Angels of the Battlefield - Barton George

The work of American Catholic nuns during the war between the States

It is both tragic and inspirational that those who pray for peace, when those prayers have gone unanswered, and motivated by their humanity and a willingness to sacrifice themselves, venture onto fields of conflict to administer to those who desperately need them. This book concerns the work of the Catholic Sisterhoods during the American Civil War. Catholic nuns worked among the sick and wounded on both the Union and Confederate sides, in hospitals, on campaign and even on battlefields—where some of them lost their lives while aiding others. Within these pages readers will learn of The Sisters of Mercy who were with the Irish Brigade in the West, of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, The Sisters of the Holy Cross and others. Here are the exploits of Sister Anthony at Shiloh and of many other nuns during famous battles of the war such as Antietam and Gettysburg. As the author points out, unlike the veterans who wore blue or grey, these sisters never held reunions after the war had ended to keep alive their memories of these terrible times, and so it was fitting that this book was written to memorialise the sacrifice and heroism of these modest women. Originally published in two volumes this special Leonaur edition has combined them for good value.

Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.