The first in-depth study of the Freemasons during the Civil War
One of the enduring yet little-examined themes in Civil War lore is the widespread belief that on the field of battle and afterward, members of Masonic lodges would give aid and comfort to wounded or captured enemy Masons, often at great personal sacrifice and danger. This work is a deeply researched examination of the recorded, practical effects of Freemasonry among Civil War participants on both sides.
From first-person accounts culled from regimental histories, diaries, and letters, Michael A. Halleran has constructed an overview of 19th-century American freemasonry in general and Masonry in the armies of both North and South in particular, and provided telling examples of how Masonic brotherhood worked in practice. Halleran details the response of the fraternity to the crisis of secession and war, and examines acts of assistance to enemies on the battlefield and in POW camps.
The author examines carefully the major Masonic stories from the Civil War, in particular the myth that Confederate Lewis A. Armistead made the Masonic sign of distress as he lay dying at the high-water mark of Pickett's charge at Gettysburg.
©2010 Michael A. Halleran (P)2012 Redwood Audiobooks
"A valuable contribution to both Civil War history and the history of the Masonic lodge. Recommended." (CHOICE)
"[A] strong affirmation of the bond between warring Masonic brethren, in the war that brought more of them together on opposing sides than any in our history." (Christopher L. Hodapp, Editor, Journal of the Masonic Society)
"Michael Halleran has set a new, high standard for scholarship on Freemasonry in the Civil War. His stories are compelling, the research is impeccable, and his analysis gives fresh insights on the 'mystic tie' of the fraternity." (S. Brent Morris, Ph.D., Managing Editor, Scottish Rite Journal)
This is a excellent read for anyone interested in the Civil War, and especially for anyone interested in personal stories from the conflict. Some parts may not be clear to the non-Mason, but Masonic brothers will well understand what is being discussed.
This will enhance any audiobook collection and is definitely something that one will listen to more than once.
I loved the story, the facts and the meaning behind it. I continue to be amazed at how the fraternal ties of brother masons did more to remind them of their duties to their fellow creatures than did their religious convictions or upbringing. I recommend this book to all freemasons and to anyone interested in this important part of the civil war. It is both enlightening and inspiring. May brotherly love prevail...
The narrator sounded like a text-to-speech app. I had to keep asking myself, "Is this a real human being reading this?" I concluded it was - which didn't help much as I couldn't figure out why they would have chosen someone like that to read a book like this.
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