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Rebel Correspondent by Steve Procko is the true story of Arba F. Shaw, a private in Company F, 4th Georgia Cavalry (Avery). Shaw wrote over 40,000 words thirty-five years after the war which was published in his local newspaper, then lost to time. Over a century later Steve Procko stumbled upon the collection of Shaw’s newspaper articles. Rebel Correspondent is part biography, part a history of the individual men of Arba’s unit, and always fascinating.
What They Are Saying About Rebel Correspondent
Steve Procko has uncovered a real treasure! Then, in addition, he has turned it into an even richer treasure!…It is amazing how much he has expanded on Arba’s writings with information about the people, places and events Arba covered, the result of meticulous research…Between Arba’s writings and Steve Procko’s writings, we can all see there is still so very much to learn about people and events in our history.
Ruth Hill Fulton McAllister
Sam R. Watkins’ Great-Granddaughter
Editor of 2011 ‘2nd edition’ of “Company Aytch“
Private Arba Shaw’s reminiscences are colorful and full of interesting and important details about his wartime experiences. Steve Procko, in assembling Shaw’s reminiscences into a complete book, has done students of the American Civil War and Georgia history a favor. A gifted researcher, Procko chased down names and events mentioned by Shaw, adding additional context and detail to the already-rich narrative. The result is a book that any history buff will savor.
Dan Roper
Editor
Georgia Backroads
Having the opportunity to read an advance copy of Rebel Correspondent was a privilege. Reading through the newspaper articles Private Arba Shaw wrote some years after the war gives one a rare moment in the experience of a young Georgia cavalryman during the Civil War. Author Steve Procko, through his excellent narrative, takes the reader on a rare journey, as recounted by the young soldier’s memoirs, with his cavalry unit through many campaigns and skirmishes throughout the South. Also included is much ancillary information by the editor, Mr. Procko, including local historical events and a genealogy of the many persons mentioned by Private Shaw that gives one a virtual playbook of the experience of a private Georgia soldier.
Gerald W. Flinchum
History Instructor
Kennesaw State University & Emory University
OLLI Adult Education Programs
Private Arba Shaw’s account of his experiences with the 4th Georgia Cavalry is a treasure that only grows more precious with the passage of time. Steve Procko does a masterful job of weaving this private soldier’s reminiscences into the larger experience of his regiment. Rebel Correspondent is a well researched and engaging look at this pivotal event in our nation’s history through the eyes of one who lived it.
John Randolph Poole
Author
Cracker Cavaliers – The 2nd Georgia Cavalry Under Wheeler and Forrest
I did enjoy reading Rebel Correspondent and hope it receives a wide readership from Civil War enthusiasts of all types. Procko is an expert on his subject and this book is very well-researched. Other scholars who are anxious to uncover stories about the American Civil War in their local community would do well to study Procko’s research methods and take note of the ways he weaves Shaw’s recollections within a larger story of the 4th Georgia Cavalry during the Civil War.
Nick Sacco
Exploring the Past Blog
While contextualizing Shaw’s experiences within the wider war around him, Procko’s text additionally serves as a parallel history of the regiment. It also tells the tale of the memoir itself while also being chock full of additional biographical details for Shaw and other members of his unit.
Civil War Books and Authors Blog
Procko really goes the extra mile here tying down loose threads, explaining confusing administrative issues, confronting difficult subjects with editorial integrity, and connecting military and familial dots. I found Procko’s colloquial writing style especially refreshing and can readily conclude, as I am certain non-academic lay readers will agree, this is a very accessible book. Those of you out there who have an interest in twentieth-century perspectives on the Civil War from a Confederate enlisted man will enjoy this book.
