One has to wonder how much of this book really by T. W. Caskey (1816-1896), how much is by the author, F. D. Srygley, and how much is pure fiction. Regardless of the answer, the author depicts details about the lives of poor white (and to a degree, black) people in “Dixie” (at least some rural portions of Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi, prior to and during the Civil War) that I did not know about.

Of course slavery was discussed, but not from the viewpoint that it was wrong, but that some slave owners were nice to their slaves and some were not. The author contended that poor mountain people did not think of voting for secession as voting for slavery, but states rights (p. 334f).

The author related that after Caskey enlisted in the CSA army as a chaplain, he was referred to as “the fighting parson,” but really, little by way of details are provided of his service in the war. He did state “The war was a mistake and a failure.” (p. 353)

Caskey and the author, Srygley were members of the churches of Christ, but little or nothing is provided regarding that faith group in the book.

I read the entire book and am glad to have learned some things about “Dixie,” but overall was disappointed that I didn't learn more about the Stone-Campbell religious heritage. The book includes a number of sketches that enhance the book some. There is no index. The book is available online from Google. ( )