Under the Stars and Bars A History of the Surry Light Artillery

Under the Stars and Bars A History of the Surry Light Artillery, Recollections of a Private Soldier in the War Between the States, Introduction by Lee A Wallace, Jr., Morningside bookshop 1975, Hardback. Wildman’s Item Number: 752

“Originally printed in 1909, this book provides the wartime observations and letters of Private Benjamin Jones.  Private Jones served throughout the war as a private with the Surry Light Artillery from Surry County, Virginia. After service as infantry with the Third Regiment of Virginia Volunteers, the company in 1862 became an independent battery and was assigned to Lt. Col. Charles E. Lightfoot’s battalion of light artillery in the defenses of Richmond.

The book is largely Jones’ wartime letters annotated with reflections on the war and his experiences. The letters contain much on camp life, visits to Richmond, and vivid accounts of the bitter fighting at Port Walthall Junction and Drewry’s Bluff. This reprint edition has an introduction, notes, roster, index, a selection of photos, and endpaper map prepared by Barbara Long.

Jones’s letters while a member of a Confederate artillery unit offer many insights into the life of wartime Richmond.” – Nevins, Civil War Books