Colonel John Pelham: Lee's Boy Artillerist by William W. Hassler

Even prior to the top of the Civil battle Colonel John Pelham had develop into a mythical determine of the Confederacy. common Lee referred to as him "the gallant Pelham," and on seeing the younger artillerist hire yet a unmarried gun to carry up the development of 3 Union divisions and over 100 weapons at Fredericksberg, he exclaimed: "It is wonderful to work out such braveness in a single so young."

"Stonewall" Jackson, who relied implicitly on Pelham in tight occasions stated: "It is absolutely remarkable to discover such nerve and genius in an insignificant boy. With a Pelham on each one flank i feel i'll whip the world."

"Jeb" Stuart, the rushing cavalry leader, claimed that "John Pelham exhibited a ability and braveness which i haven't noticeable passed. I enjoyed him as a brother."

Major John Esten Cooke, a fellow-officer and tent-mate, wrote: "He is the bravest man or woman I ever observed in my life."

And certainly one of Pelham's veteran gunners asserted: "We knew him -- we depended on him -- we'd have him at any place, and did."

Shortly after the outbreak of hostilities within the spring of 1861, Cadet Pelham slipped clear of West aspect to hitch the Confederacy. Following the fierce conflict of First Manassas, during which he fought side-by-side with "Stonewall" Jackson, Pelham was once assigned to "Jeb" Stuart's command with orders to prepare the Stuart Horse Artillery. This fixed unit -- speeding from motion to motion at the battlefield -- supplied normal Lee's military with worthy cellular firepower which stored many determined situations.

In over sixty battles Pelham's blazing weapons observed livid motion opposed to Union infantry, cavalry, artillery, gunboats or even locomotives. even though he fought opposed to large odds, Pelham by no means misplaced an artillery duel or a unmarried gun!

Colonel Pelham was once an exceptional determine at the battlefield and rancid. The modest, boyish-looking commander of the pony Artillery used to be as calm and well liked by his gunners below hearth as he used to be with appealing Southern belles within the ballroom. This action-packed ebook absolutely describes the marvelous feats of the adventurous, romantic artillery genius of the Confederacy.