(Aspiring) Civil War Novelist Seeks Your Advice

Dear Professional and Amateur Historians: 

I need your assistance.  Four years ago I began a novel manuscript based on an actual political scandal involving a member of Missouri’s notorious 1864-1868 Radical Legislature.  Being a novice regarding the American Civil War, I found it necessary to complete a great deal of research to make my story believable and interesting.   Unfortunately, some of the information I came across seems to contradict common beliefs about the era.  I am afraid if I use this material readers will consider my story historically inaccurate.

My main concern is over the use of contractions by 19th Century soldiers and citizens.  I have heard civil war reenactors state that soldiers of that period would never have used contractions in speech.  I have also read this on the Internet.  Tom Yearby, in his article Creating the Persona of a Southern Soldier, writes; absent in 19th century writing, and therefore in its speech, are the contractions that are present in modern English.  We say, “can’t’ they said, “can not.”

In my research, however, (which admittedly is humble compared to those who have studied the Rebellion much of their lives) I have come across several uses of contractions in letters, diaries and other sources.  Although I have found no examples of pronouns being contracted (IE. I’d, he’d, she’ll, etc.), I have found where verbs were contracted, including; can’t, didn’t, shan’t and even a few uses of shouldn’t.  This stated, the words were often not punctuated as we do in modern English (example: cant, didnt and dont).

I am hoping those of you with extensive experience studying the Civil War era will help me resolve this dilemma, as I do not wish to attempt to publish a novel which will be considered inconsistent with the period.

Please share your view on the matter.  Did 19th Century Americans use contractions?  Or, to state the question differently:  If you were reading a novel about the Civil War era, and some of the characters spoke in contractions, would you consider it historically inaccurate?  Please click on the ”Leave a comment” button below and share your opinion.

 Thank you for your assistance.

John A. Reed

Thank You, John F. Bradbury

John Bradbury is Senior Manuscript Specialist with the Western Historical Manuscript Collection in Rolla, Missouri; co-editor of the memoirs of Union Guerilla, Colonel William Monks – titled A History of  Southern Missouri and Northern Arkansas; co-editor of the Phelps County Historical Society Newsletter; and a really swell guy.  John has also published a photographic essay of Rolla: The Old Town and most recently co-wrote The Civil War’s First Blood with James Denny.

If the manuscript I am currently writing manages to intrigue Civil War enthusiasts with little-known facts and rings true to those familiar with events in Missouri, I owe much of it to John.  He has been an unceasing wealth of information, directing me to more than half of the primary and secondary resources I have used.   John’s familarity with the Rebellion in Missouri is unsurpassed, and he is generous enough to share his knowledge with fools like me.

I would also like to thank the swell folks at other wonderful organizations who have eagerly assisted me; Phelps County Historical Society, Missouri State Archives, State Historical Society of Missouri, Historic Missouri Newspaper Project, and the super-duper staff at Booneslick Regional Library – among others too numerous to mention.  (OK, I will mention one more, renowned St. Louis bassist “Nodding Dave” Shogren who helped with blogging).

John Bradbury, however, is at the top of my list.  If you want to read the true story of how the Rebellion began in Missouri, just buy his latest book, Civil War’s First Blood.  It is filled with great insight, wonderful illustrations and outstanding maps of the region.  Makes a great gift for your favorite civil war aficionado! (See my blogroll to link to more information about this unique compilation, and his cool book about Colonel Billy Monks.)

Thanks again John F. Bradbury, I could not have got this far without you!

If you would also like to brag on Mr. Bradbury, or your own favorite archivist, please click on the comment button below.