| A research project of this nature owes whatever success it may enjoy to a large number of people. I wish to acknowledge the following individuals for their encouragement, assistance, and cooperation: Mr. Powell A. Casey, Baton Rouge, La.; Dr. Bert Groene, Southeastern Louisiana University; Mr. M. Stone Miller, Jr., Louisiana State University Library; Mrs. Harriet Callahan, Louisiana State Library; Miss Evangeline Lynch, formerly of Louisiana State University Library; the late Mrs. Mary Oalmann, Louisiana Adjutant General's Library; Dr. John D. Winters, Ruston, La.; Mr. Glenn R. Conrad, Center for Louisiana Studies; Mr. John Price, Northwestern State University Library; Dr. Wilbur E. Meneray, Tulane University Library; and Mr. Bernard Eble, Confederate Memorial Hall. |
| Two close friends merit special thanks for their part in the preparation and revision of my manuscript. Mrs. Jan Tate strongly encouraged me to put my notes into manuscript form. She then read the first draft and made suggestions for changes, additions, and deletions, which went into my second draft. Jan helped to steer me away from what she called "The Great Confederate Whitewash" school of writing by reminding me that Southern Civil War units, like those of all armies in all wars, had their share of soldiers who did not "fight to the last ditch" but, having once "seen the elephant" or spent desperate weeks besieged in places such as Port Hudson and Vicksburg, decided to go home and remain there. |
| Larry Hewitt accompanied me on several research trips and made me aware of possible sources of information in places he visited while conducting his own research. He also read my first draft and made helpful suggestions to improve it. Some common interests led Larry and me to collaborate on three books. For all of this cooperation and for his friendship I am most grateful. |
| It has been a pleasure working with the staff of the Louisiana State University Press. In particular, I want to thank Margaret Dalrymple, Catherine Barton, and Elaine Smyth of the press staff, and Jo-Anne |
|
