Berry Benson's Civil War Book

Memoirs of a Confederate Scout and Sharpshooter

Berry Benson

Edited by Susan Williams Benson

Foreword by Herman Hattaway

Introduction by Edward J. Cashin

Title Details

Pages: 288

Illustrations: 27 b&w photos and illus.

Trim size: 5.500in x 8.500in

Formats

Paperback

Pub Date: 04/15/2007

ISBN: 9-780-8203-2943-7

List Price: $26.95

Berry Benson's Civil War Book

Memoirs of a Confederate Scout and Sharpshooter

Berry Benson

Edited by Susan Williams Benson

Foreword by Herman Hattaway

Introduction by Edward J. Cashin

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  • Description
  • Reviews
Confederate scout and sharpshooter Berry Greenwood Benson witnessed the first shot fired on Fort Sumter, retreated with Lee's Army to its surrender at Appomattox Courthouse, and missed little of the action in between. This classic account of his wartime service tells of his reconnaissance exploits, battlefield experiences, capture by Union forces, and famous escape from Elmira Prison. A new biographical introduction by historian Edward J. Cashin adds further depth and detail to Benson's own vivid memories. The introduction also offers a fascinating account of both Benson's early years and his postwar activities, including his strong advocacy for impoverished mill strikers and the wrongly accused Leo Frank.

This book showers well-deserved attention on one of the South's truly noble sons. Benson, who served his homeland from Charleston to Appomattox, won even greater glory late in life when he championed the innocence of Jewish factory boss Leo M. Frank, convicted of murder in 1913 in Atlanta and subsequently lynched. Benson was a terrific character and this volume does him justice.

—Steve Oney, author of And the Dead Shall Rise

Well-told and very captivating.

Civil War Courier

[Benson] knew how to tell an exciting story. . . . Unusually descriptive; his book contains a host of little details.

Richmond Times-Dispatch

An outstanding memoir . . . Berry Benson's work is both truly personal, with its focus on such experiences as his capture, his life in Federal prisons, and his ultimate escape, and a fine narrative, for he tells story after remarkable story in a lively yet unromantic style. . . . Those who have not yet made his acquaintance will find him an intriguing figure and his book an engaging one.

Civil War History

His highly illuminating story serves as a building block to the larger issues, such as the maturation of innocent youth into seasoned veteran in the span of a few short years.

Florida Historical Quarterly

Well worth reading for any history buff.

Augusta Magazine

Long recognized as one of the outstanding memoirs by a common soldier in the Army of Northern Virginia.

Civil War News

Benson's straightforward narrative is clear, concise, and, given his amazing exploits, remarkably free of boasting. . . . Benson's experiences as a prisoner of war elevate his memoirs above other first-hand accounts of the Civil War.

Southern Historian

About the Author/Editor

Berry Benson (Author)
BERRY BENSON (1843-1923) was a scout and sharpshooter in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Among his other wartime exploits, he was captured twice by Union forces—and escaped both times.

Susan Williams Benson (Editor)
SUSAN WILLIAMS BENSON was a daughter-in-law of Berry Benson.