Not a flamboyant leader or a braggart, General Robert McAllister was one of the quietly efficient commanders whose noble gallantry ultimately proved to be the salvation of the Union. He took part in all but two engagements of the Army of the Potomac and was twice wounded and three times promoted for heroism on the battlefield. Not daring to keep a diary that might fall into enemy hands, McAllister wrote daily to his wife and daughters, providing an intricately detailed description of his wartime ordeal for posterity. Refined by James I. Robertson, Jr.’s expert editing, the 637 letters presented here provide a comprehensive look at the experiences of the Army of the Potomac and one often-overlooked Civil War general.

“[The Civil War Letters of General Robert McAllister] will have to be consulted by all students of the Eastern campaigns.” —T. Harry Williams