Seven Months A Soldier

About the Book

Tender, complaining, gossipy letters were sent back and forth between NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, where Pvt. Arnold Southwick was stationed during the final conflicts of the Civil War, and the OHIO COMMUNITY, where his wife, children, relatives and friends fretted about the continuing terror. Folks then called it “The Rebellion” and “Mr. Lincoln’s War.” As the presidential election of 1864 approached, Peace Democrats were hoping for the defeat of Abe Lincoln and the election of General George B. McClellan. McClellan is known to have said, “If I am elected, I will recommend an immediate armistice and …...insist upon exhausting all and every means to secure peace without further blood shed.” This Civil War story is based on the actual letters written by the great-grandparents of the editor and enriched by letters Arnold received from his family and neighbors in Big Island Township, Marion County, Ohio. Here is an inside look at the final seven months of America’s Civil War.

About the Author

Mrs. McOwen brings to life the letters of her great-grandparents placing them in the factual setting of the time and the events. She has been drawn to a study of the Civil War ever since the collection of over one hundred letters written in 1864 and 1865 came into her possession. Mary Ellen has been a high school teacher for twenty-four years. She is a graduate of Bowling Green State University in Ohio, a member of Alpha Phi Sorority, Delta Kappa Gamma, the United Methodist Church and various social groups. She is the mother of three and the grandmother of seven. She and her husband, Doyle, have traveled abroad extensively, but most recently visiting many American Civil War sites in both the Eastern and Western Theaters.