"The Passing of the Armies . . . (first published in 1915)

The purpose of this post is simply to feed the emotions and thinking of warriors and former warriors, patriots, and those who are hungry for the character, virtue, courage, and leadership of days past that these men demonstrated under extreme circumstances. The book has been reprinted and is characterized by extraordinary prose, sometimes stilted and far too academic for grunts like yours truly, but OMG - the soul, truth, humility, heroism, and presence of the author are completely out of sync with what we hear today. “The Passing of the Armies; an Account of the Final Campaign of the Army of the Potomac” reflects the personal reminiscences of Joshua L. Chamberlain, Brevet Major General, U.S. Volunteers. Although Chamberlain captures the essence of the many battles of the Fifth Corps and the unreported month of dismantling the Army, post victory, his descriptions of dozens of other well-known and not-so-well- known leaders is gripping and that is an understatement.

The book is an emotional experience for those who have seen battle (especially those who have endured the hardships and horrors of ground combat) as well others who are moved by the history of America’s wars.