Comments on: Pvt. Alexander Campbell, 79th NY, Describes the Battle to His Wife

By: Interview: Terry Johnston, “Civil War Monitor” « Bull Runnings

Interview: Terry Johnston, “Civil War Monitor” « Bull Runnings — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 19:38:15 +0000

[...] of the wartime letters of two Scottish-born brothers who fought on opposite sides [see extracts here]. I also spent eight years (between 1999 and 2007) on the editorial staff of North & South [...]

By: Terry Johnston

Terry Johnston — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:00:40 +0000

Kathleen:

If you see this, yes, I’d be glad to provide you with what information I was able to uncover on the Ralston family. It might take a while—I’d first have to locate the files, which could be a challenge. As I recall, I did learn a bit about John. Anyway, feel free to get in touch.

Terry (tajjr@earthlink.net)

By: Harry Smeltzer

Harry Smeltzer — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:26:17 +0000

Kathleen,

I’m glad you’re excited, but keep in mind it’s not my book: it’s Terry’s. Terry is a great guy and I’m sure if you ask nicely he’ll answer any questions you may have.

By: Kathleen Baxter

Kathleen Baxter — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:11:59 +0000

My great grandfather was John Ralston, older brother of Jane, James, Matthew and William (and others!) . I am so excited to find and have ordered your book. I am also hoping I may find out more about the Ralstons.

By: Harry Smeltzer

Harry Smeltzer — Wed, 06 May 2009 13:28:42 +0000

Thanks Terry. I intend to flesh the letters out a little in a “notes to” post. I try to keep that separate from the “resource”, in this case the letters themselves.

By: Terry Johnston

Terry Johnston — Wed, 06 May 2009 13:18:23 +0000

Harry:

It’s been a while since I’ve read these! Thanks for posting.

Two things that might interest other readers: (1) For the sake of clarification, the Matthew and James referred to several times were Alexander’s brothers-in-law (his wife Jane’s brothers), Matthew and James Ralston, also members of the 79th New York. (2) The piece of knapsack Alexander found on the road did not belong to his brother James. Though James had enlisted to serve in a South Carolina regiment, it was not at Bull Run. The brothers would, however, fight against one another a year later, at Secessionville, SC, where their respective units were heavily engaged in the battle.