Orvey S. Barrett's 'Reminiscences, Incidents, Battles, Marches and Camp Life of the Old 4th Michigan Infantry: 1861-1864' provides a firsthand account of the experiences of the 4th Michigan Infantry during the American Civil War. Barrett eloquently narrates the battles, hardships, and day-to-day life of the soldiers, offering a glimpse into the realities of war. His writing style is vivid and detailed, immersing the reader in the historical context of the mid-19th century America. This book is a valuable source for understanding the Civil War from the perspective of those who lived through it. Orvey S. Barrett, a veteran of the 4th Michigan Infantry, draws on his personal experiences and observations to paint a compelling picture of the war. His dedication to preserving the memory of his comrades and documenting the history of the regiment is evident throughout the book. Barrett's unique position as a participant in the events he describes lends authenticity and depth to his narrative. I highly recommend 'Reminiscences, Incidents, Battles, Marches and Camp Life of the Old 4th Michigan Infantry: 1861-1864' to anyone interested in the Civil War, military history, or personal accounts of wartime experiences. Barrett's detailed recollections offer a moving and informative portrayal of a tumultuous period in American history.

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Reprint of the original, first published in 1883.

A golden-aged knows the joys and sorrows of a full life. Old age has many gainful privileges. One of them is the respect attendant with age and the other is free time to reminisce about the distant past. Being an honourable senior citizen, like others of my ilk, I am fortunate. I have no constraint of time. Taking advantage of it, I reminisce my bygone days endlessly closing my eyes and activating my cerebrum. However, I do that selectively limiting only to the episodes that bring cheer to me. Those endowed with the normal prudence will never recall the unpleasant as it is an unwelcome guest. I often share my fond memories with my old friends, children and grandchildren. I never miss an opportunity to narrate the memories that I relish. The best tunes are played on the oldest fiddles. My receptive friends goaded, “There is nothing new in the incidents you narrate with wild gusto; they are obvious; we also had experienced them. However, why don’t you put them in writing for the sake of posterity?” After reading, the readers may not hold me in their arms, but certainly, hold my memories in high regard because my memories are theirs too. With this effort, I just did what they always wanted to do. My intention is to refuel, refresh and rejuvenate their memory.

Because the elderly chief wanted his visitor to understand the Ojibwe world, and because Hallowell was deeply interested in his subject matter and was such a good listener, Berens freely related his dreams and other stories about encounters with powerful beings. The fact that he also shared traditional myths in summer, when Ojibwe people thought it dangerous to discuss such things, shows the depth of his relationship with Hallowell. Berens' reminiscences and story and myth texts are unparalleled as sources for the life, experiences, and outlook of this important Ojibwe leader, and for the insights they provide into the history and culture of his people. Rooted in the collaboration between Berens as steward of his oral traditions and Hallowell as creator and guardian of their written versions, Memories, Myths, and Dreams of an Ojibwe Leader draws the reader into the world - and world view - of Chief Berens, showing how an Aboriginal Christian of the early twentieth century could simultaneously take part in "modern" and "traditional" Ojibwe life.