Give God the Glory

GIVE GOD THE GLORY

Memoirs of a Civil War Soldier

Edited by Melvin Jones

SIMON B. CUMMINS

March 23, 1843 - July 9 1928

(Picture taken March 10, 1866

at Hillsdale, Michigan)

He is wearing the 6th Corp pin

in his lapel

Private Simon Burdick Cummins of Company H, 151st New York Volunteers left to his family over one hundred and eighty letters plus portions of diaries and other memoirs, that cover a period from October 24, 1862 to June 23, 1865. These letters were being written to his father and step mother who lived in Newstead, Erie County, New York. His great Grandson, Melvin Jones has published them in a book entitled Give God The Glory.

The 151st was part of the 6th Corp and was in some of the worst fighting including the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, siege and breakthrough of Petersburg, Monacacy, Fisher Hill, Winchester, Cedar Creek, Saylors Creek, and Appomattox. A recently found portion of Simon’s diary gives a gruesome account of the Battle of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania. It also provides a detailed account of Major General John Sedgwick’s death and what happened to the sharpshooters.

The book contains eight letters written to Simon from a school mate, Miss C. E. Churchill and one from a cousin who interrupts her own letter by writing: "Oh my, Rouse has just come in with dreadful news. He says the report is that they have shot Lincoln, but we can’t believe it." Very few letters written to soldiers have been preserved and are extremely rare.

There are over sixty black and white photographs with eight pages in color, including several original letters with color headings and a full page of Company H 151st enlistment poster designed by Currier & Ives.

Simon Cummins becomes a Christian during the war and his letters reflect a strong faith in God, a faith that he maintains the rest of his life.

   "Food, taste, smells, feelings come alive through these letters... Here then is a portrait
    of the Army of the Potomac's soldiers from the ground up! It comes at an inexpensive price
   and will provide many hours of enjoyment and enlightenment."           Benjamin F. Cooling, "The Civil War Courier"

"You have done a magnificent job of editing,your grandfather's letters
and other family papers." Philip P. Mason, Distinguished Professor of History, Wayne State University

"I congratulate you on the content, the high level of scholarship, and the
attractiveness of your book." Clifford P. Lillya, Earl V. More Professor, University of Michigan

"Anyone interested in history in general, or the Civil War in particular,
will find this book fascinating. I reommend it highly." Andrew Grgurich, "U.P. Books"

About the Author:
Mr. Jones received his Masters Degree in trumpet from the University of Michigan and using a combination of Civil War music on old period instruments and accounts from his book, he presents an exciting program entitled "Music and Memories of the Civil War." Jim Brady of the Kalamazoo Civil War Round Table, had this to say about it: "What a wonderful presentation you gave! As Program Director, I received many, many fine comments from our members. It was an informative, interesting program that we will all long remember."
Mr. Jones makes his home in Eagle River, Michigan where he is the Director of the Gitche Gumee Bible Camp. He is a member of the Albert and James Lyon Camp No. 266 Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Mr. Jones is available to speak and can be contacted at the e-mail address below.

Orders for 'Give God the Glory' are now being accepted.

NEW: Find additional Cummins family history at CIVIL WAR ROLL OF HONOR

	This Civil War Circuit site is owned by Melvin Jones Want to join the Civil War Circuit?
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