New Book - "Billy Boy: The Sunday Soldier of the 17th Maine"
Islandport Press has published a new book.
"Billy Boy: The Sunday Soldier of the 17th Maine" is a historical fiction book written by Jean Mary Flahive of Falmouth.
The following is quoted from the website above:
When 20-year-old Billy Laird of Berwick excitedly enlists in the Union Army with his hometown pals, he has no idea of what lies ahead for him. Mentally challenged, he is ill prepared for the training and fighting, but he gets by with the help of his friends. Soon, however, he is sent to a different unit without them. Lonely and unsure of what to do on his own, Billy runs off and meets up with a runaway slave, Elijah. Together, and with the help of the Underground Railroad, the two make their way north to their fates.
This young adult novel—inspired by a real person, Billy Laird, and an actual event—is a tale of friendship, loyalty and compassion and will enthrall readers of all ages. It was painstakingly researched by Flahive and provides a wealth of information about Mainers’ role in the Civil War.
Try a custom search built for MaineMilitia.com. If you think there is a resource that does not appear in the results then contact me with the URL to the resource. This custom search is always improving with your help. Thanks and enjoy!
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Beriwck is my hometown!! I would love to get this book and see what it was like from a soldier from Berwick, even if it is fictional.
Private Jared Johnson
Company A, 3rd Maine Regiment of Volunteer Infantry
"God Bless the Union"
Book report
Hey Jared,
If you do read it then please report back. Would love to hear what you think.
--
Michael Johnson
lol
It is going to be interesting to see how Mr. Laird escapes being shot when caught! It sounds like a bunch of ballhooie, but I might chance to pick it up and take a look as well. I will always have a fond attachment to Berwick but this kind of cast a dark shadow on the character of the people there. What kind of message is the author trying to send? It's okay to run from obligations and duties? I'll keep an eye out for the book.
Anyhow, I remember a story about a soldier they excuted in Berwick. The tradition goes that the soldier was on sick furlough recovering from a wound. A squad of soldiers arrived, tied him to a tree and shot him. A few honors later a pardon or reprieve from excution came from the Governor.
I am not certain if there was any truth to the tradition as I left Berwick before researching it. It would be interesting and ironic if there is a connection.
Will
Strangely enough I was on a
Strangely enough I was on a webpage that lists graves of civil war soldiers in Franklin county and there are a few deserters....but I think all lived well past the war.. But I will have to check. I do suspect a certain bend to the book but Will reserve judgement til the book report is given by the lad from berwick
Seamus
Cogito sumere potum alterum