S. H. M. (Samuel Hawkins Marshall) Byers
With Fire and Sword
"With Fire and Sword" by Major S. H. M. Byers is a memoir written in the early 20th century. This work recounts the author's firsthand experiences as a soldier in the Union Army during the American Civil War, detailing various battles, skirmishes, and the treacherous conditions faced by soldiers. Byers provides an intimate look into the brutal realities of war through his own adventures, reflecting on the chaos and destruction surrounding him. The beginning of the memoir introduces us to Byers as he enlists in the Union Army amidst the fervor of patriotism, driven by a desire to serve and fight against Confederate forces. He describes the violent and desperate situation in Missouri, dominated by guerrilla warfare and civil strife, which sets the stage for his transition to active combat. Through vivid narratives, he shares his early adventures, such as capturing a notorious guerrilla and navigating the perils of a divided state, setting the tone for the harrowing yet transformative journey that unfolds throughout the war.