This comprehensive history tells the story of the men who served in the 55th North Carolina from its formation in 1862 through its dissolution in 1865. Drawing on letters, memoirs, diaries and recollections, it depicts the Civil War through the eyes of the soldiers, showing what it was like to fight for the Confederacy. While providing information on the battles in which the 55th North Carolina took part (including the little known Suffolk campaign), the main focus of the work is the life of the men—the ever-present influence of politics and religion as well as the effects of disease and combat. Appendices provide a breakdown of the companies in the regiment; the regimental roster; a list of men who died of disease; and a record of the men from the 55th who were killed in battle. Contemporary photographs are also included.

Jeffrey M. Girvan is the current Supervisor of History and Social Science for Prince William County Schools in Virginia. He has been an adjunct instructor at George Mason University.

Jeffrey M. Girvan

Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 200
Bibliographic Info: 25 photos, 10 maps, appendices, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2013 [2006]
pISBN: 978-0-7864-7503-2
eISBN: 978-1-4766-0304-9
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments      vi
Preface      vii
Introduction      1

1. May–October 1862: Activities in North Carolina      5
2. October 1862–April 1863: For the Honor of the Regiment      17
3. June–July 1863: Forgotten Courage—the Regiment at Gettysburg      39
4. August 1863–March 1864: Politics, Winter, and God      6
5. April–June 1864: Preparing for the Death Angel      91
6. July 1864–April 1865: Fading into Legend      120

Epilogue      142
Appendix A. The 10 Companies of the Regiment      145
Appendix B. Regimental Roster      146
Appendix C. Officers and Enlisted Men Who Died from Disease While Serving with the Regiment      160
Appendix D. Officers and Enlisted Men Who were Killed in Action or Reported Missing in Action While Serving with the Regiment      164
Chapter Notes      169
Bibliography      183
Index      189

• “an interesting read”—The Civil War News
• “easy-to-read…objective, well researched…well-organized”—North Carolina Historical Review