The Hammonds of Redcliffe

If you don't trust those who feel compelled to rewrite American history and apologize for it...then read this book. For those who think men incapable of expressing deep emotions, read this book. If you want to learn about a selfish, self-deluded family patriarch read this book. If you want to become so attached to some of the Hammond family members that you long to discover a trunk full of letters in a southern attic, read this book, for there is another book about this family which will satisfy you. Because you will want to know more and will feel almost lonely when you finish "the hammonds of redcliffe". And the home was preserved by the efforts of a descendant, and that will satisfy you as well. Amidst the turbulent era (turbulent to us, not to those who were living it-- until the civil war, for we of course, know what was coming. and we, are still living with the aftermath),so...what were people Thinking, were they falling in love and writing sweet and yearning love letters?...yes, read some. Was there a son who longed for his fathers approval and never got it? Did this same father make excuses for "fooling around" with the very young daughters of a famous American General, and then blame his behavior on them? Read pages of his excuses. It is all fascinating, real and more a part of our country's history than a trip to Williamsburg, for it deals with what goes on in people's mind and hearts...and that is always what proceeds behavior, which invents history and makes it more memorable for those who want to understand history.

The true history of a Southern slaveholding family, pre- and post-Civil War, the heirs of the famous "Cotton is King" U.S.Senator, James Henry Hammond, which is told through their own letters, and the excellent interpretations of Carol Bleser. The word, "slaveholding" may give you a shudder, but this family had its share of troubles and sorrows. On a different scale than their former slaves, of course, but troubles nonetheless. And then there are happy occasions-the births, marriages...it's life, good times and bad, through one of the most tumultuous times in American history. My only quibble is that I want to know even more, in depth, about all of these people - the letters and Ms. Bleser's essays were a great start, now I want even more! Highly recommended.