Recollections of a Civil War Quartermaster.
Another book from my library. Although the book includes a full account of the authors war service it also details a great deal about this man's fascinating life and origins having been written as a sort of autobiography for his children and grandchildren. The book was eventually published in 1913 just four years before his death at 94.
William Le Duc, whose father was a French immigrant, was a successful lawyer and businessman prior to the war. Wishing to serve the Union on the outbreak of war but having no military experience he asked how he could best serve and was told by a friend to apply for a quartermaster post where his business experience and skills would be most useful. This he did and was appointed a Captain Quartermaster.
He served throughout the war finishing as a Brigadier General. There is a great deal of useful information about the activities of a quartermaster but one of the most interesting aspects of the book is that the author knew many of the leading Union generals prior to the war, in fact he went to school with Sherman. His analysis of these various generals is fascinating and instructive.
Overall a highly recommended book not only for the information about quartermaster activities but also in recording the very interesting life of a businessman in the 1840's and 50's and after the war when he served four years as Commissioner of Agriculture in President Hayes cabinet.
A side of history and war in general that doesn't attract the attention it deserves. Tony, so thanks once again for the 'heads up' on this. I'm currently reading James Holland's 'Normandy '44' book which is excellent. Whilst not learning anything new most of the time, now and then the effect of logisitics upon the battles throws up a fascinating insight. A case in point being the delay in unloading a tank brigade of two days meant they missed the start of one of the British attacks around Caen. If they had been availalbe it is interesting to ponder what might have happened and how the whole campaign could have been dramatically different.
ReplyDeleteHi Steve....Logistics, especially in the 19th century, has always been a passion of mine. I am quite convinced that the impact of logistics is totally overlooked in wargaming yet history teaches it is by far the biggest factor in warfare. I have never read a wargame battle report where logistics affected the outcome....just my humble opinion of course. Regards
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