Your Affectionate Son Book News
Signed copies of Your Affectionate Son – Letters from a Civil War Soldier are available through this web site.
To see some of the reader comments, please scroll down the page.
Your Affectionate Son - Letters from a Civil War Soldier is mentioned on Bull Runnings, a terrific blog about the battle of Bull Run. The site is much more than a blog as it includes digitized material and is a thorough and interesting resource to anyone interested in history. More to come...
To see some of the reader comments, please scroll down the page.
Your Affectionate Son - Letters from a Civil War Soldier is mentioned on Bull Runnings, a terrific blog about the battle of Bull Run. The site is much more than a blog as it includes digitized material and is a thorough and interesting resource to anyone interested in history. More to come...
Book Overview
Soldier camp at Battle of Bull Run, VA
As we commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the U. S. Civil War, let us remember that many of the freedoms we are blessed with in America are due to the bravery and sacrifices of our servicemen and women. Your Affectionate Son follows the Thirty-Seventh PA Regiment, Eighth Reserve, Company F from 1861- 1864 and provides a first-hand account of the Civil War as told by a soldier, James Cleaver, 2nd Lieutenant. Your Affectionate Son is a collection of 34 never before published letters.
My foremost desire in publishing this book was to share James’s letters with others who want to expand their knowledge of the Civil War. In doing so, I was also able to honor the brave men who put themselves in harm’s way for what they believed was a righteous cause. The knowledge I have gained in the process appears as Author’s Notes. I believe this information sheds light on James’s experiences and enhances his eloquent letters that were always signed "Your Affectionate Son".
Thank you for visiting. I hope you enjoy reading this first-hand glimpse into our history.
Click here to view a press release from the publisher.Just for fun...try a crossword puzzle about the book.
To contact the author, please e-mail: mrdaugherty@uscivilwarletters.com
~Milann Ruff Daugherty
My foremost desire in publishing this book was to share James’s letters with others who want to expand their knowledge of the Civil War. In doing so, I was also able to honor the brave men who put themselves in harm’s way for what they believed was a righteous cause. The knowledge I have gained in the process appears as Author’s Notes. I believe this information sheds light on James’s experiences and enhances his eloquent letters that were always signed "Your Affectionate Son".
Thank you for visiting. I hope you enjoy reading this first-hand glimpse into our history.
Click here to view a press release from the publisher.Just for fun...try a crossword puzzle about the book.
To contact the author, please e-mail: mrdaugherty@uscivilwarletters.com
~Milann Ruff Daugherty
Comments about the author and Your Affectionate Son
What a gift Milann Daugherty has given our country by writing this book! I was completely absorbed by James Cleaver's beautifully written first-hand accounts of daily life in the Civil War, and couldn't put the book down. The author's notes enhanced the reader's understanding of the events and people mentioned without interfering with the integrity of the letters themselves, which allowed me to feel a very personal connection with this thoughtful, faithful soldier. I also loved seeing pictures of some of the original letters - James' gorgeous hand-lettering seems like a lost art-form in this age of digital communication. Leslie/OH
I can’t thank you enough for making our retirees dinner so special. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that group so glued to our speaker. I usually pan the room to watch expressions, and yes, on occasion I have witnessed a few nodding off! Last night they were listening so intently, and several thanked me for finding you as our speaker. I am sure you opened several eyes to facts and figures. What a gift you are giving to future generations. You said you wanted to highlight James and those who served in the Civil War…and not make the book about you, but it’s so evident that your heart is in that book…and I hope others picked up on that while you were speaking! Sharon/Ohio
I just finished "Your Affectionate Son" and it is fabulous. I learned so much about the Civil War and it was marvelous to read from the perspective of a soldier. The research has been extensive. I was excited to read about the "Bucktails". We have a group of them who keep up the tradition and they march in the local July 4th Parade every year. Sue/PA
I love it. The letter writing and language of that era is beautiful. I also noticed that James began using the word "Very" in his closing too...Your Very Affectionate Son. I could only imagine that as the war years pressed on the family tie became even more precious. I thought that there would be more description of the war or death surrounding him but there wasn't any of that. He remained positive and faithful throughout. I found that amazing. He suffered from illness and those boils but didn't really dwell on it. I often wonder how our ancestors survived to ripe old ages with disease and infections. They were a hardy stock, hey? Pat/OH
Not just a Civil War book – You will find more than battle information. There is camp like, fellowship time, and an understanding of James’s close relationship with his earthy and heavenly father. Although not a biological brother, James and I are brothers in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Steve/OH
Milann, your book is fantastic. The editor's notes are terrific, and the material at the back was well-chosen and interesting. The letters clearly touched your heart, and you can tell on every page how much the project meant to you, which in turn engages the reader more deeply. I think it's a really important addition to the available Civil War material. Congratulations on a marvelous job! Marcia/MI
An excellent book that shows the real life of a Civil War soldier through his letters home. The author did an outstanding job with explanations and footnotes. I have read many books about the Civil War, and this is one of my favorites. Becky/OH
I so enjoyed this book as a history lover, especially the civil war period. The special element of this book was the personal account, thoughts shared in light of James' world view, and the display of his honor in participating in these life changing events as a young officer in the field as they unfolded. This was a unique view of an eye witness and participant in a fairly complete account of his part of the big picture of the Civil War. I left the reading wanting more details and a desire to see the missing pieces. I felt as though James was a young man I knew or wanted to know personally. Tina/MD
I have gotten into the habit of reading one of James’ letters each night before I go to bed. His writing is so eloquent…almost a lost art these days. I am thoroughly enjoying the book…and the Civil War canvas in my head is turning into a neat work of art! Thank you SO much for your generosity…from the time you spent researching and compiling the information, to making it come to life in a book for others to enjoy. You certainly have been blessed with a gift! Sharon/OH
I apprecited the chance to read your book of your great-great uncle's Civil War experiences -- and particularly valued your personal notes. History is always more interesting -- I think -- when it is conveyed out of the moment. Leonard/OH
If you would like to provide a book review or share a story about the Eighth Reserve, you are encouraged to contact the author.
I can’t thank you enough for making our retirees dinner so special. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that group so glued to our speaker. I usually pan the room to watch expressions, and yes, on occasion I have witnessed a few nodding off! Last night they were listening so intently, and several thanked me for finding you as our speaker. I am sure you opened several eyes to facts and figures. What a gift you are giving to future generations. You said you wanted to highlight James and those who served in the Civil War…and not make the book about you, but it’s so evident that your heart is in that book…and I hope others picked up on that while you were speaking! Sharon/Ohio
I just finished "Your Affectionate Son" and it is fabulous. I learned so much about the Civil War and it was marvelous to read from the perspective of a soldier. The research has been extensive. I was excited to read about the "Bucktails". We have a group of them who keep up the tradition and they march in the local July 4th Parade every year. Sue/PA
I love it. The letter writing and language of that era is beautiful. I also noticed that James began using the word "Very" in his closing too...Your Very Affectionate Son. I could only imagine that as the war years pressed on the family tie became even more precious. I thought that there would be more description of the war or death surrounding him but there wasn't any of that. He remained positive and faithful throughout. I found that amazing. He suffered from illness and those boils but didn't really dwell on it. I often wonder how our ancestors survived to ripe old ages with disease and infections. They were a hardy stock, hey? Pat/OH
Not just a Civil War book – You will find more than battle information. There is camp like, fellowship time, and an understanding of James’s close relationship with his earthy and heavenly father. Although not a biological brother, James and I are brothers in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Steve/OH
Milann, your book is fantastic. The editor's notes are terrific, and the material at the back was well-chosen and interesting. The letters clearly touched your heart, and you can tell on every page how much the project meant to you, which in turn engages the reader more deeply. I think it's a really important addition to the available Civil War material. Congratulations on a marvelous job! Marcia/MI
An excellent book that shows the real life of a Civil War soldier through his letters home. The author did an outstanding job with explanations and footnotes. I have read many books about the Civil War, and this is one of my favorites. Becky/OH
I so enjoyed this book as a history lover, especially the civil war period. The special element of this book was the personal account, thoughts shared in light of James' world view, and the display of his honor in participating in these life changing events as a young officer in the field as they unfolded. This was a unique view of an eye witness and participant in a fairly complete account of his part of the big picture of the Civil War. I left the reading wanting more details and a desire to see the missing pieces. I felt as though James was a young man I knew or wanted to know personally. Tina/MD
I have gotten into the habit of reading one of James’ letters each night before I go to bed. His writing is so eloquent…almost a lost art these days. I am thoroughly enjoying the book…and the Civil War canvas in my head is turning into a neat work of art! Thank you SO much for your generosity…from the time you spent researching and compiling the information, to making it come to life in a book for others to enjoy. You certainly have been blessed with a gift! Sharon/OH
I apprecited the chance to read your book of your great-great uncle's Civil War experiences -- and particularly valued your personal notes. History is always more interesting -- I think -- when it is conveyed out of the moment. Leonard/OH
If you would like to provide a book review or share a story about the Eighth Reserve, you are encouraged to contact the author.
Civil War Web Sites of Interest
Civil War Trust
Bull Runnings - A Journal of the Digitization of a Civil War Battle
Customized Maps of Your Civil War Ancestor
Pennsylvania in the Civil War
National Civil War Museum
Civil War Studies, by the Smithsonian Associates
The Civil War Home Page
Home of the American Civil War
Civil War Resources - From a Soldier to a Veteran
Social Studies - Student Lessons
Civil War News - Exhibits and Events Calendar
Bull Runnings - A Journal of the Digitization of a Civil War Battle
Customized Maps of Your Civil War Ancestor
Pennsylvania in the Civil War
National Civil War Museum
Civil War Studies, by the Smithsonian Associates
The Civil War Home Page
Home of the American Civil War
Civil War Resources - From a Soldier to a Veteran
Social Studies - Student Lessons
Civil War News - Exhibits and Events Calendar