The Bitter Fruits is the story of a Cumberland County family swept up in the Civil War whose lives were dramatically changed forever. In 1861, James and Annie Colwell were a prominent Carlisle couple with four young children. James, a Princeton graduate and Carlisle lawyer, held very strong feelings about preserving the Union. In spite of his age of forty-eight, his family and professional obligations, he was among the first Carlisle men to enlist after the fall of Forst Sumter. This previously unknown story is revealed by James Colwell's great grandson, David Colwell of California, in a new Heritage Series book.  David Colwell's account is based on a trunkful of old Colwell family letters and papers from a Carlisle attic that he inherited in 1991. After setting the scene, Mr. Colwell relates the story of James's departure, his war experiences serving as First Lieutenant of Company A of the 7th Pennsylvania Reserves, Annie Colwell's struggle at home to care for her four young children, and James's tragic death at Antietam. The couple's personal story is revealed through nearly two hundred of their surviving letters. Using a multitude of sources including accounts from 1861-62 Cumberland County newspapers, life in Cumberland County and this family's personal story during those trying times is presented in a well documented, poignant and moving text.  Included in the book are over fifty complete transcriptions of James and Annie Colwell's letters as well as brief histories of the Colwell GAR Post No. 201 (named in his honor), the Civil War Monument on the Carlisle Public Square, and Company A of the 7th Pennsylvania Reserves. Over two hundred carefully selected period photos and illustrations support the text, many published for the first time.  Don't miss this unique and fascinating publication, a genuine history of the Civil War in Cumberland County, as seen and experienced by participants and civilians at home. According to historian, Dr. Whitfield Bell, this book is "in most respects the best and most significant single work of local history the Historical Society has ever seen."

The Bitter Fruits: The Civil War Comes to a Small Town in Pennsylvania

Colwell, David

Tritt, Richard (editor)

Cumberland County Historical Society

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Books by Colwell, David

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Colwell, David. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

The Bitter Fruits: The Civil War Comes to a Small Town in Pennsylvania