Elisha Hunt Rhodes: Soldier, Citizen, and Man of Faith

Robert Hunt Rhodes

In June 1861 nineteen year old Elisha Hunt Rhodes of Pawtuxet, Rhode Island enlisted as a private in the Second Rhode Island Volunteers. He fought in every campaign waged by the Army of the Potomac. When the Civil War ended four years later, he was mustered out as a colonel. Throughout the war he demonstrated leadership and good judgment, as well as the deep humanity that distinguished him throughout his civilian life. As family man, business man, church deacon, prominent Mason, president of veterans associations, he was widely known and respected. After his death in 1917, his achievements were preserved in military records, newspaper articles, and the hearts of his many friends. But his fame faded until film maker Ken Burns read a book called All for the Union: The Civil War Diary and Letters of Elisha Hunt Rhodes, compiled by his great-grandson, Robert Hunt Rhodes. Elisha became one of the best-loved voices of Burns’ The Civil War documentary. This book continues his story.