Pure Heart: The Faith of a Father and Son in the War for a More Perfect Union by William F. Quigley, Jr. (review)

Abstract

Book Notes will not likely understand the complexities of artillery deployment and terminology. For instance, Shultz repeatedly referred to the prolong, the long rope that allowed gunners to connect their piece to the limber without hitching it. When he fi rst introduced the prolong, Shultz did not specify what it was. Occasionally, the author assumes his readers already possess an advanced understanding of Civil War terminology and tactics. Consequently, this book could be a hard sell for readers who are just beginning to learn about the battle. Also, the author makes a claim that requires more explanation. On page 30, Shultz writes, “By and large, Union gunners were also better artillerists than their Southern counterparts.” Without any examples or explanations, Shultz lets that generalization hang there awkwardly. I wouldn’t necessarily disagree with him, but a deeper analysis of Confederate shortcomings would have been a helpful addition. In any case, Double Canister at Ten Yards is a good overview of the importance of Union artillery during this chaotic phase of the battle, and it should be read by anyone who wants to study Longstreet’s Assault. Should the author want to turn his eye toward the Union artillery’s counterpart— the lessdecisive role of the Confederate artillery during the bombardment— I’ll bet readers would be just as interested in it. Bert Dunkerly Richmond National Battlefi eld Park