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The Civil War Diary of Father James Sheeran, C.Ss.R.
Chaplain, Confederate, Redemptorist
Edited by Patrick J. Hayes
Imprint: Catholic University of America Press
This exciting Civil War diary of a Redemptorist priest, Rev. James Sheeran, C.Ss.R., who was chaplain to the 14th Louisiana Regiment of the Confederacy, is a national treasure. Irish-born Sheeran (1817-1881) was one of only a few dozen Catholic chaplains commissioned for the Confederacy and one of only two who kept a journal. Highlighting his exploits from August 1, 1862 through April 24, 1865, the journal tells of all the major events of his life in abundant detail: on the battle field, in the hospitals, and among Catholics and Protestants whom he encountered in local towns, on the trains, and in the course of his ministrations. His ideological sympathies clearly rest with the Confederacy. The tone is forthright, even haughty, but captures in sure and steady fashion, both the personality of the man and the events to which he was a witness, especially the major battles. The journal is arguably the most unique narrative of the war written by a chaplain of any denomination and certainly is the most extensive.
The journal permits us to hear a voice in Civil War studies that is seldom heard—that of a Catholic clergyman. The window given into the pastoral dimension of serving in America's bloodiest war is further enhanced by a running commentary on politics, race, religion, and charitable works throughout the South. He also supplies an insight into incarceration as a prisoner of war at Fort McHenry, Baltimore. Last, because Sheeran was a frequent name dropper, tracking the movements of key military personnel or other personages of the war is made considerably easier through Sheeran's references—all of which have been scrupulously documented in an easy-to-use index.
Patrick J. Hayes is Archivist, Baltimore Province of the Redemptorists
""… this copy is without a doubt the most thorough of any before it. The Civil War Diary of Father James Sheeran: Confederate Chaplain and Redemporist, edited by Patrick Hayes and published by the Catholic University of Americ Press is a hefty tome… Thus, even for those who may already own a copy of an earlier edition of Sheeran's writings, this new book has enough material to warrant buying a copy. It is perfect for those studying religion in 19th century America or for those Army of Northern Virginia aficionados who want another primary source to put on their book shelf.""
~Emerging Civil War.com