Refugee Life in the Confederacy

by Massey, Mary Elizabeth; Rable, George C.

• ISBN13: 9780807126882
• ISBN10: 0807126888
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-05-01
• Publisher: Louisiana State Univ Pr

Summary

Historians have long recognized the refugees' importance and writers of fiction their appeal, but Mary Elizabeth Massey's Refugee Life in the Confederacy -- originally published in 1964 -- marks the first full telling of their story. Massey explores in vivid detail all aspects of southern refugee life. Thrilling tales of displaced people scrambling for trains or making river crossings recapture the poignancy of civilians trapped between advancing and retreating armies. Massey also examines the psychological effects of the war on the homeless, the humor they found in their difficulties, their activities in adopted communities, private and public aid for the refugees, and legislation concerning them.

With a new introduction by George C. Rable, Massey's comprehensive study depicts the texture of refugee life like no other book before it and is essential to any thorough understanding of the Civil War.

Table of Contents

Preface	xi
Introduction to the Paperback Edition	xv
George C. Rable
Brought to their own doorsteps	3	(8)
To be or not to be a refugee	11	(17)
Half the world is refugeeing	28	(20)
Clashing carriage wheels and conflicting interests	48	(20)
The fascination of brick and mortar	68	(27)
Cabined, cribbed, confined	95	(20)
How many sad hours we have	115	(24)
Extremes of generosity and meanness	139	(21)
The times... have duties for all	160	(22)
The most enjoyable life	182	(22)
The rights a general may exercise	204	(21)
My property and yours	225	(17)
The greatest sufferers	242	(21)
Such a scene should be painted	263	(20)
Notes	283	(23)
Bibliography	306	(15)
Index	321