The Men Who Stayed Behind
The Emerging Civil War Series aims to provide readers with a basic understanding of some of the most important issues and battles of the American Civil War. The books in the series are short, accessibly written, and amply illustrated. The books are geared to a non-specialist audience of readers who may not have extensive knowledge of the Civil War but who want to learn. In learning any subject, the best course is to start from where you are and go forward. Some of the books in this series, such as the book I am reviewing here, offer a broad look at an issue that extends through the Civil War and beyond. Thus, this book might be particularly useful to high school students.
This recent book in the series, "The Aftermath of Battle: the Burial of the Civil War Dead" (2015) tells the story of "the men who stayed behind" -- those who died in the War from conflict or disease and how their remains were treated. There is a growing body of study on this subject, both as a whole and for specific battles, but this little book offers an overview. Meg Groeling, the author of the study, is a long-time student of the Civil War. She taught mathematics at the primary and middle school level for many years before discovering her passion for history. Her work on this book shows good research and thought. A unique part of Civil War historiography, including this book, is that people from varied backgrounds develop a strong interest in the subject and are able to make valuable contributions through books and other ways. Few other areas of study offer such an extensive opportunity to nonspecialists.
With its broad subject, this book offers a wide-ranging treatment. It proceeds in a chronological manner throughout the war beginning with the first recorded fatality in May, 1861 and concluding in August, 1956, with the death of the last surviving Civil War veteran, Many of the brief individual chapters offer succinct summaries of individual battles and of the problems posed by each in caring for the wounded and in burying the dead. The battles covered include Shiloh, Antietam, Stones River, Gettysburg, Vicksburg, the Wilderness, Franklin, and more. The book considers naval encounters as well, particularly the fate of the early Confederate submarine, the Hunley. The book discusses the notorious Confederate prison of Andersonville and the lesser-known Union prison of Elmira. Besides the battles and prisons, the book devotes attention to Civil War cemeteries and to pioneers in the treatment of the wounded and dead. The reader will learn about Jonathan Letterman, Medical Director of the Army of the Potomac, and his heroic efforts in improving the care of the wounded, Clara Barton, Helen Gilson, and other caregivers. The book explores photography and its impact in bringing the extent of Civil War deaths home to the general population. It covers subjects as different as the origin of "Taps" and the embalming of dead bodies.
In its short scope, the book offers a good deal of information about the Civil War, some of which is likely to be new even to long-time students. Groeling provides information about Civil War sites, familiar and unfamiliar, together with encouragement for those who may be considering a visit. The book is moving in its portrayal of violence and death and in the causes for which men heroically gave their lives. Groeling concludes by reminding the reader that "those who fought deserve to be remembered: Confederate or Union, officer or enlisted, identified or still unknown.... We remember they were ordinary people just like us, trying their best to do their duty under extraordinary circumstances."
The book offers a short, annotated bibliography for those moved to do additional reading. Footnotes and references are available online rather than in the text. This book amply fulfills the purpose of the Emerging Civil War Series by offering a good overview of the human costs of the Civil War and by encouraging readers to explore further. Savas Beatie, the publisher, kindly sent me a review copy of this book.
Robin Friedman
