Summon Only the Brave!: Commanders, Soldiers, and Chaplains at Gettysburg

Of the many books written about the Battle of Gettysburg, none has included selections from the collected memoirs of the 238 chaplains, North and South, who were present at the battle—until now. Because chaplains were considered noncombatants, most, with the exception of Father William Corby of the Irish Brigade, were largely ignored. This unique study has brought to light many of the observations of clergymen, Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish, who accompanied their regiments wherever they marched, camped, or fought. Some of the memoirs have never been published. Because this is the first book to approach the Battle of Gettysburg from this perspective, rosters of Union and Confederate chaplains reportedly present at the battle are also included. After the battle was over, chaplains helped bury the dead and comfort 21,000 wounded soldiers. Four chaplains were killed, wounded, or injured and eighteen captured to be detained in prisons. This is their story in their own words.