year study of regimental histories, pension files, letters, diaries, and visits to every cemetery in the state, award-winning Civil War historian Robert Grandchamp documents 2,217 Rhode Islanders who died as a direct result of military service. Each regiment is identified, followed by the name, rank and place of residence for each soldier, the details of their deaths and, where known, their final resting places.

In 'Battery D First Rhode Island Light Artillery in the Civil War' by George C. Sumner, readers are immersed in a detailed account of the military exploits of a specific artillery unit during the American Civil War. Sumner's writing style is both informative and engaging, providing a wealth of historical context alongside personal anecdotes from soldiers in Battery D. The book is a valuable contribution to Civil War literature, shedding light on the experiences of lesser-known units. Sumner's meticulous research and attention to detail make this book a must-read for history buffs and Civil War enthusiasts alike. George C. Sumner, a Civil War historian with a passion for uncovering untold stories, brings to life the experiences of Battery D with his expertise and dedication to preserving history. His background in military history and research into primary sources allow him to provide a comprehensive overview of the unit's role in the conflict. Sumner's commitment to honoring the sacrifices of these soldiers is evident throughout the book, making it a poignant and insightful read for those interested in the Civil War era. I highly recommend 'Battery D First Rhode Island Light Artillery in the Civil War' to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Civil War and the brave individuals who fought in it. Sumner's thorough account offers a unique perspective on this tumultuous period in American history, making it a valuable addition to any history enthusiast's library.