L. VIRGINIA FRENCH'S
WAR JOURNAL 1862-1865
L. Virginia French's journal gives the best insight into the everyday life of a Middle Tennessean that was ever put to pen. During the first part of the journal her thoughts are somewhat philosophical but as time goes on and the war comes to her home in McMinnville Tennessee it all becomes very personal. Accounts of Yankee raids on the town, factories burned without warning while the female workers are still on the top floor and Cavalry battles literally in her front yard. She entertains General John Hunt Morgan and his new bride Mattie Ready Morgan days after their wedding. Fans of General Morgan will be amazed at the stories Mrs. French records in her journal as told by the General himself. Written down the very day of the telling. General Wheeler visits so often that a member of his staff becomes engaged to Virginia's niece!
Women will be astounded by the details of of the local ladies dress, right down to the fabric, buttons and even their jewelry.
Details of how Terry's Texas Rangers were re-equipped by the local tradesmen, from their horse tac, shoes, boots and even how the local ladies pitched in to help with the clothing.
Every General officer, Colonel or Major that passes through the area calls on Mrs. French and she relates their tales to you through her journal. So many of the nagging questions about everyday life during the period, that I never thought I would know the answer to unfolded before me in crystal clarity as I read this journal.
It is probably best that we let her speak for herself.
A very small portion of this journal has been edited for clarity. In a few cases so has the spelling. But for the most part is appears here just as it does in the journal.
L. VIRGINIA FRENCH'S WAR JOURNAL
#2320 $24.95 BUY NOW!
WHERE'S WAR JOURNAL AVAILABLE?
If you can't get by Blockade Runner to pick up a copy of War Journal, here's a few other places you can get one.
LOST AND FOUND RELICS in Lynchburg Tn.
YESTERYEAR CIVIL WAR RELICS, in Murfreesboro Tn.
OAKLANDS MANSION, (Forrest's H.Q.) in Murfreesboro Tn.
THAT BOOK STORE, in Shelbyville Tn.
HASTINGS, in Tullahoma Tn.
SOUTHERN MUSEUM & GALLERIA, McMinnville Tn.
LIVERY STABLE ANTIQUES, in Bell Buckle Tn.
THE CARTER HOUSE, in Franklin Tn.
DIXIE OUTFITTERS, in Manchester Tn.
HASTINGS, in McMinnville Tn.
SHERLOCK'S BOOKS, in Lebanon Tn.
HUNT MORGAN HOUSE, in Lexington Ky.
STONES RIVER NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD in Murfreesboro Tn.
If you would like to carry the book, "WAR JOURNAL," in your store, or if your club would like to sell it as a fund raiser, just drop us an email here at Blockade Runner and we will send you all the info.
REVIEWS
Dr. Michael R. Bradley, History Professor, Lecturer and Author says, "One of the great diaries from the period of the War Between the States was kept by Virginia French of McMinnville. Although often cited by researchers who had read its pages in the state archives the diary has never before been published. Jerry Smith has done a service to scholars as well as to those with a general interest in the Civil War by making this treasure readily available."
Sadie Fowler of the Shelbyville Times Gazette says, "Anyone who's interested in Civil War history, reading or simply Middle Tennessee heritage will find something enteraining in L. Virginia French's War Journal. It won't take long to get through this page turner, which takes the reader through an exciting and detailed account of civilian life during the American Civil War."
This is one of the best books on the Civil War I have ever read! Virginia French's writings really make you feel a part of her world: a gentle world now bombared by war and all its consequenses. Jerry W.Smith has painstakingly edited Mrs. French's journal and included an appendix that provides details and historical perspective about friends and family as well as a glossary of period terminology. Virginia draws you in as you see the Civil War from a whole new perspective. I highly recommend this book to historians, re-enacters, teachers and everyone interested in the era. You will learn things you never knew without having to time travel.
Victoria Pintenich, Historian, DAR, DOC
Brentwood Tennessee
The "WATCHDOG" magazine published in Warren Michigan has given "V. FRENCH'S WAR JOURNAL," a fabulous review calling Virginia's Journal the absolute best Civilian journal ever published! The review is scheduled to run in the March issue. I may be able to give you a "sneak peak" in a week or so.
SUGGESTED READING
Here are a few related books you might enjoy reading.
WITH BLOOD & FIRE
Virginia's niece, Mollie, has to go before the Provost Marshall at Tullahoma after being accused of being a rebel sympathizer. This is the story of that corrupt office which sentenced hundreds to death often based on nothing more than rumor.
WITH BLOOD & FIRE ITEM # 2122 $17.95 BUY NOW!
THE LIFE OF JOHN SAVAGE
THE LIFE OF JOHN H. SAVAGE, Col. Savage of McMinnville, Congressman, Lawyer and influential citizen of McMinnville is mentioned, along with other members of the 16th Tennessee Infantry, throughout Virginia's Journal.
THE LIFE OF JOHN SAVAGE #2325 $19.95 BUY NOW!
McMINNVILLE AT A MILE STONE
This book is out of print but an occasional copy can be found using "advance book search" on the web. This book provides some very good information on Virginia's neighbors along with a few photos of the people and place she mentions.
VIRGINIA'S POETRY
Here's a link to one of Virginia's Poems which was published in Graham's Magazine in 1851. This may be the first time she was published nationally. Just click on the link below, when through, click the back button to return here.
OLD POETRY SITE
COMPANION WEB SITE
As of this writing, 2-3-08, about 200 copies of the Journal have been mailed out. We know that some of you have already finished reading it and we encourage you to send us your comments, corrections or additional information. We will gladly post your letter here.
Please click on the link, right, to send your comments to us via email. blockaderunner@midtnn.net
We look forward to hearing from you.
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