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Edward Porter Alexander
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Military Memoirs of a Confederate: A Critical Narrative Kindle Edition

by Edward Porter Alexander (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 338 ratings

“If I don’t come and bear my part, they will believe me to be a coward. And I shall not know whether I am or not. I have just got to go and stand my chances.”



Hearing that his home state, Georgia, had declared its secession, with these words 2nd Lieutenant Edward Porter Alexander resigned his commission in the U.S. Army and left to join the Confederates.

Over the four years that followed he would play an important role in many of the important battles of the conflict, notably under Maj. Gen. James Longstreet and Gen. Robert E. Lee.

At the outbreak of hostilities in 1861, although the Confederates had established an army — modelled after that of the Union — its organisation was almost non-existent, as was a wider infrastructure.

Similarly comprised of volunteers, and later conscripts, as the war progressed various reforms and reorganisations were enacted in a gradual development of the Confederacy’s war machine.

Despite its title, Alexander’s work also serves as a critique of each campaign, highlighting the good plays and the bad, the moves that influenced the outcome and a suggestion that might have altered the course of history.

Praise for Military Memoirs of a Confederate

“… altogether the best critique of the operations of the Army of Northern Virginia.” — Douglas Southall Freeman

Edward Porter Alexander (1835-1910) was a military engineer, planter, railroad executive and author. Graduating from West Point in 1857, he was participant in a number of weapons and experiments; he would become the first man to use signal flags to convey a long-distance message in combat. Having joined the Confederate States Army in 1861 he ended the war a Brigadier General, and “the South’s greatest artillerist.”
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  1. Print length
    734 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    January 14, 2016
  4. File size
    2.1 MB
  5. Page Flip
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  6. Word Wise
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  7. Enhanced typesetting
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Altogether the best critique of the operations of the Army of Northern Virginia."

-- "Douglas Southall Freeman, Pulitzer Prize-winning author"

"As Alexander drew lessons from the battles, so a lesson can be drawn from his book--that the finest military history may be written by a soldier who is also a scholar."

-- "T. Harry Williams, American historian"

From the Back Cover

This book was published in 1907 and immediately recognized as a classic. Unlike 'Fighting for the Confederacy, ' which was based largely on Alexander's own recollections, 'Military Memoirs of a Confederate' relies on a vast amount of research. It is undoubtedly the most accurate and most important first-hand general history of the Civil War.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01AO16MSS
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lume Books (January 14, 2016)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 14, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.1 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 734 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 338 ratings

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Edward Porter Alexander

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
338 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this memoir essential reading for Civil War buffs, praising its well-written narrative with intelligent notes on both sides. Moreover, the book provides a thorough eye witness account of the war, with one customer highlighting its detailed analysis of the Battle of Gettysburg. Additionally, they appreciate the author's insightful critiques of leaders on both sides. However, the print size receives mixed reactions, with several customers noting the extremely small text.

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72 customers mention "Readability"72 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and worth reading for its insights, with one customer noting it is essential reading for Civil War buffs.

"...death in the darkness. In sum, Military Memoirs is indeed worth buying, even if one has already read Fighting for the Confederacy...." Read more

"...Having mentioned some problems with the book, overall I found it a delightful read and I liked the frequent summaries of casualties and number of..." Read more

"...to the CSA, from the beginning of the war, until the end, observed everything first hand and had personal knowledge of that terrible war...." Read more

"...All in all this is a great memoir by a remarkable man of his time, you can really tell how intelligent and traveled the author was, and the..." Read more

31 customers mention "Writing quality"26 positive5 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting it is well written and readable, with the author providing intelligent notes on both sides of the conflict. One customer mentions that the narration effectively transports readers to the 19th century.

"...It is in deep detail but in story form and interesting to read...." Read more

"...The font was extremely small, but definitely readable, I suppose it would be another story if I had any eye problems...." Read more

"Book arrived promptly and in good condition. Small, but readable print. No Chapter list, no page numbers, no index, no bibliography...." Read more

"Alexander's narrative is well written and easily flows from one Civil War campaign to the next...." Read more

28 customers mention "History"28 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides a very insightful look at Civil War history, describing it as a must-read for enthusiasts and historians, with one customer highlighting its detailed analysis of the Battle of Gettysburg.

"...now that I've read "Military Memoirs" I find that it offers a whole different look at the war, plus Alexander himself...." Read more

"...some of the key command players this book provides a good insight into the confederate side of the Army of Northern Virginia...." Read more

"...until the end, observed everything first hand and had personal knowledge of that terrible war...." Read more

"...I also like some of his analysis of the battle of Gettysburg, particularly the poor use of the Confederate position...." Read more

20 customers mention "Pacing"20 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, praising its thorough eye-witness account and deep detail, with one customer noting its unparalleled frankness and another highlighting its unusually balanced view of the events.

"...It is in deep detail but in story form and interesting to read...." Read more

"...Alexander references these to give an unusually balanced view of the events and to supplement his own personal recollections...." Read more

"An important account of the American Civil War. There is great first hand detail in this book...." Read more

"Alexander provide a critical analysis of many of the major battles of the Civil War from an officer's perspective...." Read more

19 customers mention "Insight"15 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate the book's insights, with one review highlighting its detailed analysis of both Confederate and Union leaders, while another notes its substantial research incorporating works by other veterans.

"...relates the campaigns he saw, with insightful critiques of the leaders of both sides...." Read more

"...as that famous bestseller (Killer Angels), did possess the feel and subtle evidence of one who was really there...." Read more

"...Alexander's story is as complete as it is accurate, credible and dispassionate...." Read more

"...The issue was it was dry. It states the obvious, and lacks the details for certain campaigns...." Read more

6 customers mention "Accuracy"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the accuracy of the book, with one noting its balanced analysis.

"...Alexander's story is as complete as it is accurate, credible and dispassionate...." Read more

"A most accurate and thorough eye witness account by one whose only purpose of writing his memoirs was to report what he saw during the Civil War so..." Read more

"Precise, well researched through discussions with participants and examination of reports and records; unsparing appraisal of officers on both sides..." Read more

"...to add to the many positive reviews of this insightful and balanced analysis of the campaigns of the Army of Northern Virginia...." Read more

10 customers mention "Print size"3 positive7 negative

Customers find the print size of the book extremely small.

"...The font was extremely small, but definitely readable, I suppose it would be another story if I had any eye problems...." Read more

"Extremely small print..." Read more

"Book arrived promptly and in good condition. Small, but readable print. No Chapter list, no page numbers, no index, no bibliography...." Read more

"The book is great, but the print is ridiculous small. This is a reproduction of the original material...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • S Smith
    5.0 out of 5 stars A worthwhile purchase
    Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Since Alexander's personal memoir, "Fighting for the Confederacy" has long been one of my favorite books, I've hesitated at procuring his previous, strictly professional volume, "Military Memoirs of a Confederate," figuring it would be repetitious.
    Not so! They are two different animals, and now that I've read "Military Memoirs" I find that it offers a whole different look at the war, plus Alexander himself. Whereas in "Fighting" he was warm and fuzzy, always telling about meeting relatives, or missing Miss Teen, or recounting funny stories, in "Military Memoirs" he reveals himself as an ascerbic, often critical observer of operations.
    In this book Stonewall Jackson is absolutely lambasted for his lethargy on the Peninsula. It might've cost the Confederacy the war. At Antietam Alexander rues Lee's decision to risk the Army of Northern Virginia at Sharpsburg, north of the Potomac, with only a single, rough ford, overlooked by hills and potential Union cannon, behind him. He makes the interesting conjection that if Lee himself had ever crossed that ford prior to the battle, he never would've risked the army on it.
    Then again, Alexander had a take on the enemy as well as his own side. At Antietam, after stating the huge superiority that the Union brought to bear, outnumbering the Rebels two to one, he adds: Fortunately the Union Army also brought McClellan with it, who was guaranteed to delay, and in the even withhold nearly two full corps, so that Lee's disadvantage wasn't as much as it seemed.
    An interesting thing is that in "Memoirs" Alexander criticizes Ewell for not going on to attack Cemetery Hill on the first day of Gettysburg. In "Fighting" he clearly states that he didn't think an attack by Ewell that afternoon would've worked. Maybe in his official memoir he felt influenced to join the groundswell of Early, Fitz Lee, and all the rest to criticize Ewell. But in his personal memoir he was just more honest. This writer simply agrees with Hancock--that if the Rebs had been able to rush the hill during the first hour when the Yanks were in complete disarray, they might've succeeded. But after that it would've been a fool's errand, and would've just died with death in the darkness.
    In sum, Military Memoirs is indeed worth buying, even if one has already read Fighting for the Confederacy.
    I should add that due to my original doubt, this was the first time I've purchased a book via CreateSpace, due to is cheapness. Well, one gets what one pays for. The edition I received lacked running heads, italics, page numbers, table of contents, extracts, and overall was in about 10pt single-spaced type throughout. The most rudimentary product available--though given my interest in the subject I pored through it anyway. An odd thing is that the pbk cover stock was OK, and actually curled less than books I see from major publishers.
    Altogether I'll give this 5 stars, since it's essential reading for any Civil War buff.
    One person found this helpful
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  • John Stults
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable and insghtful book about the Army of Norther Virginia
    Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I read the ebook version and it seemed to miss some maps or tables that the author referred to in the text. As some reviewers mentioned, if you dont have a map and are somewhat familiar with the civil war it might be hard to follow. On the other hand, if you have a good understanding of battlefield geography and are somewhat acquainted with some of the key command players this book provides a good insight into the confederate side of the Army of Northern Virginia. Some of his bias does come thru for instance he seems to not like Lincoln -- probably understandable. The end of the book seems rushed as if it was heavily edited or the author had a time limit to finish the book.
    Having mentioned some problems with the book, overall I found it a delightful read and I liked the frequent summaries of casualties and number of captured cannons, etc. The author is good at pointing out errors made by some confederate generals, including Lee, and good at pointing out good things from leaders less well thought of for instance DH Hill and Pickett. All in all I found the book an enjoyable read and well worth the time invested. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the ins and outs of the civil war, especially the war in Va.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • K. Estes
    5.0 out of 5 stars The best
    Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This has been the very best historical narrative I have ever read about the Civil War. It is in deep detail but in story form and interesting to read. The author having been in service to the CSA, from the beginning of the war, until the end, observed everything first hand and had personal knowledge of that terrible war. Even knowing the ending of the story it was hard to put down.
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  • J. Collins
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Civil War Classic and powerful Memoir
    Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2003
    Verified Purchase
    This book is the work of one of Lee's Lieutenants, General Edward Porter Alexander. Alexander was Longstreet's artillery commander for most of the Civil War. As such, he saw action in the Eastern Theater from 1st Manassas, through to the surrender at Appomattox Courthouse. After the war, he was encouraged by General Longstreet to write a history of his Corps. Unfortunately after completing most of the primary research, very few of the officers he contacted were willing to give him the first person authoritative accounts he wanted. What he instead was to write a memoir that almost 100 years later is still the model of historical writing.
    For historians the danger of memoirs is twofold. First, many authors have an axe to grind and will suffer from "selective memory" in retelling their experiences. Also, but less deliberately, we are all the leading stars of our lives (if you aren't you oughta be). Taking center stage, authors can appear to have a larger role in the subject than they should otherwise have. With General Alexander's book though, there is no romanticism of the "Lost Cause", nor hero worship of the Lee/Jackson pantheon. Alexander dispassionately relates the campaigns he saw, with insightful critiques of the leaders of both sides. He doesn't spare himself from criticism either; you don't often see that in a memoir.
    Anyone with a serious interest in Civil War campaigns should have this book in their library. However, if you are looking for a Confederate mea culpa, or a social history you should look elsewhere. Highly recommended.
    71 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • R. Rose
    3.0 out of 5 stars Good but.....
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 22, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This book is often hailed as one of the best forensic analyses of the various Confederate campaigns and battles and to a point it is. The issue is really one of the bias of the author and I suppose that isto be expected, but other such memoirs of the civil war such as Longstreets or Chamberlin don't seem to be quite as blatant.
    It tends to get quite wearing and where the Federal effort is recognised as being superior then the phrase 'dammed with faint praise' comes to mind. Every Confederate failure isn't due to Federal superiority but due to their own errors. Any Federal Generals who the author thinks of as being good are of course only the ones who are killed. We even get the repeated anecdote that Grant was constantly drunk for just about the entire last phase, of which there is little evidence. Robert E Lee never failed it was his subordinates failures that lead to the defeats, though strangely Alexander is a whole lot less damming of Longstreet's performance at Gettysburg than his contemporaries such as Early, who off course was as culpable as any other General, there, but made a post bellum career out of criticising Longstreet.
    So, worth reading in historical context but bearing in mind where the authors loyalties lay.
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars But I can see some people losing interest unless they are a geek like me.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 5, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Lacks maps and the print is too small. But throws a very interesting insight into the intricacies of campaigning and soldiering, which is what I was looking for. But I can see some people losing interest unless they are a geek like me.
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars At first thought book would be difficult to read due ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 18, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    At first thought book would be difficult to read due to closeness of type per page but this was not the case and it has proved an interesting and concise account of the conflict
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