Campaigning with "Old Stonewall"

Orphaned at age three, Ujanirtus Allen grew up in foster homes and boarding schools. In the spring of 1861, when he turned twenty-one, "Ugie" inherited a substantial estate in Troup County, Georgia, replete with slaves, livestock, and machinery. Unfortunately for Allen, the outbreak of war made it impossible to build the stable life and permanent home he so desperately wanted for himself, his wife, Susan, and their infant son. In April 1861, Allen, fueled by pride and patriotism, joined the Ben Hill Infantry, which eventually became Company F, 21st Georgia Volunteer Infantry. He wrote his wife twice weekly, penning at least 138 letters before he received a mortal wound at Chancellorsville on May 2, 1863. Allen's ability to convey his observations and feelings on a variety of topics combined with vivid descriptions of his environment set Campaigning with "Old Stonewall" apart from other collections of Civil War letters. Editors Randall Allen and Keith S. Bohannon weave Allen's letters with valuable commentary and annotations and include a useful index that identifies every person Allen discusses.