Destruction and Reconstruction: / Personal Experiences of the Late War

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

23747

Title

Destruction and Reconstruction: / Personal Experiences of the Late War

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Destruction and Reconstruction: Personal Experiences of the Late War is a memoir by Richard Taylor, a Confederate general during the American Civil War. The book recounts his experiences from secession to the end of the war, including battles, military strategies, and personal reflections.

Summary up to 500 words

Destruction and Reconstruction: Personal Experiences of the Late War is a memoir written by Richard Taylor, Lieutenant-General in the Confederate Army. The book covers various battles, including the Peninsular Campaign, the Valley Campaign, and the Seven Days around Richmond. Taylor also discusses his experiences with General Bragg, General Johnston, and other notable figures of the time. The author begins by describing the Charleston Convention in 1860, where he witnessed the breakdown of the National Democratic Party. He then describes the events leading up to Louisiana's secession and his own involvement in the Confederate army. Taylor recounts the battles he fought in, including the Peninsular Campaign, the Valley Campaign, and the Seven Days around Richmond. He also discusses his experiences with General Bragg, General Johnston, and other notable figures of the time. The author reflects on the war's causes, stating that African slavery was universal at the time and its extinction in the North and extension in the South were due to economic reasons alone. Taylor argues that the common belief that slavery was the cause of the Civil War is incorrect and that Abolitionists are not justified in claiming the glory and spoils of the conflict. The book also covers the author's experiences during Reconstruction, including his interactions with President Andrew Johnson, General Grant, and other notable figures of the time. Taylor reflects on the war's impact on the South, stating that universal suffrage had a devastating effect on the people. He also discusses the importance of topography in military operations, arguing that ignorance of it among Confederates was a major factor in their defeat. The book concludes with Taylor's surrender to General Canby and his return home. Throughout the book, Taylor provides detailed descriptions of battles, military strategies, and personal experiences, offering a unique perspective on the Civil War and Reconstruction.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/23747.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg23747.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-07-04 01:41 UTC

Categories

• Biography
• History