The author of the book is D. Augustus Dickert, who, at the age of 15, ran away to fight and surrendered as captain in the Third South Carolina Volunteers.  He was a gallant soldier all through, and he has written a good book, for the broader lines of history are interwoven with many slight anecdotes and incidents that illustrate the temper of the times and impart to the narrative a local coloring.  The following is a good example of its style:  “The writer was preparing to enter school in an adjoining county.  But when on my way to school I boarded a train filled with enthusiasts, some tardy soldiers on their way to join their companions and others to see, and, if need be, to take old Anderson out of his den.  Nothing could be heard on the train but war ‘taking of Sumter,’ ‘old Anderson’ and ‘Star of the West.’  Everyone was in high glee.  Palmetto cockades, brass buttons, uniforms and gaudy epaulettes were seen in every direction.  This was more than a youthful vision could withstand, so I directed myself toward the seat of war instead of schools.”  Although somewhat theatric, this is an accurate presentation of those early days.

The chief merit of Captain Dickert’s book is that it presents the gay and bright, as well as the grave side of the Confederate soldier’s experience.  It is full of anecdote and incident and repartee.  Such quips and jests kept the heart light and the blood warm beneath many a tattered coat.

The student of history may wish a more elaborate sketch.  But the average man who wishes to snatch a moment for recreation will be repaid as he takes up this sketch.  There are some faults of style and some of typography; but, all in all, this is a hearty, cheery, clean book.  It extenuates some things, maybe; but it sets down naught in malice.  As a local history it is an interesting contribution to the chronicle of the period.  R. Means Davis.  S.C.  College. 10-31-01

Capt D. Augustus Dickert.  Company H 3d S.C.  Regiment.

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AUTHOR’S ANNOUNCEMENT.

Comrades:  Years ago I was asked by the members of a local camp (James D. Nance Camp, United Confederate Veterans, Newberry, S.C.,) of Veterans to write a history of Kershaw’s “Old First Brigade in the Civil War,” in order that the part taken by you in that memorable struggle might be transmitted to posterity through the instrumentality of a proud and loving participant in all the events that went to make up the life of an organization second to none, that has ever stood face to face with an invading foe upon the face of earth.