Scan barcode
A review by amdame1
Deadly Aim: The Civil War Story of Michigan's Anishinaabe Sharpshooters by Sally M. Walker
4.0
During the Civil War, First Nation and African-American men who wanted to fight for the North were often rejected because of their race, especially at the start of the war. However, as the war dragged on and Lincoln got more desperate, he was willing to take help wherever he could get it. So, the Michigan regiment of Sharpshooters was formed. Truly, Lincoln should have let these warriors join much sooner. They were brave, loyal, and excellent shots. In short, they made excellent soldiers.
I picked this book up because I'm from Michigan and sadly, I don't know much about the First Nations from my state; we weren't taught about them in school. It was enlightening for sure but also so sad to read about the horrible conditions for all the soldiers but worse for them, especially in the POW camps. It seems to be thoroughly researched and where the author is unsure she uses words like may have or maybe. There was also mention of a training camp in my hometown - but I had never heard of it and a quick internet search revealed nothing. I'll have to get into some databases and do some deeper digging! Well-written, interesting. A perspective that needs more attention given to these brave warriors that fought for the cause.
At the back there is an epilogue giving further detail about some of the key people featured; an author's note; Appendix A = the Anishinaabe soldiers and their age at enlistment; Appendix B = the timeline of Company K; Appendix C = treaties between the US government and the Anishinaabe; Appendix D = the Eagle as the mascot of Company K; Appendix E = a translation of one soldier's letter home; a glossary; a select bibliography; source notes; index.
I picked this book up because I'm from Michigan and sadly, I don't know much about the First Nations from my state; we weren't taught about them in school. It was enlightening for sure but also so sad to read about the horrible conditions for all the soldiers but worse for them, especially in the POW camps. It seems to be thoroughly researched and where the author is unsure she uses words like may have or maybe. There was also mention of a training camp in my hometown - but I had never heard of it and a quick internet search revealed nothing. I'll have to get into some databases and do some deeper digging! Well-written, interesting. A perspective that needs more attention given to these brave warriors that fought for the cause.
At the back there is an epilogue giving further detail about some of the key people featured; an author's note; Appendix A = the Anishinaabe soldiers and their age at enlistment; Appendix B = the timeline of Company K; Appendix C = treaties between the US government and the Anishinaabe; Appendix D = the Eagle as the mascot of Company K; Appendix E = a translation of one soldier's letter home; a glossary; a select bibliography; source notes; index.