J. Polk Racine, an Elkton native, served four years in the Civil War. Some thirty years after those trying times, he wrote “Recollections of a Veteran or Four Years in Dixie,” telling about what an old veteran saw while serving in the Army of the Potomac. He was illiterate when he enlisted but Col. I. D. Davis took Racine on as a willing pupil and soon he was an accomplished reader and writer. In addition to the fact that the private witnessed such well-known battles as Gettysburg, his account is appealing for its sidelights. Also since the writer talks about familiar places locally, his account intrigues readers in Cecil County.
Join an evening book discussion of this title at the Rising Sun branch of the Cecil County Public Library on October 13 at 7:00 p.m. Historian Mike Dixon will lead the discussion. Books are available from the Library and call the branch for additional information at 410-648-4025.
