A Duryee Zouave

A Duryee Zouave
By Thomas P. Southwick

This book relates the story of Thomas "Pony" Southwick’s experiences in one of the most famous Civil War regiments—the 5th New York Volunteer Infantry, Duryee’s Zouaves. Southwick subtitles his book "Journal and reminiscences of camp life and the personal experiences on the march and in the field, of an ordinary, common soldier of the Civil War." Yet, his story is far from ordinary. Southwick’s writing style gives an atmosphere that allows the reader to feel as if they are speaking with the old veteran himself. There are many comical and light hearted incidents in the book as well as the gripping battle accounts. Southwick gives a fantastic account of his and the Zouaves’ role at the first battle of the war—Big Bethel. Fort Federal Hill in Baltimore saw many Zouave antics before the unit embarked to participate in the Peninsula Campaign where the unit proves to be one of the most reliable and best fighting outfits in the Army of the Potomac. The Zouaves are involved in the siege of Yorktown but shortly thereafter take up their rifles and participate in the battle of Hanover Court House. The regiment proves its fighting capabilities at Gaines’ Mill and is decimated at Second Bull Run. The battle of Fredericksburg made a big impression on Southwick and he covers that engagement in great detail. Southwick survives the "Mud March" and Chancellorsville to be mustered out with the unit in May 1863. The book was originally published in 1930, but few copies are available today. This reprint contains all the original material plus a new introduction by Brian C. Pohanka and a foreword by Southwick’s great grandson. Fifty-nine biographies on soldiers and officers in the 5th New York mentioned by Southwick are also added. The reprint has 156-pages, including an index, and 25 photographs. The book has a soft cover, perfect bound, with Keith Rocco’s painting of the 5th New York at Gaines’ Mill in full color on the cover. Soft cover Price $12.95.