検索キーワード： "John Wesley" 軍

Exploration of the early American West, beginning with Lewis and Clark’s transcontinental trek at the behest of President Thomas Jefferson, was not accomplished by standing armies, the era’s new steam train technology, or by way of land grabs. These came later, but not until pathways known only to a few of the land’s indigenous people were discovered, carved out, and charted in an area stretching from the eastern Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, and the present-day borders of Mexico and Canada.

On the 12th of April 1865, the Army of Northern Virginia marched to the field in front of Appomattox Court-House, stacked their arms, folded their colors, and walked off empty handed to find their distant, blighted homes. These are detailed and moving first-hand accounts from a number of prominent witnesses to Robert E. Lee's surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox.

Author Paul D. Hufstedler has spent many years researching the parallel lives and military careers of three of his ancestors — an uncle, a great uncle and a great-grandfather. Tracing their harrowing stories in the American Civil War, the era prior to WWI, and the Second World War, we are given generous details about the challenges each faced both on and off the battlefield. Retelling their exploits helps the listener renew their respect for the sacrifices and vagaries of war and disease.