Search - Firebrand of Liberty: The Story of Two Black Regiments That Changed the Course of the Civil War

great

It is especially nice to read a book about the Civil War in Florida, as there are so few of them.

Here the author follows the organization of two colored regiments at Hilton Head: the 1st and 2nd South Carolina Volunteers (Colored) USA. Most of these men were previously slaves and were eager to fight their former owners and free other slaves. The 1st S.C.V. engaged in significant combat before the 54th Massachusetts made its heroic charge at Battery Wagner.

The 1st and 2nd S.C.Vs, and some reinforcing white units, made an extended raid into Florida, captured Jacksonville and raided other areas. The success and excellent behavior of the 1st S.C.V. was particularly noted in newspapers in both the North and the South, although southern and northern Democratic-leaning newspapers reported unfavorably about the regiments.

The author makes a good argument, with supporting data, that the reported actions of these two regiments, in newspapers and official reports, accelerated the Lincoln administration's decision to enlist black troops in large numbers. The author also does a good job of defining the characters of the major players (colonels and generals) as well as many of the soldiers and civilians associated with the units.

This is not a dry historical tome as the details of the lives of the men and women discussed enliven the text and allow the reader to understand that these were living people with both good and bad traits. The book is both an easy and enjoyable read and I will recommend it to all my fellow Civil War "nuts" in Florida

I especially enjoyed the detailed discussion of the burning of Jacksonsville in 1863 by Union forces. I knew of this incident but was unaware of the details. This will enhance my living history program in Florida.