The subtitle says all that needs to be written about why this book is important. Private Holt was an ordinary farmer and county schoolmaster who became a member of Company I, 56^th Virginia Infantry, Garnett’s Brigade. He wrote these letters to his dearly beloved young wife, giving great detail to help her see the reality of the war front. He was fated to be killed in battle during Pickett’s Charge on July 3, 1863.

The editor, James Mumper (who himself died before publication) wrote his preface back in 1979 to say:

This editor’s conviction, now publicly avowed, is that what we have in John Lee’s story is tragedy in its purest and most cleansing form, giving merely an inkling of his deep admiration for this simple, unpretentious man. To a generation made poor through a dearth of heroes, the beauty of John Lee Holt’s character and the nobility of his very heart and soul strike with the force of revelation. Now let us listen to this gentle voice from the past.”

Thus, we get to know this literate farmer from his enlistment, his initial experiences of the chill of winter and in battle at Fort Donelson from November 1861 to April 1862 then to his regiment’s transfer to the Arny of Northern Virginia, ending with his death where even today you may go to visit the scene and reflect on what it cost him.

This hardbound book comes covered in mylar, which kept this book in great condition. The pages are clean with only minor spots of foxing at the top of the pages, most noticeable when the book is closed. No tears or folds to the pages. 158 pp. [cla] [ph:L]

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