A Black Woman's Civil War Memoirs: Reminiscences of My Life in Camp With the 33rd U.S. Colored Troops, Late 1st South Carolina Volunteers

by Susie King Taylor

Other authorsPatricia W. Romero (Editor)
Paperback, 1988

Status

Checked out

Publication

Markus Wiener Pub (1988), Edition: 1st, Paperback, 160 pages

Description

"These are the memoirs of a black woman who was born a slave, who had the good fortune to gain her freedom early in the war, with the education and ability to observe and the will to recall in later years the significance of the events in which she was a vigorous participant. Susie King Taylor's recollections are invaluable for those who wish to understand the Civil War from the black woman's point of view. ... A treasure in the light of today's feminist movement." (from the Introduction by Willie Lee Rose)

User reviews

LibraryThing member MusicMom41
This is a wonderful memoir written by a Black woman from Savannah, Georgia, who served with the Black regiment that was formed in South Carolina. These Black troops did much to secure the Barrier Islands off the coast of Georgia and South Carolina and gained territory that made Sherman’s march to
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the sea possible. Her perspective on this aspect of the war is a valuable addition to the literature available from that era. I especially enjoyed this memoir because it takes place in the area of the South in which I lived for nearly 25 years. Its most important aspect, however, is that we see a perspective of the Civil War from the viewpoint of a Black person who had high stakes in the outcome of the conflict. Her observations are perceptive and show an understanding of what is at stake. Extensive additional notes on the information she gives helps to make this account valuable in understanding much about what these Black regiments accomplished and the sacrifices they made. Highly recommended! 4 stars I just wish she had written more!
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LibraryThing member koalamom
A very readable and interesting story with a totally different perspective of the civil War as told by a black woman who came from Savannah and spent most of that was working in a camp of black soldiers. Soldiers who quite often died before getting paid and those who did survive may not have
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received much of that pay anyway. But her life was not harsh, though there was danger.

She hoped that once the war was over, there would be equality for all. She did find it but had to go North to have it. She found that crossing the rive in Cincinnati on a train in the late 1800s meant she had to move to a different car, one for "colored people." In 1902, she wondered if the "war had been in vain."

Today things have improved greatly but we have a ways to go. Hopefully, her dream will be completely fulfilled soon.
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LibraryThing member hredwards
Good history. From a black woman's perspective of the civil war. Interesting reading.

Language

Physical description

160 p.; 5.5 x 0.25 inches

ISBN

0910129851 / 9780910129855
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