George Barton
Angels of the Battlefield
A History of the Labors of the Catholic Sisterhoods in the Late Civil War
"Angels of the Battlefield" by George Barton is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work documents the significant contributions of Catholic Sisterhoods during the American Civil War, highlighting their dedicated efforts in caring for the wounded and sick soldiers. Barton aims to bring to light the often-overlooked stories of these women whose selfless actions and sacrifices played a crucial role in the war's medical support system. The opening of the book introduces the author’s preface, where he explains his motivation for compiling this history. Barton notes the lack of literature focusing on the contributions of the Catholic Sisters despite the extensive research conducted through various archives, interviews, and records. He reflects on the humility of the Sisters, who often worked tirelessly without recognition, and emphasizes the challenges he faced in collecting their stories. Throughout the initial portions, Barton sets the stage for exploring the broader narrative of the Sisterhoods' heroic humanitarian efforts amidst the backdrop of a nation torn by conflict, preparing the reader for a journey through both personal accounts and broader historical context.