Summary of They Marched on Richmond: The Story of the Gallant 148th New York Volunteers by George Shadman

Dive into the humorous yet poignant tale of the 148th New York Volunteers in 'They Marched on Richmond' and discover the realities of Civil War life.

If you've ever wondered what would happen if you threw a bunch of enthusiastic but slightly misguided New Yorkers into the Civil War, They Marched on Richmond is here to answer that question. Strap in, folks, 'cause this ride is about to get historical!

The story revolves around the 148th New York Volunteers, a group of brave souls who decided that joining the army was a stellar idea. George Shadman takes us through their journey with all the subtlety of a cannonball to the face. Seriously, these guys are like the poster children for "What could possibly go wrong?" They march valiantly towards Richmond, firmly believing they were on the cutting edge of heroism and, quite frankly, a probable recipe for disaster.

As a reader, you quickly learn that this wasn't just a casual stroll in the park. Oh no! We're talking about muddy battles, explosive cannon fire, and a fair share of shenanigans that you'd typically expect from a sitcom-if only it were set in the 1860s. Spoilers alert: it wasn't all bravery and glory. There's a rather large portion of reality that comes crashing down on our gallant heroes as they face the not-so-glamorous side of war: hunger, sickness, and confusion.

Shadman does a delightful job of humanizing these soldiers-because let's face it, they weren't robots sent to conquer the South. These were real people with real dreams, each equipped with either a questionable sense of humor or the ability to contemplate life while dodging musket balls. We get to see their camaraderie, their fears, and their occasional moments of "What on earth are we doing?" Not to mention the extensive accounts of their actual battles-because if you're going to march somewhere, you might as well do it with some serious combat action.

There's also a historical context that Shadman skillfully weaves through the personal stories. The 148th didn't just appear out of thin air; they were part of a larger narrative about the Civil War and the fervor of the time. It was like the ultimate reality show, but instead of drama over who borrowed whose hair gel, they were contemplating life or death while fighting for their beliefs.

While the book may lack a flashy modern-day gimmick and instead throws you into the thick of mud and blood, it's this authenticity that makes it a rewarding read. You might find yourself chuckling at the absurdities of life as a soldier while lamenting the tragic fates of some characters (yes, spoiler alert-I alluded to the fact that not everyone makes it). You'll be left with a newfound appreciation for those who thought it was a good idea to march on Richmond.

So, if you're looking for a book that combines full-on history with a dash of hilarity, the tales of the 148th New York Volunteers are a must-read. Just be prepared for some heavy stuff-like real-life consequences of marching into a war zone. Happy reading!

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.