Confederate Heroes and Heroines by William Woods Hassler. hc, dj, 314 pp., Illus. 25 biographical sketches of famous Civil War personalities, geared for the younger reader.

Confederate Heroes and Heroines

By William Woods Hassler

Confederate Heroes and Heroines is the answer to the younger generation's call for a collection of biographical sketches about Civil War celebrities through whose experiences they can relive this dramatic period of the American Civil war. This book, written by a nationally acclaimed author in an interesting and informative style, acquaints young readers with the character and exploits of twenty-five gallant individuals, male and female, from various states of the Confederacy and representing different branches of the service. Special emphasis is devoted to examples of youthful heroism.

In addition to fleshing out familiar heroes such as Generals Robert E. Lee, "Stonewall" Jackson, "Jeb" Stuart, and President Jefferson Davis, this collection includes less familiar notables such as:

ñ"Balloon Bryan" who rigged up a crude "aircraft carrier" by fastening a balloon to a gunboat with which he scouted enemy positions near Richmond.

ñ Ten year-old "Dixie," who tended and protected wounded soldiers at the battle of Antietam.

ñ Admiral Raphael Semmes who fought the decisive and thrilling naval battle off the coast of France.

-Boyish John Pelham who with one Blakely cannon held up the advance of three enemy divisions (about 16,000 soldiers) for half an hour at Fredericksburg.

- 19 year-old Sergeant Dick Kirkland who rished his life to carry water to wounded and dying enemy soldiers on the battlefield.

- teenager Jim Hanger who lost a leg and then carved a wooden replacement which was used as a model for other amputees.