The Brigade Commander By: John William De Forest (1826-1906)
In John William De Forest's The Brigade Commander, readers are transported back to the tumultuous years of the American Civil War. This gripping novel delves into the complexities of war, commanding officers, and the profound impact of personal relationships amidst chaotic times. Set in the mid-1860s, the story revolves around the life of Captain Frank Russell, a Union officer elevated to the rank of brigade commander. De Forest deftly portrays the immense burden of responsibility that rests on Russell's shoulders as he assumes leadership of his brigade, not only in terms of tactical decision-making but also in maintaining morale and discipline. What sets The Brigade Commander apart is De Forest's deep understanding of war's psychological toll on its participants. With remarkable clarity, the author captures the internal struggles faced by Russell, exploring his fears, self-doubt, and constant battles with his own conscience. This introspective approach offers readers a unique insight into the minds of those individuals tasked with leading men into battle. As the narrative unfolds, De Forest skillfully weaves in a complex web of relationships - both personal and professional - that impact Russell's journey. The portrayal of his interactions with his fellow officers and soldiers is both candid and poignant. From the camaraderie and fraternity forged in war to the rivalries and tensions that simmer beneath the surface, these relationships mirror the intricate dynamics of human connection during times of conflict. Furthermore, De Forest's vivid descriptions breathe life into the battle scenes, capturing the chaos, brutality, and horrors of war in stark detail. Yet, amidst the violence and destruction, the author tenderly explores the moments of compassion and humanity that emerge in the unlikeliest of circumstances, reinforcing the belief that even in war, glimpses of kindness and empathy can endure. While The Brigade Commander is undeniably a war novel, it transcends the genre by delving into the multifaceted nature of its characters. De Forest skillfully employs a range of narrative techniques, including correspondence and brief glimpses into the thoughts and memories of multiple characters. This layered storytelling enhances the overall reading experience, painting a multifaceted portrait of the individuals affected by war, each with their own motivations and struggles. The only slight drawback to this otherwise masterful work lies in its occasional slow pacing. De Forest skillfully balances vivid action sequences with introspective moments, but there are instances when the story languishes, elongating the narrative unnecessarily. Nonetheless, this minor flaw does not significantly detract from the overall impact of the novel. In conclusion, The Brigade Commander is a captivating tale that invites readers to grapple with the moral and psychological complexities of war. John William De Forest's meticulous research, coupled with his remarkable storytelling skills, make this book a must-read for history buffs and fans of literary fiction alike. Its thought-provoking exploration of human nature amidst conflict will leave a lasting impression on readers long after they turn the final page. First Page: THE BRIGADE COMMANDER By J. W. Deforest By permission of "The New York Times." The Colonel was the idol of his bragging old regiment and of the bragging brigade which for the last six months he had commanded. He was the idol, not because he was good and gracious, not because he spared his soldiers or treated them as fellow citizens, but because he had led them to victory and made them famous. If a man will win battles and give his brigade a right to brag loudly of its doings, he may have its admiration and even its enthusiastic devotion, though he be as pitiless and as wicked as Lucifer. "It's nothin' to me what the Currnell is in prrivit, so long as he shows us how to whack the rrebs," said Major Gahogan, commandant of the "Old Tenth." "Moses saw God in the burrnin' bussh, an' bowed down to it, an' worr shipt it. It wasn't the bussh he worrshipt; it was his God that was in it. An' I worrship this villin of a Currnell (if he is a villin) because he's almighty and gives us the vict'ry. He's nothin' but a human burrnin' bussh, perhaps, but he's got the god of war in um. Adjetant Wallis, it's a long time between dhrinks, as I think ye was sayin', an' with rayson. See if ye can't confiscate a canteen of whiskee somewhere in the camp. Bedad, if I can't buy it I'll stale it. We're goin' to fight tomorry, an' it may be it's the last chance we'll have for a dhrink, unless there's more lik'r now in the other worrld than Dives got... Continue reading book >>

The Brigade Commander By: John William De Forest (1826-1906)

In John William De Forest's The Brigade Commander, readers are transported back to the tumultuous years of the American Civil War. This gripping novel delves into the complexities of war, commanding officers, and the profound impact of personal relationships amidst chaotic times.

Set in the mid-1860s, the story revolves around the life of Captain Frank Russell, a Union officer elevated to the rank of brigade commander. De Forest deftly portrays the immense burden of responsibility that rests on Russell's shoulders as he assumes leadership of his brigade, not only in terms of tactical decision-making but also in maintaining morale and discipline.

What sets The Brigade Commander apart is De Forest's deep understanding of war's psychological toll on its participants. With remarkable clarity, the author captures the internal struggles faced by Russell, exploring his fears, self-doubt, and constant battles with his own conscience. This introspective approach offers readers a unique insight into the minds of those individuals tasked with leading men into battle.

As the narrative unfolds, De Forest skillfully weaves in a complex web of relationships - both personal and professional - that impact Russell's journey. The portrayal of his interactions with his fellow officers and soldiers is both candid and poignant. From the camaraderie and fraternity forged in war to the rivalries and tensions that simmer beneath the surface, these relationships mirror the intricate dynamics of human connection during times of conflict.

Furthermore, De Forest's vivid descriptions breathe life into the battle scenes, capturing the chaos, brutality, and horrors of war in stark detail. Yet, amidst the violence and destruction, the author tenderly explores the moments of compassion and humanity that emerge in the unlikeliest of circumstances, reinforcing the belief that even in war, glimpses of kindness and empathy can endure.

While The Brigade Commander is undeniably a war novel, it transcends the genre by delving into the multifaceted nature of its characters. De Forest skillfully employs a range of narrative techniques, including correspondence and brief glimpses into the thoughts and memories of multiple characters. This layered storytelling enhances the overall reading experience, painting a multifaceted portrait of the individuals affected by war, each with their own motivations and struggles.

The only slight drawback to this otherwise masterful work lies in its occasional slow pacing. De Forest skillfully balances vivid action sequences with introspective moments, but there are instances when the story languishes, elongating the narrative unnecessarily. Nonetheless, this minor flaw does not significantly detract from the overall impact of the novel.

In conclusion, The Brigade Commander is a captivating tale that invites readers to grapple with the moral and psychological complexities of war. John William De Forest's meticulous research, coupled with his remarkable storytelling skills, make this book a must-read for history buffs and fans of literary fiction alike. Its thought-provoking exploration of human nature amidst conflict will leave a lasting impression on readers long after they turn the final page.

First Page:

THE BRIGADE COMMANDER

By J. W. Deforest

By permission of "The New York Times."

The Colonel was the idol of his bragging old regiment and of the bragging brigade which for the last six months he had commanded.

He was the idol, not because he was good and gracious, not because he spared his soldiers or treated them as fellow citizens, but because he had led them to victory and made them famous. If a man will win battles and give his brigade a right to brag loudly of its doings, he may have its admiration and even its enthusiastic devotion, though he be as pitiless and as wicked as Lucifer.

"It's nothin' to me what the Currnell is in prrivit, so long as he shows us how to whack the rrebs," said Major Gahogan, commandant of the "Old Tenth." "Moses saw God in the burrnin' bussh, an' bowed down to it, an' worr shipt it. It wasn't the bussh he worrshipt; it was his God that was in it. An' I worrship this villin of a Currnell (if he is a villin) because he's almighty and gives us the vict'ry. He's nothin' but a human burrnin' bussh, perhaps, but he's got the god of war in um. Adjetant Wallis, it's a long time between dhrinks, as I think ye was sayin', an' with rayson. See if ye can't confiscate a canteen of whiskee somewhere in the camp. Bedad, if I can't buy it I'll stale it. We're goin' to fight tomorry, an' it may be it's the last chance we'll have for a dhrink, unless there's more lik'r now in the other worrld than Dives got... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
History
Literature

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Wikipedia – The Brigade Commander

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