This Mighty Scourge

I recently finished reading Wayne Hsieh’s new book, “West Pointers and the Civil War: The Old Army in War and Peace.”  Published by UNC Press, it is Mr. Hsieh’s first book.  Hsieh is Assistant Professor of History at the United States Naval Academy and teaches courses on 19th Century U.S. Military History and the Civil War.  He received his BA from Yale University and a masters and doctorate from the University of Virginia.  His research interests, as obtained from the Naval Academy’s web site, are “The boundary between “objective,” for lack of a better term, military expertise and “subjective” cultural factors in the mid-nineteenth century United States.  What aspects of military professionalism and effectiveness are not contingent on political, ideological and cultural factors?  How do these two different phenomena interact with one another?”  These are just the right research interests for a fantastic book on West Point officers during the Civil War.

Hsieh’s ground-breaking book covers West Point from its creation to the outbreak of the Civil War.  Particular emphasis is given to the evolving role of West Point after the War of 1812 – a war that the United States was totally unprepared to fight.  After the War of 1812, the United States sent military officers to France and Germany to bring back equipment and books on tactics.  Additionally Claudius Crozet was hired by West Point to develop its engineering school.  These developments inevitably changed the curriculum at West Point to something similar to the great military schools in Europe.  Additionally, the tactical studies would also mirror those being taught to French and German infantrymen.  As might be expected, with the hiring of Crozet, the Military Academy shifted much of its focus towards engineering – essential for the burgeoning Corps of Engineers, but at the cost of an emphasis on battlefield tactics.

With the outbreak of the Mexican War, West Point graduates would get the opportunity to put their studies to use, guiding a largely volunteer force against the Mexican Army.  What they had learned, they put to good use, defeating the Mexican Army and gaining thousands of square miles of ground in the west – a development that would inevitably lead the the upcoming Civil War.  Mr. Hsieh provides excellent details of the tactics used during the Mexican War and how they would impact the methods of warfare used during the American Civil War, just 15 short years in the future.

After the war with Mexico, West Point reverted to what Hsieh describes as the “status quo,” utilizing much of the same curriculum and programs that had been implemented after the War of 1812.  However, some things did change.  With the introduction of the rifled musket, some tactical training was provided in light infantry movements.  Additionally, during Jefferson Davis’ term as Secretary of War, future Confederate general, William J. Hardee, wrote a book on infantry tactics, “Infantry Tactics – Detailed Programme.”  This manual, after several revisions, was adopted by the Military Academy.  Also, another future Confederate general, Cadmus Wilcox, wrote a field manual on rifle training, “Rifles and Rifle Practice.”  These developments, asserts Hsieh, did not lead to the modernization of war, that has been previously put forth by scholars, but to minor changes in tactics, most notably the use of light infantry, that would impact the way the Civil War would be fought.

The rest of the book details the efforts, north and south, to field armies to fight each other.  Since my primary interests relate to the Civil War, these chapters were particularly fascinating for me.  Wayne devotes a great deal of energy developing his analysis on how West Point graduates performed during the Civil War.  This includes details on moving large formations of infantry on the battlefield, training volunteers, political motivations and managing quartermaster departments.  Additional pages are devoted to the use of light infantry and shock tactics – something that would be refined over the course of the war.  As well known by students of the Civil War, political war aims changed and the officers were influenced by their beliefs and how they squared up with the stated policies of each government.  This was especially true with George B. McClellan.  Hsieh details how McClellan’s conciliatory policies would influence his senior lieutenants and spread, almost like a virus, amongst the senior commanders in the Army of the Potomac.  This would hamper the Federal forces, especially in the Eastern Theater, for the remainder of the war – possibly causing the conflict to continue longer than necessary.  Finally, Mr. Hsieh develops his assertion that the Civil War was not the first “modern war,” but rather a war that still relied on old tactics and leadership with some modern components.  As an example, during the Overland Campaign, Grant still utilized operational plans influenced by old army training – such as frontal assaults on fixed defensive positions.  However, light infantry formations were employed, often as sharpshooters – this being the modern component.

The epilogue is quite informative and deals with the challenges faced by officers as the war effort wound down and military rule in the southern states, and frontier service, became the norm.  Corps and division commanders would face difficulties as they transitioned from the “glories” of the battlefield to the drudgery of peacetime.  These officers, many of which had held major general commissions in the volunteer army, would revert to their pre-war ranks, often commanding a regiment or battalion instead of a brigade, division, corps or army.  Many others would resign their commission and attempt a return to civilian life.  Whatever their path, the transition was tough and many successful officers had problems adapting.

“West Pointers in the Civil War” is an excellent book that was throughly researched by Hsieh.  It is technical in nature, perhaps geared more towards a serious student of the military, but written in such a style as to be a worthy read for anyone with an interest in the military, or the Civil War.  I would encourage my readers to add this to their Civil War collection.

I had the opportunity to speak with Wayne on February 1.  We had a most interesting “talk” that spanned nearly 90 minutes.  The conversation was very enlightening and I quickly concluded that Wayne is an expert on his subject matter.  As with all of my interviews, I have separated the interview into smaller parts so you can listen to them over a period of time and easily return to the next segment.  You can also download the entire interview in MP3 format and add it to your iPod or other MP3 device.

Details about “West Pointers and the Civil War: The Old Army in War and Peace”
Written by: Wayne Wei-siang Hsieh
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
Date of First Edition: October 15, 2009
ISBN-10: 0807832782

Click HERE for additional Civil War titles from UNC Press!

Wayne Hsieh Interview – 14 Parts
Interview Date: February 1, 2010
Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes 57 seconds
Click HERE to download the complete interview.

Part 1:

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Time: 6:32
Contents: Welcome and introductions | How Wayne became interested in the Civil War | Why write “West Pointers in the Civil War?” | Relying on West Point officers during the Civil War – What was the impact?

Part 2:

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Time: 8:06
Contents: Why both sides suffered from the same deficiencies and strengths with similar learning curves | Why Civil War battles were often indecisive | The Mexican War and how it impacted the officers of the Civil War

Part 3:

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Time: 4:48
Contents: Light infantry and shock tactics during the Mexican War and Civil War | Two rank and three rank formations and their use during the Mexican War and Civil War

Part 4:

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Time: 6:46
Contents: The “status quo” at West Point after the Mexican War | The introduction of the rifle musket at West Point | Jefferson Davis as Secretary of War | The use of William J. Hardee’s infantry tactics manual and Cadmus Wilcox’s rifle musket training manual

Part 5:

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Time: 6:03
Contents: How age and antebellum rank impacted whether an officer remained in the army or resigned | How antebellum politics and sectionalism impacted “old army” officers | Did the use of West Point officers in training volunteer recruits impact the line officer ranks at the start of the Civil War?

Part 6:

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Time: 4:45
Contents: Both armies lacked training in handling large infantry formations – Did this affect one side more than the other in the Civil War? | Confederate operational tactics during the Civil War and their use of offensive tactics early on to bring the Civil War to a quick close

Part 7:

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Time: 8:14
Contents: The Bowie Knife versus the bayonet – myth vs. reality | The use of partisan rangers – Was it effective and did the Federal armies ever use partisan troops?

Part 8:

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Time: 6:51
Contents: West Pointers and “old army” officers and their use in the quartermaster corps | The impact of remote garrisons on the quartermaster departments | How journalists and diarists impacted public opinion of the fighting skills of West Pointers and the impact on each government

Part 9:

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Time: 5:57
Contents: Light infantry and shock tactics in the Western Theater – their use at the Battle of Fort Donelson | Shock tactics spread through the other theaters of the Civil War | Both sides suffered from poor fire discipline especially in the volunteer regiments – How did it improve throughout the war?

Part 10:

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Time: 5;37
Contents: The viral effects of US Major General George B. McClellan’s conciliatory tactics on the Army of the Potomac throughout the war | The officers’ perverse respect for seniority and its impact | The changing war aims for the United States and the ramifications of the Emancipation Proclamation on the Army of the Potomac

Part 11:

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Time: 4:46
Contents: Managing coordinated assaults by large formations against fixed field works | Difficulties in communication on the battlefield | The lack of coordinating “line wide” attacks at major battles

Part 12:

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Time: 5:16
Contents: Ulysses S. Grant’s ever evolving strategies in 1864 | Political considerations with regards to theater strategy

Part 13:

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Time: 8:06
Contents:  Hsieh’s conclusion on the generalship of U.S. Grant and Robert E. Lee during the Overland Campaign | Grant suffers from deficiencies in his corps and division command while Lee’s lieutenants are still very capable | By the summer of 1864 new infantry tactics and sharpshooters with rifled muskets changed the mode of warfare – Was this the advent of modern war?

Part 14:

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Time: 6:10
Contents: How did the stress of war impact the regular army officers, with the downsizing of the Federal army, after Appomattox Court House? | Wayne’s future plans and projects | Wrap up and closing

About 2 1/2 years ago, I picked up a book by a new author, Russell S. Bonds.  The book was “Stealing the General: The Great Locomotive Chase and the First Medal of Honor.”  I had heard about the book and read many very good reviews on Amazon.com.  The narrative details the efforts of the Andrews Raiders to steal the Confederate locomotive, the General.  The plan was to steal the locomotive and tear up the railroad line north of Atlanta.  For their heroism several of the raiders received the Medal of Honor – the first time this now illustrious medal was awarded to American soldiers.  I thoroughly enjoyed “Stealing the General” and was very impressed with Bonds’ research and enjoyable writing style.  Bottom line, the book was a great read.  This past August, I was excited to learn that Bonds had a new book being published the following month.  “War Like the ThunderBOLT: The Battle and Burning of Atlanta” is published by Westholme Publishing.  Bruce Franklin, from Westholme, was kind enough to send me a review copy.

Russell Bonds describes himself as a “southern boy.”  Having grown up in Atlanta, Bonds has had a life long passion for the Civil War.  In our interview, he described Boy Scout camping trips to Chickamauga and Kennesaw Mountain.  Having grown up in the northern suburb of Marietta, he had easy access to the Kennesaw Mountain battlefield.  After receiving his undergraduate degree from Georgia Tech, Mr. Bonds went on to law school at the University of Georgia where he received his law degree magna cum laude.  He now works as a counsel for the Coca-Cola Company.  Russell lives with his wife, Jill, and their three daughters in Marietta.

After a short wait, I received “War Like the ThunderBOLT.”  Being somewhat old school, and wanting to hold each new book while I examine the cover and inside flaps, I always look forward to receiving those special packages in the mail.  But for me, already a fan of Bonds, I was like a child at Christmas-time waiting for this book to arrive.  After a quick scan of the book, I placed it on the shelf with other unread review copies.  At that time, I was in the midst of reviewing a couple other books.  Once I had finished them, I was drawn to the cover of “War Like the ThunderBOLT,” and grabbed it from the shelf.  I was not disappointed.  Mr. Bonds newest work was fun, easy and quick to read.  One of those books that you grab whenever you have an extra five minutes to read.  I recognized very quickly, that Bonds is a master storyteller.  While it was clearly evident that Russ had spent much time on research, and that he does a terrific job writing about the tactical sides of a battle, he is at his best when he tells the story of individual soldiers’ battlefield experiences or citizens living through the hell of being collateral victims.

In “War Like the ThunderBOLT,” Bonds starts by providing chapter long biographical sketches of the three major participants of the Atlanta Campaign: US Major General William T. Sherman, CSA General Joseph E. Johnston and General John Bell Hood.  In chapter two, “The Gamecock,” Mr. Bonds describes Johnston’s continual retrograde movements, towards Atlanta, and wraps up with the order relieving him of command of the Army of Tennessee.  During our interview, Russ was quick to point out that he was fortunate to have so many colorful characters to write about, for this book.  There is no doubt that “Old Woodenhead” John Bell Hood and William “Crazy Bill” Sherman were the most colorful characters in the Western Theater of the Civil War.  By the time you start the fourth chapter, “Hood’s First Sortie,” you are quickly enveloped in the tactical battle of Peachtree Creek.  Besides adroitly taking the reader through the tactical aspects of the battle, Bonds immerses the reader in tales of the individual soldiers, getting out of their way and letting them tell you, the reader, what they experienced on the battlefield.  I have countless books on the Civil War that superbly describe the tactical actions of the battle, but fall short in providing quality primary source material that allows you to truly become part of the battle.  Not so with this book.  In the following chapters, Bonds takes you on a journey to the other major battles of the Atlanta Campaign: Atlanta, Ezra Church, three cavalry raids and the culminating battle at Jonesborough (now called Jonesboro).  While you take this journey with Russ, you also learn of the hardships the citizens of Atlanta lived through while war waged around them.  You feel their terror as they see wounded soldiers streaming through town or are deafened by fused ordinance whistling overhead and detonating just past them.  The experiences of the civilians of Atlanta, and their stories of the siege on their city, are what sets this book apart from other narratives on the Atlanta Campaign.  Bonds finally tells the story of the Federal occupation of the city, the subsequent expulsion of her residents and Hood’s campaign to sever the Federal supply line – the Western and Atlantic Railroad.  Saved for last is the story of the resurgence of Atlanta.

“War Like the ThunderBOLT” is a must read for Civil War enthusiasts with an interest in the Western Theater of the war.  However, even a casual student of the Civil War will enjoy the book, and the story it tells.  If you have not read “Stealing the General,” I also recommend that you purchase it.  It compliments his newest work and is now available in paperback.

On December 30, 2009, I was able to interview Mr. Bonds.  He was very gracious with his time and provides a great deal of analysis on the Atlanta Campaign, his research for the book and other interesting points.  The complete interview is available in a streaming format below.  As always, I have separated the audio interview into shorter parts so you can take your time listening to it and return later for subsequent parts.  There is also a link to download the entire interview to your computer or MP3 device.  I hope you enjoy listening to the interview as much as I did speaking with Russell Bonds.

Details about “War Like the ThunderBOLT: The Battle and Burning of Atlanta”
Written by: Russell S. Bonds
Hardcover: 544 pages
Publisher: Westholme Publishing
Date of First Edition: September 2, 2009
ISBN-10: 1594161003

Russell S. Bonds Interview – 12 Parts
Interview Date: December 30, 2009
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes 54 seconds
Click HERE to download the complete interview.

Part 1:

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Time: 7:50
Contents: Welcome and introduction | Why the title “War Like the ThunderBOLT: The Battle and Burning of Atlanta | About Russ and how he became interested in history | Sherman’s movement towards Atlanta – “A regular southbound schedule on the state railroad | The strategic situation facing Joseph E. Johnston in the spring and summer of 1864

Part 2:

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Time: 7:02
Contents: About “Stealing the General: The Great Locomotive Chase and the First Medal of Honor” | Strategic importance of Johnston abandoning the Chattahoochee River line? | The atmosphere in Johnston’s Army of Tennessee during their retrograde movements to Atlanta | The exodus of civilians from Atlanta when Sherman’s army arrived north of Atlanta

Part 3:

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Time: 7:13
Contents: The ascendancy of John Bell Hood to command of the Army of Tennessee | Hood’s “First Foray:” The Battle of Peachtree Creek

Part 4:

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Time: 5:16
Contents: Another purge of civilians after the Battle of Peachtree Creek and initial bombardment of Atlanta | General James B. McPherson’s best opportunity to crush Hood?

Part 5:

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Time: 5:27
Contents: John Bell Hood attacks McPherson at the Battle of Atlanta

Part 6:

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Time: 6:41
Contents: Mr. Bonds use of primary source material – researching “War Like the ThunderBOLT” | Major General John Logan vs. Oliver O. Howard for command of the Army of the Tennessee

Part 7:

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Time: 7:40
Contents: The Battle of Ezra Church and S.D. Lee’s performance | The effects of the Northern nominating conventions on the campaigns of 1864 | Major General George Stoneman’s raid south of Atlanta – the capture of General Stoneman | Joe Wheeler’s rodeo

Part 8:

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Time: 6:44
Contents: Joe Wheeler’s raid on Sherman’s supply line | The effect of Wheeler’s Raid on the Army of Tennessee | Kilpatrick’s Raid on Hood’s supply line | Sherman’s infantry pushes south of Atlanta – The Battle of Jonesborough | Was Hood’s hold on Atlanta doomed?

Part 9:

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Time: 7:31
Contents: John Bell Hood’s departure from Atlanta and the firing of Confederate supplies | Communication between Hood and Sherman after Sherman issues his expulsion order | Hood vacates Lovejoy’s Station and raids Sherman’s supply line | P.G.T. Beauregard takes command of the Western Theater

Part 10:

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Time: 7:30
Contents: By the saving grace of battlefield victories Lincoln is reelected | The burning of Northern Georgia and Atlanta | Sherman’s “hard war” | Sherman’s return to Atlanta in 1879 | The rebound of Atlanta: from ashes to vibrant world class city

Part 11:

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Time: 4:41
Contents: William T Sherman: football coach or corporate executive – Sherman wins | Vanishing battlefields in Atlanta | Bonds discusses the maps used in “War Like the ThunderBOLT”

Part 12:

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Time: 2:19
Contents: Future plans for Russ | Closing and wrap up

Other Great Civil War Titles From Russell S. Bonds

Details about “Stealing the General: The Great Locomotive Chase and the First Medal of Honor”
Written by: Russell S. Bonds
Hardcover: 464 pages
Publisher: Westholme Publishing
Date of First Edition: October 14, 2006
ISBN-10: 1594160333

###

I visit the University of North Carolina Press website on a very regular basis.  It is one of my favorite publishers of Civil War titles and biographies.  Several months back, I was perusing their website and saw that noted UCLA history professor, and historian, Joan Waugh had a new biography coming out on Ulysses S. Grant.  I was quite intrigued as I had seen Ms. Waugh on the documentary, “Ulysses S. Grant: Warrior * President,” a PBS American Experience production.  Ms. Waugh specializes in 19th Century History, the Civil War, Reconstruction and the Gilded Age.  As I have an unending fascination with U.S. Grant, I asked my friends at UNC Press to put me on the review list for Waugh’s new book.  When the book arrived, a few weeks ago, I pushed it towards the top of my review queue.  Ironically enough, I finished reading the book on my recent trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – a country that U.S. Grant tried desperately to annex during his presidency. 

First, let me tell you what the book is not – it is not a complete biography of our 18th president and famed Civil War general.  However, it does provide enough detail for the reader to feel they really knew Grant.  Waugh states that her goals, in writing this book, are to elevate the reader’s understanding of Grant and to brush away many of the misconceptions that have continued to propagate within academia and historical literature.  While many recent biographies on Grant have been more praiseworthy of his accomplishments, Grant has not fully escaped the caricatures of being dumb, overly trustworthy and a butcher during the Civil War.  Ms. Waugh’s book attacks these misconceptions and successfully places Grant in a new light.  She covers a lot of ground in her book: from his youth, to West Point, the Mexican War, his Civil War career, his presidency, his world tour, his twilight years, his death and his state funeral.  While not glossing over his mistakes, she adroitly puts them into the context of the 19th century – the only fair way you can judge him.  To give one example, Waugh asserts, “….like Lincoln, (Grant was) a war president, ‘He was commander in chief during the Reconstruction phase of the continuing Civil War.’”(i)

“U.S. Grant: American Hero, American Myth” is delivered in two parts.  The biographical sketch of Grant is covered in the first three chapters.

1. Youth
2. The Magnanimous General
3. A Great Soldier Might Be a Baby Politician

Following the biographical section is the “Interlude,” appropriately titled “The Most Famous Living American.”  For most Americans in the 21st Century, Abraham Lincoln is far and away the most famous person from the 19th Century.  However, to one who lived during the Civil War, and the Postbellum years, General Grant was the most famous American.  But, with the rock-star level of fame that Grant enjoyed comes controversy and misconception – followed by myth.  This is the target of the second section of Waugh’s book.  And this is where her analysis shines.  This section includes the following chapters.

1. Historian of the Union Cause
2. Pageantry and Woe: The Funeral of U.S. Grant
3. The Nation’s Greatest Hero Should Rest in the Nation’s Greatest City
4. Epilogue: Who’s [Really] Buried in Grant’s Tomb?

This is a book that should be in any serious Civil War enthusiast’s collection.  Ms. Waugh writes in flowing prose that makes the pages fly by.  There is plenty to learn for the casual reader and more than enough material to satisfy serious scholars of Ulysses S. Grant.

I was able to speak with Ms. Waugh recently.  In our interview she provided a great amount of background information on her new book.  Additionally she gives a glimpse into her solid arguments on why Grant’s life needs to be reevaluated and his legacy needs to be revived.

Details about “U.S. Grant: American Hero, American Myth”
Written by: Joan Waugh
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: University of North Carolina Press
Date of First Edition: October 15, 2009
ISBN-10: 0807833177

Joan Waugh Interview – 8 Parts
Total Time: 48 minutes 33 seconds

Part 1:

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Time: 7:26
Contents: Welcome and introductions | About Joan Waugh and her interest in 19th Century history | Waugh’s early books on the 19th Century | Joan’s teaching interests at UCLA | Why “U.S. Grant: American Hero, American Myth?”

Part 2:

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Time: 7:52
Contents: Waugh’s evaluation of Grant’s entrance into West Point and his early military career | Grant’s actions versus his words | Grant’s belief that the Mexican War made the Civil War inevitable

Part 3:

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Time: 4:56
Contents: Waugh’s argument against William B. Hesseltine and William McFeely’s assertions that Grant was a failure | Grant’s writings and letters dispel much of the old caricatures of the general | McFeely’s anti-war stance and its potential to cloud his judgment on Grant

Part 4:

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Time: 3:52
Contents: Grant as a war president was essential for the U.S. after the Civil War

Part 5:

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Time: 7:48
Contents: Grant’s presidential policies towards the American Indians | The long term effect of the 1862 Homestead and Transcontinental Railroad Acts on future American Indian policies | Did Western expansion doom Grant’s Indian policies | Academia’s view of Grant’s Indian policy as genocide

Part 6:

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Time: 7:59
Contents: Grant’s reaction to hostilities in the deep South after the passage of the 15th Amendment | The impact of U.S. Grant’s humble presidential farewell address | The changing perception of Grant’s Reconstruction policies based on new historical works

Part 7:

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Time: 5:52
Contents: Grant’s reaction to the growing acceptance of the Confederacy’s “Lost Cause” movement – Was it effective? | Grant’s twilight years after his throat cancer diagnosis | The literary and historical significance of Grant’s Memoirs with regards to his legacy

Part 8:

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Time: 2:48
Contents: Continued discussion on Grant’s Memoirs | Joan’s future projects | Wrap up and closing

Check out other great titles by Joan Waugh

Details about “Wars Within A War: Controversy and Conflict over the American Civil War”
Written by: Joan Waugh (editor) and Gary W. Gallagher (editor)
Hardcover: 328 pages
Publisher: University of North Carolina Press
Date of First Edition: May 8, 2009
ISBN-10: 0807832758

Details about “Life and Letters of Charles Russell Lowell”
Written by: Edward Waldo Emerson and Joan Waugh (Introduction)
Paperback: 496 pages
Publisher: University of South Carolina Press
Date of this Edition: July 1, 2005
ISBN-10: 1570035946

Details about “The Memory of the Civil War in American Culture”
Written by: Joan Waugh (editor) and Alice Fahs (editor)
Hardcover: 296 pages
Publisher: University of North Carolina Press
Date of First Edition: November 2, 2003
ISBN-10: 0807829072

Details about “Unsentimental Reformer: The Life of Josephine Shaw Lowell”
Written by: Joan Waugh
Hardcover: 296 pages
Publisher: Harvard University Press
Date of First Edition: January 15, 1998
ISBN-10: 0674930363

(i) Waugh, Joan, U.S. Grant: American Hero, American Myth, published by the University of North Carolina Press in 2009, Pg. 111.

As most of you are aware, I am very interested in the smaller units of the Civil War.  The volunteer infantry regiments comprised the backbone of the opposing armies of the American Civil War.  Most regiments were comprised of ten companies, with each company having approximately 100 soldiers when mustered into service.  The fighting men of each company were the private soldiers.  These heroes, who more often than not have become nameless over the generations, served selflessly to reunite our once fractured United States.  They were the fighters.  In his book, “Co. Aytch,” Sam Watkins of the 1st Tennessee Infantry Regiment (CSA), summed it up perfectly when he said, “I always shot at privates.  It was they that did the shooting and killing, and if I could kill or wound a private, why, my chances were so much the better.” 

So it was with the 121st New York Infantry.  Salvatore G. Cilella’s recent book, “Upton’s Regulars: The 121st New York Infantry in the Civil War,” is the story of the foot soldiers from that famous New York Volunteer regiment.  Breaking new ground, by not just studying the battle history of the 121st, Cilella’s cutting edge book explores the lives of the soldiers, before, during and after the conflict.  Made famous by their second commander, Colonel Emory Upton, the 121st New York was considered unequaled in the proud VI Corps, Army of the Potomac.  Upton drilled the men and earned their trust, respect and loyalty.  On the parade ground they operated with precision, but on the battlefield they earned their laurels by hard fighting.  During the battle of Salem Church, part of the Chancellorsville Campaign, they would be decimated by an ambush engineered by CSA Brigadier General Cadmus Wilcox.  At the battle of Rappahannock Station, they would capture over 1,000 Confederate soldiers by storming their bridgehead.  In May 1864, they would arrive at Spotsylvania Court House with an effective strength of 460 soldiers, of all arms.  After Upton’s gallant charge of the Mule Shoe salient, and the fighting at the “Bloody Angle,” they would be reduced to 94 – with only four field officers left unscathed.  They would continue to cement their reputation during US Major General Phil Sheridan’s 1864 Shenandoah Campaign, with solid battlefield performances at Third Winchester, Fisher’s Hill and Cedar Creek.  During the waning months of the war, they would fight in the trenches in front of Petersburg and perform heroically, while being flanked on two sides, at Hatcher’s Run.  Saving one of their best battlefield exploits for the Battle of Sailor’s Creek, they would capture over 1,000 Confederate soldiers, including CSA Major General George Washington Custis (G.W.C.) Lee – son of Robert E. Lee.  Arriving at Appomattox Station, on April 9, 1865, they were prepared to offer battle again – but were spared by Lee’s surrender to Ulysses S. Grant.  While their regimental battle flag proudly carried the names of the battles they fought in, four members of the regiment would earn the Medal of Honor for individual gallantry: Seymour H. Hall, Warren Dockum, Benjamin Gifford and Harris Hawthorne.  All told, 1,800 soldiers served in the 121st, with nearly 740 becoming battlefield casualties, or dying of disease.

“Upton’s Regulars” is a monumental study of these brave fighting men.  Cilella, no stranger to history, is the president and CEO of the Atlanta History Center.  His biography of the 121st New York will take you on a journey with the soldiers.  Beginning with the recruitment of the regiment and taking you through the publication of its regimental history, in 1921, his fast paced book is hard to put down.  I recently had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Mr. Cilella.  The following interview, like all of my author interviews, is divided into parts, so you can listen to it at your leisure.  This is a book that I recommend for any serious student of the Civil War, or anyone interested in what it meant to be foot soldier during the American Civil War.

Details about “Upton’s Regulars”
Written by: Salvatore G. Cilella, Jr.
Hardcover: 586 pages
Publisher: University Press of Kansas
Date of First Edition: June 11, 2009
ISBN-10: 0700616454

Salvatore G. Cilella, Jr. Interview – 14 Parts
Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes, 42 seconds

Part 1:

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Time: 7:35
Contents: Introductions | Sal’s interest in history and the Civil War | Authors and historians that influenced Sal’s interest in the Civil War | Alan Nolan’s influence on “Upton’s Regulars”

Part 2:

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Time: 5:57
Contents: Discussion on “Upton’s Regulars” | Why the 121st New York Volunteer Infantry? | Otsego and Herkimer counties and the 121st New York | Recruiting the 121st New York

Part 3:

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Time: 6:12
Contents: The “three phases” on the Civil War | Lincoln’s call for 300,000 soldiers in 1862 – 50,000 quick recruits can bring the war to an end?

Part 4:

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Time: 7:39
Contents: The use of bounties to entice new recruits | A “patchwork” of bounties in New York | Mustering in at Camp Schuyler with Colonel Richard Franchot

Part 5:

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Time: 4:09
Contents: Transferring to Washington, D.C. | The Maryland Campaign – hard marching and disease | Colonel Franchot leading his men shows his limited knowledge of the military arts

Part 6:

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Time: 5:21
Contents: Franchot’s resignation and the forgotten commander – Charlie Clark | Emory Upton’s promotion to regimental command and his visits to convalescing soldiers | Clark prepares the 121st New York for command by West Pointer, Emory Upton | Cross-training the line officers of the 121st

Part 7:

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Time: 8:28
Contents: Severe level of disease in the 121st New York during its first year of service | The use of firsthand accounts and primary source material in telling the soldiers’ stories | Researching “Upton’s Regulars”

Part 8:

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Time: 6:03
Contents: Emory Upton’s drilling and training molds the 121st New York | Caught in a ambush – the 121st and its terrible losses at the Battle of Salem Church and enduring their first large scale engagement

Part 9:

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Time: 8:20
Contents: Upton’s misstep in recruiting veteran soldiers for the depleted ranks of the 121st | The trying march to Gettysburg | Pursuing Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia | Desertion and the execution of Thomas Jewett | The 5th Maine Infantry – sister regiment of the 121st New York

Part 10:

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Time: 4:53
Contents: To go into winter camp or not to? | The Battle of Rappahannock Station | Rappahannock Station a defining battle for the 121st New York

Part 11:

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Time: 4:29
Contents: Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant and the Overland Campaign | Egbert Olcott assumes command of the 121st with Upton’s promotion to brigadier general | The Battle of the Wilderness | Upton’s Charge of the Mule Shoe salient at Spotsylvania Court House | Decimation at the Mule Shoe and the “Bloody Angle”

Part 12:

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Time: 5:26
Contents: The 121st arrives in Washington to protect against CSA Lt. General Jubal Early’s advance into Maryland | Serving under US Major General Philip Sheridan in the 1864 Shenandoah Valley Campaign | The battle of Cedar Creek and Sheridan’s brilliant counter attack

Part 13:

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Time: 8:28
Contents: The terrible winter months of 1865 in front of Petersburg, Virginia | The battle of Hatcher’s Run | The collapse of Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia and the battle of Sailor’s Creek | The decades long controversy of who captured CSA Major General G.W.C. Lee | Harris Hawthorne receives the Medal of Honor – the controversy still smolders | The VI Corps delayed arrival in Washington D.C. after Appomattox Station and suffers through their own “Grand Review”

Part 14:

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Time: 7:42
Contents: Saving the best for last – post Civil War history of the 121st New York Volunteers | Future projects Mr. Cilella is working on | Wrap up and closing

Other Great Civil War titles from the University Press of Kansas

Details about “Bleeding Kansas: Contested Liberty in the Civil War Era”
Written by: Nicole Etcheson
Paperback: 370 pages
Publisher: University Press of Kansas
Date of First Edition: December 31, 2003
ISBN-10: 0700614923

Details about “Citizen Sherman: A Life of William Tecumseh Sherman”
Written by: Michael Fellman
Paperback: 504 pages
Publisher: University Press of Kansas
Date of First Edition: July 9, 1995
ISBN-10: 0700608400

Details about “Commanding the Army of the Potomac”
Written by: Stephen R. Taaffe
Hardcover: 284 pages
Publisher: University Press of Kansas
Date of First Edition: February 23, 2006
ISBN-10: 0700614516

Details about “Guide to the Atlanta Campaign”
Written by: Jay Luvas (editor) and Harold W. Nelson (editor)
Paperback: 383 pages
Publisher: University Press of Kansas
Date of First Edition: May 7, 2008
ISBN-10: 0700615709

 
Details about “Jefferson Davis, Confederate President”
Written by: Herman Hattaway and Richard E. Beringer
Paperback: 566 pages
Publisher: University Press of Kansas
Date of First Edition: April 30, 2002
ISBN-10: 0700612939

Details about “Joseph E. Johnston and the Defense of Richmond”
Written by: Steven H. Newton
Hardcover: 278 pages
Publisher: University Press of Kansas
Date of First Edition: November 1998
ISBN-10: 0700609210

Details about “Lincoln Seen and Heard”
Written by: Harold Holzer
Hardcover: 226 pages
Publisher: University Press of Kansas
Date of First Edition: February 2000
ISBN-10: 0700610014

Details about “Stonewall of the West: Patrick Cleburne and the Civil War”
Written by: Craig L. Symonds
Paperback: 328 pages
Publisher: University Press of Kansas
Date of First Edition: February 28, 1997
ISBN-10: 0700609342

Details about “The Confederacy’s Greatest Cavalryman: Nathan Bedford Forrest”
Written by: Brian Steel Wills
Paperback: 457 pages
Publisher: University Press of Kansas
Date of First Edition: April 1998
ISBN-10: 0700608850

Details about “The Rifle Musket in Civil War Combat”
Written by: Earl J. Hess
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: University Press of Kansas
Date of First Edition: September 9, 2008
ISBN-10: 0700616071

Details about “The War Within the Union High Command”
Written by: Thomas Joseph Goss
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: University Press of Kansas
Date of First Edition: August 2003
ISBN-10: 0700612637

 
###

The Maryland Campaign has always been one of my favorite campaigns  in the eastern theater.  CSA General Robert E. Lee’s first incursion on northern soil was designed to take advantage of the momentum the Army of Northern Virginia experienced after defeating US Major General John Pope’s Army of Virginia at Second Manassas.  Lee believing the northern armies were badly demoralized, disorganized and suffering from a broken command structure felt confident of his success.  Additionally Lee, and the Confederate government, believed that a decisive victory on northern soil would impact the fall elections, giving the Peace Democrats more control in the Federal legislature and foreign recognition from France and England.  With the hope of adding new recruits to his battered army, he anticipated adding many loyal Marylanders to his army.  Crossing the Potomac River, in early September, he would remove the combatants from Northern Virginia bringing some relief to the citizens of Virginia and allowing him to feed his army from the fields of Maryland.

John David Hoptak, a National Park Service Ranger at Antietam, brings his terrific knowledge of the Maryland Campaign to his new book, “Our Boys Did Nobly: Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, Soldiers at the Battles of South Mountain and Antietam.”  Hoptak provides a wonderful narrative of the battles of South Mountain and Antietam – many details which I have never read before.  While not a complete narrative of these battles, “Our Boys Did Nobly,” provides many new details from these battles that were gathered during years of research.  Much of the new information is primary source material, from the soldiers, that  has previously been untapped.  Hoptak’s book focuses on the soldiers from Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania who fought in the 48th Pennsylvania, 96th Pennsylvania and two companies of the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry.  By the fall of 1862 most of the soldiers in these regiments had seen active service in the Carolinas and Virginia.  The young men came from farms, coal mines, dry goods stores and colleges.  They would fight bravely and many would pay the ultimate sacrifice, for their beloved Country, at Fox’s Gap, Crampton’s Gap and the fields along Antietam Creek.  The 48th and 50th Pennsylvania would be assigned to US Major General Ambrose Burnside’s IX Corps and would fight at Fox’s Gap and in Burnside’s attack on the Southern sector of Antietam.  Many of the young men would not muster out until the end of the Civil War, participating the the final Grand Review in May 1865.  The 96th Pennsylvania would fight in US Major General William Franklin’s VI Corps and were severely punished at Crampton’s Gap.  They would muster out of service during US Major General Philip Sheridan’s 1864 Shenandoah Campaign.

For those of you, like me, that have an unquenchable thirst for the Maryland Campaign, this book will be a fascinating page turner, from an expert on Lee’s first invasion of the North.  For novice Civil War enthusiasts, the book is written in such a way that is easy to follow, and understand.  Written in terrific prose, the book is both fun to read and very detailed.  The epilogue provides Hoptak’s report card on the commanding generals and details of McClellan’s missed opportunities.  I would definitely recommend that you purchase this book as it will make an excellent addition to your Civil War library.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with John, who being from Schuylkill County, is very passionate about the soldiers from his home.  Hoptak provides insights into his research, stories of the soldiers during the Maryland Campaign and his assessment of the overall campaign.  As with all of my interviews, I’ve separated it into multiple parts so you can easily listen to them, at your leisure, and come back to the next part when you are ready.

About “Our Boys Did Nobly”
Author: John David Hoptak
Paperback: 358 pages
Distributed by: Ten Roads Publishing, LLC
ISBN-10: 0557088968

John David Hoptak Interview – 10 Parts
Total Time: 54 minutes, 53 seconds

Part 1 

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Time: 4:44
Contents: Welcome and introductions | About John Hoptak | Becoming a Park Ranger at Antietam | Background on “Our Boys Did Nobly” | Distribution by Ten Roads Publishing

Part 2 

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Time: 5:05
Contents: George B. McClellan – delusional while at Antietam? | The changing view of McClellan over 14 decades

Part 3 

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Time: 5:22
Contents: The men of Schuylkill County at South Mountain | Redemption of Colonel Henry Cake

Part 4 

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Time: 5:17
Contents: The 96th loses Captain Lewis Martin and Lt. John Doherty and eight color bearers at Crampton’s Gap | Severe losses of the 96th at Crampton’s Gap | The 48th and 50th Pennsylvania at Fox’s Gap | The loss of US Major General Jesse Reno

Part 5 

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Time: 6:45
Contents: The maturation of the boys from Schuylkill County | South Mountain a tactical Union victory? | Researching “Our Boys Did Nobly” | New primary source material

Part 6  

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Time: 6:59
Contents: The 48th Pennsylvania’s surprise after crossing Burnside Bridge | Ambrose Burnside at Antietam

Part 7 

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Time: 6:29
Contents: Diversion or assault for the IX Corps | Tactical issues involving the IX Corps’ approach to Burnside Bridge | Bravery of the Schuylkill County boys

Part 8 

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Time: 5:52
Contents: The last charge at Antietam | The forgotten sector of Antietam Battlefield | Robert E. Lee: To fight or not to fight?

Part 9 

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Time: 6:05
Contents: Army of Northern Virginia faced destruction at Antietam | George B. McClellan’s lost opportunities

Part 10 

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Time: 2:15
Contents: Future plans and what’s in the works | Wrap up and closing

                                                               ###

I recently finished reading Eric J. Wittenberg’s newest book, “Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly: The Short But Controversial Life of Colonel Ulric Dahlgren.”  I first became aware of Eric’s excellent books when I read the books he published with J. David Petruzzi and Michael Nugent, “Plenty of Blame to Go Around: Jeb Stuart’s Controversial Ride to Gettysburg” and “One Continuous Fight: The Retreat from Gettysburg and the Pursuit of Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia.”  Since then, I have read many of the books he has published.  They are all quite good, so when Eric let me know his newest book was available, I was excited to get a copy to review.

Eric is an attorney by trade, but a Civil War Historian at heart.  As he has often told me, writing is his second job – and you can feel his passion for the Civil War, especially the cavalry, when you read his books.  Eric is also the publisher of the popular Civil War blog, “Rantings of a Civil War Historian.”  Hailing from eastern Pennsylvania, Wittenberg became interested in the Civil War at an early age.  He and his wife, Susan, live in Columbus, Ohio.

With regards to his new book, it is a real page turner.  I spent a couple of late nights reading “Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly,” as I just could not put it down.  Like most Civil War enthusiasts, I had read briefly about the Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid in other narratives.  It was a fascinating event during the Civil War, but something that has not been written about extensively.  Wittenberg’s book analyzes the raid extensively, but it is much more – it is the only biography written on the life of Ulric Dahlgren.  “Ully” was the son of Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgren, who is considered the “father of American naval ordinance.”  Ully would receive an excellent education at Rittenhouse Academy, but would never enter any military school.  Growing up around the Washington Naval Yard, Ulric would spend a great deal of time around heavy guns and would become quite adept with their usage.  While a teenager, Dahlgren would visit his uncle, Charles Dahlgren, in Mississippi.  While there he would learn surveying and become a very accomplished equestrian.

Returning to Washington in August 1860, Dahlgren would witness the growing crisis of a potential Abraham Lincoln presidency.  In September he would go to Philadelphia to study law under his maternal uncle, John W. Paul.  An extremely smart young man, Dahlgren would never enter the bar as he would be drawn in with the growing patriotism of the North, after Lincoln’s election and the start of the secession crisis.  While his father wanted him to continue his studies he knew he could not keep the adventurous Ully from serving his county.

Dahlgren would reach Washington City on July 1.  Spending time with his father, who was the unofficial naval aid of Lincoln, Ully would have access to the president and other high ranking civilian and military leaders.  Splitting his time between the naval yard and the growing army camps in Northern Virginia, he would yearn to take an active part in the defense of his country.  He would get his chance over the coming months.

Dahlgren served in several campaigns including Stonewall Jackson’s 1862 Shenandoah Campaign, Second Manassas, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.  He would reach the rank of captain while serving on the staff of major generals Franz Sigel and Joseph Hooker.  Serving with distinction and bravery, he would take part in the largest cavalry battle in North America, Brandy Station.  Dahlgren would become invaluable in providing quality intelligence and leading several independent scouting missions – the most valuable being Gettysburg - where he would intercept valuable intelligence for US Major General George Meade, commander of the Army of the Potomac.  During the Federal pursuit of Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, Dahlgren would rally troops at the Battle of Hagerstown where he would be wounded, eventually having to have his lower leg amputated.  While convalescing in Washington D.C., it was uncertain whether he would live.  During this uncertain time, Lincoln would promote Dahlgren to colonel, jumping the ranks of major and lieutenant colonel.  He would be the youngest soldier, at that time, to reach that rank in the Army of the Potomac.

After a partial recovery from his wounds, Ulric would return to the Army of the Potomac’s camps, at Stevensburg, Virginia, on February 22.  On February 28, Dahlgren would join with US Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick on a cavalry raid to Richmond, Virginia.  The original goal of the raid was to free the captive Federal prisoners from Belle Island and Libby prisons.  Kilpatrick’s command would include nearly 3,600 men and six pieces of artillery.  Dahlgren, commanding the southern flanking force would be in the lead of the column and would have nearly 500 men.  The plan was for him to approach Richmond, from the west, along the James River.  Kilpatrick’s main column would approach from the north, along the Virginia Central Railroad.  Dahlgren was to turn the Confederate’s left flank, entering Richmond, where he would release the prisoners at Belle Island.  Kilpatrick’s column, tearing up track along the way, would arrive at the Richmond defenses on March 1, ahead of Dahlgren’s flanking force.  Unfortunately, the Confederates already knew of the raid and CSA Major General Wade Hampton’s cavalry was waiting for them.  Unable to locate Dahlgren, who had not yet arrived, Kilpatrick determined to retreat back to US Major General Benjamin Butler’s lines near New Kent Court House.  Meanwhile, Dahlgren arrived around 10:00 a.m., and was able to take possession of some empty Rebel outer field works.  He soon ran into Confederate Home Guards at “Roselawn,” the farm of Benjamin Green.  Ully’s troopers would push them back.  After an intense stand-up fight, Dahlgren believed the Confederates had received reinforcements and ordered a withdrawal – this after having pushed the enemy nearly 2 1/2 miles.  The raid would end along a dark road in King and Queen County, near Walkerton.  There, on the morning of March 2, a crack force of Confederate cavalry, commanded by CSA Lieutenant James Pollard, would ambush Dahlgren’s command.  Dahlgren, at the head of his column, would be killed instantly, in the short fight, having been hit multiple times.  A colonel for less than a month, Ulric would fall from his mount, landing in the mud, face down.  The Confederates recovered Dahlgren’s papers and journal, which would create a controversy that continues today. 

Wittenberg’s excellent research and well written prose make the story of Colonel Ulric Dahlgren, and the controversy of the “Dahlgren Papers” jump off the page with fantastic imagery.  Fast paced and easy to read it is both a biography and a short battle history of the engagements that Ulric fought in.  However, the author saves the best for last.  With the skills of an attorney adroitly arguing his case, the author assesses the life of Ulric Dahlgren and the authenticity of his papers.  The author of this review cannot divulge either the assessment of Dahlgren’s life or the authenticity of the papers as it would pale in comparison to the fine work of Mr. Wittenberg.  What I will say is that this book should be purchased by all Civil War scholars and students as it provides a “looking-glass” into the life of an intriguing Union soldier that has been overlooked by historians for nearly 15 decades.  The closing chapters should not be taken by themselves, but in the context of the entire book.  Like me, I am sure you will feel you have learned a great deal by reading “Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly.”

Details about “Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg
Hardcover: 318 pages
Publisher: Edinborough Press
Date of First Edition: June 1, 2009
ISBN-10: 1889020338

It was my pleasure to recently interview Mr. Wittenberg.  The conversation was very engaging and he provided a lot of details on “Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly,” and other things he is working on.  Like previous interviews, I have separated the audio into multiple parts.  They can be accessed by clicking on the links below.

Eric J. Wittenberg Interview – 7 Parts
Total Time: 52 minutes, 33 seconds

Part 1:  

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Time: 7:45
Contents: Welcome | About Eric Wittenberg | How Eric became interested in the Civil War & the cavalry | Why write about Ulric Dahlgren? | Researching “Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly” | The impact of Ully’s visit to Mississippi

Part 2:  

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Time: 7:49
Contents: The influence of Admiral Dahlgren on young Ulric | Access to Abraham Lincoln | Serving as Franz Sigel’s chief of ordinance

Part 3:  

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Time: 7:15
Contents: Ully’s coming of age as a Union scout | The scouting raid of Fredericksburg | Dahlgren serving on Joe Hooker’s staff | Disappointments with being passed over for promotion

Part 4:  

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Time: 6:56
Contents: Ulric’s bravery at the Battle of Brandy Station | The maturation of young Ully | Scouting during the Gettysburg Campaign | The Battle of Hagerstown | Ulric’s injury and slow recovery

Part 5:  

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Time: 7:18
Contents: Full military burial for a portion of young Dahlgren | Participation in the Kilpatrick Raid on Richmond | The execution of Martin Robinson | Dahlgren’s vainglorious continuation of the raid on Richmond

Part 6:  

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Time: 7:59
Contents: Ulric’s death and the discovery of his papers | The secret burial of Ulric Dahlgren | The memoir of Confederate Partisan Ranger William Patteson

Part 7:  

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Time: 7:31
Contents: A glimpse of Wittenberg’s final analysis | CSA Lieutenant General Jubal A. Early’s analysis | Future books Eric is working on | Wrap up

Check out other great Civil War titles by Eric J. Wittenberg

  
Details about “Gettysburg’s Forgotten Cavalry Actions”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg
Paperback: 131 pages
Publisher: Thomas Publications (PA)
Date of First Edition: January 1998
ISBN-10: 1577470354

Details about “We Have It Damned Hard Out Here: The Civil War Letters of Sergeant Thomas W. Smith”
Written by: Thomas W. Smith (author) & Eric J. Wittenberg (author/editor)
Hardcover: 175 pages
Publisher: Kent State University Press
Date of First Edition: April 1999
ISBN-10: 087338623X

Details about “One of Custer’s Wolverines: The Civil War Letters of Brevet Brigadier General James H. Kidd, 6th Michigan Cavalry”
Written by: James Harvey Kidd (author) & Eric J. Wittenberg (editor)
Hardcover: 241 pages
Publisher: Kent State University Press
Date of First Edition: December 1, 2000
ISBN-10: 0873386701

Details about “Under Custer’s Command: The Civil War Journal of James Henry Avery”
Written by: Karla Jean Husby (compiler) & Eric J. Wittenberg (Editor)
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Potomac Books, Inc.
Date of First Edition: 2000
ISBN-10: 1574887440

Details about “At Custer’s Side: The Civil War Writings of James Harvey Kidd”
Written by: James Harvey Kidd (author) & Eric J. Wittenberg (Editor)
Hardcover: 140 pages
Publisher: Kent State University Press
Date of First Edition: March 2001
ISBN-10: 0873386876

 
Details about “Glory Enough For All: Sheridan’s Second Raid and the Battle of Trevillian Station”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg
Paperback: 448 pages
Publisher: Bison Books
Date of First Edition: 2001
ISBN-10: 0803259670

Details about “With Sheridan in the Final Campaign Against Lee”
Written by: Frederick C. Newhall (author) & Eric J. Wittenberg (Author/Editor)
Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: Louisiana State University Press
Date of First Edition: July 2002
ISBN-10: 0807127566

 
Details about “Little Phil: A Reassessment of the Civil War Leadership of Gen. Philip H. Sheridan”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Potomac Books, Inc.
Date of First Edition: 2002
ISBN-10: 1574885480

Details about “Protecting the Flanks: The Battles for Brinkerhoff’s Ridge and East Cavalry Field, Battle of Gettysburg, July 2-3, 1863”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg
Paperback: 203 pages
Publisher: Ironclad Publishing
Date of First Edition: September 1, 2002
ISBN-10: 0967377021

Details about “The Union Cavalry Comes of Age: Hartwood Church to Brandy Station, 1863”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg
Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Potomac Books, Inc.
Date of First Edition: 2003
ISBN-10: 1574886509

Details about “Battle for Monroe’s Crossroads and the Civil War’s Final Campaign”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg
Hardcover: 366 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: April 15, 2006
ISBN-10: 1932714170

Details about “Plenty of Blame to Go Around: Jeb Stuart’s Controversial Ride to Gettysburg”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg & J. David Petruzzi
Hardcover: 456 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: September 1, 2006
ISBN-10: 1932714200

Details about “Rush’s Lancers: The Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry in the Civil War”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Westholme Publishing
Date of First Edition: January 1, 2007
ISBN-10: 1594160325

 
Details about “One Continuous Fight: The Retreat From Gettysburg and the Pursuit of Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg, J. David Petruzzi & Michael F. Nugent
Hardcover: 576 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: June 2008
ISBN-10: 193271443X

I recently read Dr. Bradley Gottfried’s newest book, “The Maps of First Bull Run: An Atlas of the First Bull Run (Manassas) Campaign, including the Battle of Ball’s Bluff, June-October 1861.”  This is the second in the series of Gottfried’s “map books,” having released “The Maps of Gettysburg” in June 2008.  Dr. Gottfried holds a Ph.D. in Zoology from Miami University and is president of the College of Southern Maryland.  An avid historian Gottfried has published seven books on the American Civil War.

Having enjoyed “The Maps of Gettysburg,” I was quite excited to learn that Savas Beatie, LLC was publishing the “Maps of First Bull Run.”  Working for a company based in Centreville, Virginia, I have always considered Manassas to be my “home-away-from-home” battlefield.  Over the years I have had the opportunity to visit Manassas National Battlefield more times than I can count.  Visiting our corporate headquarters at least six times per year, I almost always stay in Manassas, so I can be close to the battlefield.  Like most of you that visit battlefields regularly, I try to learn as much about the battles as I can, before visiting.  With that said, I have read numerous histories of both battles of Bull Run.  Unfortunately, the First Battle of Bull Run has not been written about extensively and the books that are currently available offer little in the way of maps.  While I possess a solid understanding of the battle, I have always felt like I could have a better feel for the battle if another book were published – one with more maps!  “The Maps of First Bull Run” fulfilled my needs and exceeded my expectations.  Gottfried has designed this book based on the successful format of “The Maps of Gettysburg.”  Written in chronological order, starting with each army’s movements around Washington, D.C., the author provides a stirring narrative on each time frame with a wonderful color map on the facing page.  Unlike most other battlefield maps, Gottfried’s maps include fields, woods, creeks and other major features of the landscape.  Additionally he has included the time-frame on each map.  All told, “The Maps of First Bull Run” contain 51 maps and the accompanying narratives.  Unlike most Civil War scholars Dr. Gottfried created all the maps himself.

Before I endorse a book like this, I like to take it for a test drive.  I was able to do this on a recent trip to Centreville, this past June.  The book truly allowed me to understand the minutiae of the troop movements.  With the “Fighting 69^th” New York being one of my favorite regiments, I was able to trace their movements with Colonel William Sherman’s brigade, from the Farm Ford to their actions near the intersection of the Warrenton Turnpike and the Manassas-Sudley Road.  This enhanced my visit to the battlefield as I was able to walk in the same paths as the Sherman’s brigade.  The book is set up to take the reader on a long tour through the battlefield or can easily be used to drill down into one part of the engagement.  It provides enough detail, especially with the maps, to be a valuable resource for the serious Civil War student and its engaging prose is very easy for the casual enthusiast to conceptualize the flow of the battle.  While Dr. Gottfried did not write this book to be a complete narrative of the battle, it is very nearly one.  “The Maps of First Bull Run” is organized in three parts with separate subsections in each part.

Part 1: Maps of First Bull Run/Manassas

• Preliminary Movements – 6 maps
• Skirmish at Blackburn’s Ford (July 18) – 3 maps
• Bull Run Preliminaries – 3 maps
• Matthews Hill Fight – 5 maps
• Henry Hill Fight – 15 maps
• Chinn Ridge – 2 maps
• Blackburn’s Ford – 1 map
• The Federal Retreat – 1 map plus a summation

Part 2: August-September 1861 – 3 maps

Part 3: Ball’s Bluff – 12 maps

I highly recommend “The Maps of First Bull Run” to anyone with an interest in the first major battle of the Civil War.  Additionally, if you are interested in having the same resources for Gettysburg, please check out “The Maps of Gettysburg.”  Please consider supporting Savas Beatie, LLC and purchase the books directly from them.  You can do so by clicking HERE.  The books can also be purchased from Amazon.com by clicking on the book covers, below.

Details about “The Maps of Bull Run”
Written by: Dr. Bradley Gottfried
Hardcover: 144 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: June 10, 2009
ISBN-10: 193271460X

I had an opportunity to speak with Dr. Gottfried on August 31, 2009.  The interview, like my previous interviews, is separated into several parts.  You can read the contents of each part, and listen to the interview below.

Dr. Bradley Gottfried Interview – 10 Parts
Total Time: 1 hour, 2 minutes, 50 seconds

Part 1: 

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Time: 3:51
Contents: Welcome and introduction | About Dr. Bradley Gottfried | Books by Gottfried

Part 2: 

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Time: 5:48
Contents: Discussion on “The Maps of Gettysburg” | Why write “The Maps of First Bull Run” | Dr. Gottfried’s grand mapping plan for the Eastern Theater

Part 3: 

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Time: 6:50
Contents: Battles in the Eastern Theater put in context | The importance of maps in Civil War narratives | Brad’s mentors | Significance of first hand accounts

Part 4: 

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Time: 6:51
Contents: Discussion on the design of “The Maps of First Bull Run” | How Dr. Gottfried came to make his own maps | Creating his own niche

Part 5: 

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Time: 6:12
Contents: Researching “The Maps of Bull Run”

Part 6: 

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Time: 6:31
Contents: Narrative or not a narrative? | Using quotes and primary source material

Part 7: 

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Time: 8:06
Contents: Using digital books for research | Preliminary movements and preparations for the Battle of First Bull Run

Part 8: 

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Time: 5:40
Contents: Magic numbers – constraint by design | The value of end notes | Skirmishes around Washington City and the Battle of Ball’s Bluff

Part 9: 

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Time: 7:00
Contents: What are you working on now? | What battle or campaign should be covered in the next map book?

Part 10: 

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Time: 6:01
Contents: Continued discussion on future books | Future generations will benefit from Dr. Gottfried’s map books | Kudo’s for Savas Beatie, LLC | Working with Ted Savas | Wrap up and closing

Check out other great Civil War titles by Bradley Gottfried

Details about “The Maps of Gettysburg”
Written by: Dr. Bradley Gottfried
Softcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: June 19, 2008
ISBN-10: 1932714359

Details about “The Artillery at Gettysburg”
Written by: Dr. Bradley Gottfried
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Cumberland House Publishing
Date of First Edition: February 1, 2008
ISBN-10: 1581826230

Details about “Kearney’s Own”
Written by: Dr. Bradley Gottfried
Hardcover:  320 pages
Publisher: Rutgers University Press
Date of First Edition: September 9, 2005
ISBN-10: 0813536618

Details about “Brigades of Gettysburg”
Written by: Dr. Bradley Gottfried
Hardcover: 704 pages
Publisher: Da Capo Press
Date of First Edition: December 24, 2002
ISBN-10: 0306811758

Details about “Roads to Gettysburg”
Written by: Dr. Bradley Gottfried
Hardcover: 300 pages
Publisher: White Mane Publishing Company
Date of First Edition: October 2002
ISBN-10: 1572492848

Details about “Stopping Pickett”
Written by: Dr. Bradley Gottfried
Hardcover: 270 pages
Publisher: White Mane Publishing Company
Date of First Edition: September 1999
ISBN-10: 1572491647

I have been a fan of Earl Hess’ books since reading “Pea Ridge: Civil War Campaign of the West,” co-written with William L. Shea, and released in 1997.  I read his other books on field fortifications, “Field Armies and Fortifications,” and “Trench Warfare Under Grant and Lee,” both of which are near the top of my favorite Civil War titles.  When I learned of Hess’ third book on field fortifications, “In the Trenches of Petersburg: Field Fortifications and Confederate Defeat,” I immediately reached out to Earl and asked for a review copy.  The University of North Carolina Press sent me the book in March.  It waited in my review queue, for some time, as it was not scheduled to be released until July 2009.  I started reading the book in early May, and finished it in several days – which has been the norm for me with all of Hess’ works.  Like his other books, “In the Trenches of Petersburg” is wonderfully written, well researched and easy to read.  With only a handful of Petersburg titles, in recent years, I was very excited to read this book.  I will say, it was worth the wait.

Very early in the book, Hess made an assertion that struck me.  In essence, Hess makes a strong case that the actions around Petersburg were not a traditional siege, but a series of nine offensive actions with some siege components.  With that theory well supported, Hess provides a tremendous amount of detail on the elaborate field fortifications that were built east, and south, of Petersburg, and north of the James River, facing Richmond.  These fortifications represent the most elaborate field works of any Civil War battlefield.  Not only does the author provide these elaborate details, he also provides extensive information on the construction of the fortifications, and what it was like for the soldiers living in the trenches.

Here are details of what you will find in the book.

• Chapters One and Two detail the formation of the engineering departments of the opposing armies, and how fortifications grew in importance throughout the Civil War – specifically with the start of US Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant’s Overland Campaign of 1864.
• Chapter Three details the initial three days of fighting, in June 1864, that started with Grant’s armies crossing the James River.  With only a small garrison, commanded by CSA General P.G.T. Beauregard, defending Petersburg, US Major Generals William F. “Baldy” Smith and Winfield S. Hancock had an opportunity to crush the garrison and capture Petersburg.  Unfortunately, due to uncoordinated assaults, this offensive is considered one of the biggest debacles Grant made during the Civil War.  Most scholars and historians believe that a successful assault would have cut CSA General Robert E. Lee’s vital supply lines, to the south, and ended the war months earlier.
• Chapter Four focuses on the “second offensive,” west of the Jerusalem Plank Road.  Hess does a fine job describing Lee’s responses to attacks on his right flank.  Additionally Hess discusses the preparations for the mine, that ultimately culminated in the Battle of the Crater.
• Chapters Five and Six provide details on the construction of field fortifications and life in the trenches for soldiers on both sides.  These chapters include many firsthand accounts from soldiers.  Hess’ use of new source material is very evident in these chapters, and other areas of the book.
• Chapter Seven details the “third offensive” on Lee’s left flank, north of the James River.  In this offensive Federal forces attacked at First Deep Bottom, attempting to push their way through the Confederate fortifications around Richmond.  Unsuccessful, they made a modest effort to erect fortifications to hold the ground they had gained.  Hess also provides a great analysis of the preparations for the final part of the “third offensive,” the Battle of the Crater, in this chapter.
• Chapter Eight focuses solely on the Battle of the Crater.  Hess provides wonderful detail about the attack, with many firsthand accounts that make it feel like you are watching the battle from both sides of the line.
• Chapter Nine is entitled “August.”  August 1864, like most other summer months in Virginia, was very hot.  The author details what it was like to live in the filth of the trenches, the diseases the soldiers suffered from and the many counter-mining operations that were occurring on both sides.
• Chapter Ten covers the “fourth offensive.”  Comprised of the battle of Second Deep Bottom, on the Union right, and the battles of Globe Tavern and Second Ream’s Station, on the Union left, it was a bitter disappointment for U.S. Grant.  The battle of Second Deep Bottom further confirmed that it would be very difficult to trick Robert E. Lee into fatally weakening one flank in order to support the other.  Globe Tavern, while very successful for US Major General Gouverneur K. Warren, was in itself insufficient to fulfill Grant’s goals of extending his left flank and securing the Weldon Railroad.  With Warren’s V Corps firmly entrenched at Globe Tavern, US Major General Winfield S. Hancock’s II Corps was soundly defeated, further south, at Ream’s Station.  While Warren still had a foothold on the Weldon Railroad, Grant’s objectives were not satisfied.
• Chapter Eleven is named, “September.”  Like its predecessor chapter, “August,” the chapter is self explanatory.  Hess provides significant detail about the construction of Federal and Confederate fortifications, mining activities and life in the trenches.  Again, the author provides vivid descriptions of the construction of trenches and the daily life of the soldiers.
• Chapter Twelve covers the “fifth offensive” which included attacks on both of Lee’s flanks.  During this offensive, Meade’s Army of the Potomac was able to lengthen its lines and build new forts on the southern flank.  Additionally, gains were made to strengthen Federal defenses north of the James River.
• Chapter Thirteen deals with fortifications and the “sixth offensive,” the battle of Burgess’s Mill and activities of US Major General Benjamin F. Butler, north of the James River.
• Chapters Fourteen and Fifteen cover the late fall and winter months.  Again, Hess provides a great amount of detail into the soldiers’ activities in the trenches.
• Chapter Sixteen includes the actions of the “seventh offensive.”  Included in this chapter are details of the Battle of Hatcher’s Run – a strategically important action for Federal fortunes, allowing the lengthening of the Federal lines southwest of Petersburg.
• Chapter Eighteen is about the “eighth offensive,” starting with the Confederate’s desperate attack on Fort Stedman and the Federal army’s recapture of this important section of line.  If the Confederates had been successful, they had planned to move into City Point, Grant’s headquarters.  Hess further details Grant’s offensive operations culminating in the battles of Dinwiddie Court House and the disastrous Confederate defeat at Five Forks.
• Chapter Nineteen details the “ninth offensive,” the successful penetration of the Confederate lines and investment of Petersburg, and Richmond.
• Chapter Twenty is a fabulous conclusion to the offensive actions of Petersburg.  In this chapter, Hess bolsters his assessment that the actions around Petersburg were not a traditional siege.  Additionally he provides a detailed analysis of the necessity of trench warfare, starting with the Overland Campaign and culminating with the actions at Petersburg.  His conclusion, that the fortifications were necessary due to Grant’s tactical operations of “constant contact” is brilliant and will surely make many Civil War buffs, and scholars, reevaluate their old theories.

I highly recommend this book for any serious student of the American Civil War.  It is entertaining and enlightening. 

Details about “In the Trenches of Petersburg”
Written by: Earl J. Hess
Hardcover: 480 pages
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
Date of First Edition: June 22, 2009
ISBN-10: 0807832820

I had the pleasure to interview Mr. Hess on June 22, 2009.  The interview, like my previous interviews, is broke into several parts.  You can read the contents of each part, and listen to the interview below.

Earl J. Hess Interview – 11 Parts*
Total Time: 1 hour, 11 minutes, 52 seconds
*Please note that there were some technical difficulties with this audio interview.  Some of Earl Hess’ audio is not as loud as others.  You may need to adjust the volume to suit your needs.

Part 1: 

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Time: 8:03
Contents: Welcome | When did Earl become interested in field fortifications? | What sparked your interest in the Civil War | Why no full length analysis of Peterburg’s fortifications? | Seamless integration of technical study on fortifications and how they impacted the soldiers

Part 2: 

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Time: 6:30
Contents: Difficulties of researching “In the Trenches of Petersburg” | Discussion on the maps in the book | Petersburg not a siege but a series of offensive operations

Part 3: 

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Time: 7:15
Contents: Why did Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia abandoned much of the Dimmock Line? | The use of the Hagood Line | Hess’ assessment of the Federal prospects on June 15–16, 1864 | CSA General P.G.T. Beauregard’s actions often overlooked

Part 4: 

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Time: 8:27
Contents: Federal mining operations | Confederate counter-mining operations | Burnside’s choice of division commanders for the Battle of the Crater | Ledlie’s actions during the Battle of the Crater | Conditions in the trenches | Federal health care vs. Confederate health care

Part 5: 

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Time: 8:00
Contents: Photographs of the trenches included in the book | The “fourth offensive” | US Major General Gouverneur K. Warren’s actions at Globe Tavern often overlooked | US Major General Winfield S. Hancock at Second Ream’s Station

Part 6: 

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Time: 7:30
Contents: Differences between the Federal and Confederate fortifications | Confederate shaft to Dr. Duval’s house

Part 7: 

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Time: 4:48
Contents: The field works north of the James River | Confederate soldier shortages on the line

Part 8: 

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Time: 6:38
Contents: Ulysses S. Grant’s “Throttling Plan” | The “seventh offensive” and the strategic importance of the Battle of Hatcher’s Run

Part 9: 

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Time: 5:44
Contents: Dr. Roderick Davidson’s Artis Avis | The testing of the “squirter”

Part 10: 

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Time: 3:46
Contents: The strategic importance of the Battle of Five Forks during the “eighth offensive” | The loss of A.P. Hill and the Confederacy’s fading fortunes

Part 11: 

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Time: 5:11
Contents: Discussion on the conclusion of “In the Trenches of Petersburg” | Grant’s tactical plan of “constant contact” | Upcoming works from Earl Hess | Wrap up

Check out other great Civil War titles by Earl J. Hess

Details about “Pea Ridge: Civil War Campaign in the West”
Written by: Earl J. Hess and William L. Shea
Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
Date of First Edition: August 6, 1997
ISBN-10: 0807846694

Details about “Lee’s Tar Heels”
Written by: Earl J. Hess
Hardcover: 456 pages
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
Date of First Edition: December 4, 2001
ISBN-10: 0807826871

Details about “The Union Soldier in Battle”
Written by: Earl J. Hess
Paperback: 236 pages
Publisher: University Press of Kansas
Date of First Edition: September 13, 2005
ISBN-10: 0700614214

Details about “Banners to the Breeze: The Kentucky Campaign, Corinth, and Stones River”
Written by: Earl J. Hess
Hardcover: 253 pages
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press
Date of First Edition: February 1, 2000
ISBN-10: 0803223803

Details about “Pickett’s Charge: The Last Attack at Gettysburg”
Written by: Earl J. Hess
Hardcover: 516 pages
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
Date of First Edition: October 31, 2000
ISBN-10: 0807826480

Details about “Field Armies and Fortifications in the Civil War”
Written by: Earl J. Hess
Hardcover: 464 pages
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
Date of First Edition: April 6, 2005
ISBN-10: 0807829315

Details about “Trench Warfare Under Grant and Lee”
Written by: Earl J. Hess
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
Date of First Edition: September 5, 2007
ISBN-10: 0807831549

Details about “The Rifle Musket in Civil War Combat”
Written by: Earl J. Hess
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: University Press of Kansas
Date of First Edition: September 9, 2008
ISBN-10: 0700616071

When I recently read about a new book on US Major General Daniel E. Sickles, that Savas Beatie, LLC. was publishing, my interest immediately sparked.  Like many of my readers, I have read a significant amount about Dan Sickles, but only as it pertained to larger battle narratives.  Searching Amazon.com, for titles on Sickles, there were few to choose from.  While there have been a couple of Sickles biographies over the past couple of decades, they are few, and far between.  Since I hadn’t read any of the other biographies, I contacted Sarah Keeney, at Savas Beatie, to request an advanced copy.  While I have about a dozen books, in my queue, awaiting review, I was anxious to get my copy, and start dissecting it.  Written by James “Jim” A. Hessler, a licensed Gettysburg Battlefield guide, it is his first full length book.  Doing a quick Google search on Mr. Hessler, I found several videos of him at one of my favorite blogs – Gettysburg Daily.  After watching these videos, I quickly understood that Jim has an authoritative knowledge base on Sickles, and the Battle of Gettysburg.  Sarah also stated that Jim would be pleased to let me interview him.

Starting the book, I realized that this was not going to be a “Pro Sickles” biography, but a balanced study of his life.  A life, that had its share of controversies: the murder of Philip Barton Key, back-room maneuvering for promotion in the Army of the Potomac, his abandonment of Little Round Top at Gettysburg , his wounding, his efforts to regain command of the III Corps, and his participation in the hearings of the Joint Congressional Committee on the Conduct of the War – the list goes on, and on.  In the first chapter, I came upon a quote from George Templeton Strong, that I believed set the tone for the entire book, “(Sickles belonged) to the filthy sediment of the [law] profession, and lying somewhere in the lower strata.  Perhaps better to say that he’s one of the bigger bubbles of the scum of the profession, swollen and windy, and puffed with a fetid gas.”(i)  OK, so I was hooked.

For the next several chapters, Hessler reeled me in.  He does not spend a great deal of time detailing his early life but jumps right into Sickles activities recruiting what would be the Excelsior Brigade, in chapter two, “The Making of a First Class Soldier.”  Chapters two, and three, deal with his back-room politicking to obtain a brigadier generalship, which was initially not confirmed by the US Senate, his actions in his first battle at Fair Oaks (Seven Pines), his leapfrog style promotion to division command, dissension in the high command of the Army of the Potomac and his command at the Battle of Chancellorsville – a brave, but less than stellar performance where he claimed CSA General Robert E. Lee was retreating, when in fact CSA Lieutenant General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson was making his legendary flank march which would annihilate US Major General Oliver O. Howard’s right flank – which would lead to US Major General Joe Hooker’s terrible defeat.

Chapters four, through twelve, cover his promotion to command of the III Corps (after only fighting in two battles!), his command decisions at Gettysburg and finally his wounding at the Trostle Farm.  These chapters represent the “meat” of the book – his controversial decision to place his corps nearly a mile in front of the Federal line at Gettysburg, in an effort to protect his flank.  In my interview with Mr. Hessler, he offered his learned opinion that this move may have been attributable to Sickles’ concern that his flank would be rolled up, as Howard’s was at Chancellorsville.  The author provides a great amount of detail, in these chapters, about the tactical placement of troops, troop movements and the actual fighting that took place in areas of the Gettysburg battlefield that will forever be burned into our memory: The Wheatfield, The Peach Orchard and Devil’s Den.  This makes for some exciting reading that draws the reader into Sickles’ reasoning, and state-of-mind.  It is very well bolstered by first hand accounts.  As Hessler quickly pointed out, in our interview, he wanted to “get out of the way,” and let the soldiers tell what happened on that fateful day, in early July 1863.  In much of the narrative of the battle, the author provides differing battlefield accounts, that cannot be reconciled, advising the reader to make their own judgments on what actually took place.  This is especially the case with the wounding of Sickles, and the story that has since be perpetuated by historians of Sickles asking for a cigar, and being readily visible to his soldiers as he is carried to the rear.  Again, Hessler provides several firsthand accounts, that cannot easily be reconciled, allowing the reader to decide what is fact, and what may be fiction.

Chapters thirteen, and fourteen, dive into Sickles maneuvering to regain command of the III Corps, or any other position, “….appropriate to my rank and in a position where I can Communicate easily with influential people who will be in Washington this year…”(ii)  This was part of a letter written to Abraham Lincoln regarding the rumor of an opportunity for him to command the garrison protecting Washington City.  As detailed in these chapters, the command would not materialize and he would be pulled into the hearings of the Joint Congressional Committee on the Conduct of the War.

The remaining four chapters cover Sickles postwar efforts to regain his reputation, his efforts to preserve battlefields – especially Gettysburg, his return to Congress and his twilight years.

“Sickles at Gettysburg” provides a fresh, unbiased evaluation of Major General Daniel E. Sickles.  With much new material, and a fluid prose, Hessler has written the definitive work on this controversial figure in American politics, and military history.  I highly recommend this book to any serious student of the American Civil War.  I am confident that you will enjoy reading it as much as I have.

On the morning of July 3, 2009, I had the pleasure to interview Mr. Hessler.  Unlike my other interviews, which have always been done by phone, this interview was recorded live, at the Trostle Farm, where Sickles had his III Corps headquarters, on July 2.  Originally, one of two sites recommend by Jim, the other being the Peach Orchard – both of which Jim states, “…ARE Sickles to me.”  I am pleased that he chose the Trostle Farm, as this is the site of his wounding.  Plus, it set the mood for a wonderful conversation on Dan Sickles.  Listeners will quickly note that horses can be heard throughout the interview, and at times wind can be heard blowing past my digital recorder.  This does not detract from the quality of the recording, but creates a certain ambiance that can be felt by the listener.  I invite you to take time to listen to all twelve parts of the interview. 

Details about “Sickles at Gettysburg”
Written by: James A. Hessler
Hardcover: 432 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC.
Date of First Edition: June 29, 2009
ISBN-10: 1932714642

James A. Hessler Interview – 12 Parts
Total Time: 1 hour, 14 minutes, 12 seconds

Part 1: 

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Time: 7:12
Contents:  Welcome | About Jim Hessler | How Jim became interested in the Civil War | Mentors that influenced Jim’s interest in the Civil War | What styles of Civil War authorship Jim likes | Why write about Daniel E. Sickles?

Part 2: 

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Time: 5:56
Contents:  “Sickles at Gettysburg” – fair and balanced | Recruiting the Excelsior Brigade and the use of “political generals” | Sickles’ troops and their loyalty to him

Part 3: 

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Time: 5:21
Contents:  Sickles’ use of political maneuvering | Sickles’ lack of battlefield experience | Leapfrog promotions for Sickles | Sickles’ ability to navigate around adversity

Part 4: 

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Time: 7:11
Contents:  Animosity in the upper command of the Army of the Potomac | Sickles at Chancellorsville | George Gordon Meade’s promotion to command of the Army of the Potomac | Conflicting orders on the approach to Gettysburg

Part 5: 

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Time: 6:17
Contents: III Corps approach to Gettysburg | Sickles and David Birney at Gettysburg | Political infighting within the Army of the Potomac | Firsthand accounts from the ranks | Researching “Sickles at Gettysburg”

Part 6: 

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Time: 5:58
Contents:  Sickles’ decision making at Gettysburg | Confusion with Meade’s commands on troop placements | Henry Hunt’s impact on the positioning of the III Corps | Hunt’s second analysis of Sickles’ position

Part 7: 

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Time: 5:53
Contents:  Birney’s decision to send troops to Plum Run Valley | Lack of troops to effectively hold the III Corps line | Reinforcements from the II and V Corps | Longstreet’s defective tactical attack | Lack of coordinated command structure throughout Sickles’ lines

Part 8: 

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Time: 6:51
Contents:  The ultimate blame is with Dan Sickles | The buck stops with Meade | Sickles’ confusion with Geary’s divisional placement | The salient at the Peach Orchard – was it the primary cause of the III Corps collapse? | Birney’s division placement causes concern for CSA Major General John Bell Hood

Part 9: 

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Time: 6:57
Contents:  Sickles’ wounding and the truth about the “Cigar” | Modern day accounts of Sickles’ wounding – let the reader decide | Sickles chumming with Abraham Lincoln

Part 10: 

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Time: 5:37
Contents:  Did Meade want to court martial Sickles for his performance at Gettysburg? | The Second Battle of Gettysburg | Cemetery Hill – who chose the line? | “The Circus” - the hearing of the Joint Congressional Committee on the Conduct of the War

Part 11: 

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Time: 5:32
Contents:  Sickles’ efforts to preserve Gettysburg and other battlefields | Gettysburg – Sickles’ legacy? | The long-term legacy of Daniel E. Sickles | Hessler’s hope for his book

Part 12: 

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Time: 5:27
Contents:  Will Sickles’ reputation ever be revived? | Hessler’s future plans | Wrap up and closing

Check out other great Civil War titles from Savas Beatie, LLC.

Details about “Major General Robert E. Rodes”
Written by: Darrell L. Collins
Hardcover: 524 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC.
Date of First Edition: July 7, 2008
ISBN-10: 193271409X

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Written by: Lance J. Herdegen
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC.
Date of First Edition: October 2008
ISBN-10: 1932714480

Details about “The Complete Gettysburg Guide”
Written by: J. David Petruzzi with maps by Steven Stanley
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC.
Date of First Edition: June 1, 2009
ISBN-10: 1932714634

Details about “One Continuous Fight ”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg, J. David Petruzzi and Michael F. Nugent
Hardcover: 456 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC.
Date of First Edition: June 2008
ISBN-10: 193271443X

Details about “Plenty of Blame to Go Around ”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg and J. David Petruzzi
Hardcover: 576 pages
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Details about “The New Civil War Handbook”
Written by: Mark Hughes
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Details about “The Maps of First Bull Run”
Written by: Bradley M. Gottfried
Hardcover: 144 pages
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Date of First Edition: June 10, 2009
ISBN-10: 193271460X

Details about “The Maps of Gettysburg”
Written by: Bradley M. Gottfried
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC.
Date of First Edition: June 19, 2008
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All these Savas Beatie, LLC. titles can be purchased directly from the publisher, by clicking here. 

(i) Hessler, James A., Sickles at Gettysburg: The Controversial General Who Committed Murder, Abandoned Little Round Top, and Declared Himself the Hero of Gettysburg, published by Savas Beatie, LLC. in 2009, Pg 7.
(ii) Hessler, James A., Sickles at Gettysburg: The Controversial General Who Committed Murder, Abandoned Little Round Top, and Declared Himself the Hero of Gettysburg, published by Savas Beatie, LLC. in 2009, Pg 259.

Earlier this week, I was in Gettysburg.  As my frequent readers may recall, I reviewed J. David Petruzzi’s newest book, “The Complete Gettysburg Guide,” on June 1. (click here for the review and an interview with JD)  Deciding that any good review includes a “test drive,” I decided to take JD’s book with me.  It should be noted, that anytime I visit a battlefield, I try to have a game plan ahead of time.  I spent about thirty minutes, with the “Complete Guide,” before I arrived at the battlefield.  I’m glad I spent time doing this, as I was quite focused on what I wanted to see while I was there.  Since I knew Gettysburg would be extremely busy, during the 146th anniversary week, I planned on visiting some lesser traveled areas of the battlefield.

1. Marsh Creek
2. Barlow’s Knoll
3. Coster Avenue and the Brickyard Fight
4. Spangler Springs/Culp’s Hill
5. Sedgwick Avenue

My first stop was at Marsh Creek, which is where the 26th Pennsylvania Emergency Militia battled CSA Brigadier General John B. Gordon’s detachment on June 26.  This was the opening phase of Gettysburg, before the Army of the Potomac arrived, and was part of Gordon’s Expedition to Wrightsville.  Using the driving directions, and reading the text of the “Tour of Marsh Creek” chapter, I found it easy to find the monument for the 26th Pennsylvania Emergency Militia.  I enjoyed reading JD’s narrative of the actions that took place here.  Heading back to Gettysburg, I found the statue for the 26th with no problem.

Next, I skipped ahead to the “Tour of the First Day of the Battle of Gettysburg” chapter.  Thumbing ahead to page 44, I read about the fighting at Barlow’s Knoll.  While I have been a student of Gettysburg, for a very long time, I went ahead and read through the narrative on this portion of the battle.  Since I had read the book, before my interview with Petruzzi, I knew what I wanted to look for at Barlow’s Knoll.  But I was pleasantly surprised, while reading the section on Barlow’s Knoll, that I felt much more connected with the fighting that took place there, which is an often overlooked portion of the first day’s fighting.  Standing near the Old Almshouse Cemetery, which is on high ground, I really appreciated the maps that cartographer, Steve Stanley, produced for the book.  You can easily visualize the troop movements of Brigadier Generals Doles and Gordon, and the hard fight that Barlow’s division encountered here, along Rock Creek.  To wrap up my visit to Barlow’s Knoll, I walked over to the flagpole where the 17th Connecticut fought.  While there was no flag flying, I experienced a new appreciation for the devotion the 17th Connecticut had, for their lost comrades, when they dedicated this flagpole.

From Barlow’s Knoll, I followed JD’s directions to the Brickyard, at Coster Avenue.  Considering myself somewhat of a veteran Gettysburg battlefield wanderer, when I first read the book, I was surprised to learn about the fighting here.  This fighting is seldom mentioned in narratives on the battle.  Following the directions provided in the book, I drove right to Coster Avenue (it should be noted that Coster Avenue is not listed in a Garmin GPS – it is, however, easy to find by following the directions).  While there are only two monuments here, I again felt very close to the men that fought at the Brickyard.  Perhaps it was because of Steve Stanley’s detailed map!  This small section of the battlefield is owned by the National Park Service, and if you search hard, you can find it on their map.  During the 30 minutes or so, that I was there, no other tourists visited.  This is amazing as Gettysburg was very busy.  It was quite peaceful, and the mural of the fight is amazing.

Leaving the Brickyard, I ventured into the heavy traffic of the main battlefield.  One of the things that I really looked forward to was searching for some of the rock carvings.  I decided to search for Captain David Acheson’s temporary headstone, at the John T. Weikert Farm.  The Weikert Farm is on Wheatfield Road.  While the area was very busy, I was the only person at the Weikert Farm.  Using my Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS, I was disappointed that I could not find the headstone.  After checking the coordinate defaults, I realized that I did not have it set up correctly.  Once I changed the GPS settings, I walked right to the headstone.  Taking some pictures, I headed for the “carved initials” near the 93d Pennsylvania Infantry monument.  After entering the coordinates, provided in the book, I walked right to the rock with the initials on it.  Talk about feeling close to the action!  These were carved by soldiers on the battlefield….  On my way back to the car, I encountered another battlefield wanderer carrying JD’s book.  He did not have a GPS, so I pointed him to the Acheson headstone.  This was one of many occasions, while I was at Gettysburg, that I encountered someone referring to “The Complete Gettysburg Guide.”

From there, I headed to Sedgwick Avenue.  While not detailed in “The Complete Gettysburg Guide,” this little traveled road had many monuments.  I took pictures of all of them, as I inevitably will write blog articles on the regiments from the VI Corps, and III Corps, that were positioned there.

My journey to Gettysburg finished with a trip to Spangler Springs/Culp’s Hill.  Once again, I used my GPS to find rock carvings in this area.  When I interviewed Petruzzi, we spoke at length about the rock carvings, and his use of GPS coordinates.  He had mentioned that he envisioned these being used as a modern treasure hunt.  I have to agree with him.  While the coordinates get you very close to the carvings, you still have to search.  Many of the carvings will have weeds, or brush, grown up around them.  This made it fun.  You find the area that JD provides coordinate for, and then you have to search for the rock that holds the carving.  With so many boulders, and rocks, strewn throughout Gettysburg, this is not always as easy as you might expect.

In closing, this book is the definitive guide to the Gettysburg National Battlefield, making its name, “The Complete Gettysburg Guide,” very appropriate.  If you are planning a trip to Gettysburg, anytime in the future, make sure you either purchase the book there, or preferably before you leave home.  Undoubtedly, if you follow the entire guide, you will need several days to see Gettysburg Battlefield – but it will be worth it!  If you are going for a shorter visit, having the book ahead of time will allow you to plan your visit, making it that more more enjoyable.

Thanks JD, and Steve, for such a great book!

Details about “The Complete Gettysburg Guide”
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC.
Date of First Edition: June 1, 2009
ISBN-10: 1932714634