During my short visit, I was able to stop by the Iron Brigade monuments along McPherson Ridge and the Unfinished Railroad Cut (2d Wisconsin, 6th Wisconsin, 7th Wisconsin and 24th Michigan Volunteer Infantry regiments). I also stopped by some of regimental monuments I have been missing in my monument collection: 3d West Virginia Volunteer Cavalry, 9th Massachusetts Battery, 150th New York Volunteer Infantry, 61st New York Volunteer Infantry, 145th New York Volunteer Infantry, 3d Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry and the 6th Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry (Rush’s Lancers). I also visited Gouveneur Kemble Warren’s Little Round Top monument at sunset and Samuel Wylie Crawford’s monument. For me, no trip to Gettysburg is complete without visiting the New York regiments’ (63d, 69th and 88th Volunteers) Irish Brigade monument near the Wheatfield, which was one of my last stops. This Celtic Cross monument is one of my favorites. All told, it was a productive Gettysburg trip, albeit a short one. To view my short photo essay from this trip, click on my link, below.

Mike’s May 2011 Gettysburg National Military Park photo essay

To see all of my recent pictures from Gettysburg National Military Park, click on the following link:

Mike’s Gettysburg National Military Park photo collection

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• Published after World War II (as with Eric and LaFantasie, this removes many notable narratives from my list)
• No biographies
• No narratives from participants of the battles
• No multi-volume works or series

I have modified my criteria to include multi-volume narratives and one notable book from a participant. In addition, as I am a HUGE fan of biographies, I have included a smaller list of biographies separate of the narrative list. Also, unlike Eric and Professor LaFantasie, I have limited my list to include only books that I would consider to be tactical studies of the battle or campaign. This eliminates several books that most Civil War students would add to their top 12 lists: A Stillness at Appomattox by Bruce Catton, Battle Cry of Freedom by James M. McPherson and The American Heritage Picture History of the Civil War, also by Bruce Catton.

While I found it pretty easy to pick out my top 12 battle/campaign narratives, I must say it was much more difficult to put them in rank order. Obviously this is very subjective and I’m certain this order would change slightly if I were to rank them three months from now.

12. Perryville: This Grand Havoc of Battle, by: Kenneth W. Noe – The Battle of Perryville was inevitably one of the most ill-conceived battles that CSA General Braxton Bragg fought. Instead of leading a victorious army to the Ohio River, Bragg would be forced to retreat into central Tennessee. Often the lack of water, caused by the summer and fall drought of 1862, is listed as the impetus for this battle, it probably lies more with faulty intelligence. Bragg believed he was facing a much smaller force than he actually faced. Noe is an excellent story teller and his research of this battle is impeccable. This book is well worth its cost and was recently released in paperback. I interviewed Ken Noe in July 2010 about his newest release, “Reluctant Rebels.” Portions of the interview discussed “Perryville.” To listen to my interview click HERE.

11. For Cause & For Country: A Study of the Affair at Spring Hill & the Battle of Franklin, by: Eric A. Jacobson and Richard A. Rupp – The Affair at Spring Hill and Battle of Franklin have always been two of my favorite engagements in the Western Theater. Eric does a wonderful job portraying the intense fighting at Franklin and Hood’s lost opportunities at Spring Hill. This is a must read for anyone that is interested in the Confederate Army of Tennessee or John Bell Hood.

10. Plenty of Blame to Go Around: Jeb Stuart’s Controversial Ride to Gettysburg, by: Eric J. Wittenberg and J. David Petruzzi – I have studied the Battle of Gettysburg for years. There is a plethora of studies on this battle – so many that I may publish a separate article on my favorites. One thing that has been missing over the years, however, is a study of the Confederate cavalry actions during the Gettysburg Campaign. Published in 2006, by the excellent press Savas Beatie LLC, “Plenty of Blame to Go Around” fills the void on Confederate cavalry actions during the campaign. Wittenberg, considered an expert on Civil War cavalry, partnered with J. David Petruzzi, an expert on the Gettysburg Campaign, to write this detailed analysis. This book is so well written that an experienced Wittenberg reader, such as myself, has difficulty determining which author is writing, when. As always, Savas Beatie published a great book that will last through the generations. If you are a cavalry aficionado, this book needs to be in your library.

9. The Louisiana Tigers in the Gettysburg Campaign: June – July 1863, by: Scott L. Mingus, Sr. – As a student of individual brigades and regiments of the Civil War, I always appreciate histories of individual fighting units. This book provides an operational analysis of the Louisiana Tigers (5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th Louisiana infantry regiments) which was commanded by Brigadier General Harry T. Hays during the Gettysburg Campaign. Mingus’ vivid prose jumps off the pages while they quickly go by. The author is able to capture the actions of individual soldiers while tightly weaving the narrative into the larger structural analysis that encompasses the Gettysburg Campaign – a tall order indeed. This book details the fighting along Cemetery Ridge on July 2 and 3, 1863 – a brutal clash that is often skimmed over by other Gettysburg studies. If you enjoy reading about Gettysburg, your library is not complete without this great book. I interviewed Scott Mingus in March 2010 about “The Louisiana Tigers.” To listen to my interview click HERE.

8. Taken at the Flood: Robert E. Lee and Confederate Strategy in the Maryland Campaign of 1862, by: Joseph L. Harsh – Dr. Joseph L. Harsh is one of the foremost experts on the Maryland Campaign of 1862, which included the Battle of Antietam. Grab any modern narrative on this brutal campaign, and look at the notes and bibliography. Without a doubt, Harsh’s “Taken at the Flood” is one of the secondary sources cited. This is, without a doubt, one of the best battle narratives written – on any campaign. It is a must have for any serious student of the Civil War. Sadly, the Civil War community lost a legend when Dr. Harsh passed away in September 2010.

7. This Terrible Sound: The Battle of Chickamauga, by Peter Cozzens – With the exception of Gettysburg, Chickamauga National Battlefield is the battlefield that I have visited most often. It is wonderfully preserved and still has a remoteness about it that takes one back in time. The battle itself is very complex and can be difficult to interpret while tromping the battlefield. My first couple of visits were made before I read Cozzen’s narrative on the battle. Today, I never leave for Chickamauga without this book. It is, without a doubt, the best book written on this sanguinary fight and deserves to be on my top 12 list.

6. From Winchester to Cedar Creek: The Shenandoah Campaign of 1864, by: Jeffry D. Wert – Historian Jeffry Wert is well known in the Civil War community. He has written extensively for Civil War periodicals and has written no less than nine books on the war. I have always admired the gutsy leadership of US Major General Philip Sheridan during the 1864 Shenandoah Valley Campaign. After nearly reaching Washington City, during the summer of 1864, CSA Lieutenant General Jubal A. Early’s Army of the Valley posed a continuing threat to the north. Wert’s exceptional narrative takes the reader on a detailed journey through Sheridan’s pursuit of Early in the Shenandoah Valley and its near annihilation at the Battle of Cedar Creek.

5. Pea Ridge: Civil War Campaign in the West, by: William L. Shea and Earl J. Hess – Pea Ridge National Battlefield is one of two fields of battle that I consider my “home” battlefields. Situated in northwest Arkansas, Pea Ridge also is known for a wayside tavern located on the battlefield: Elkhorn Tavern. In March of 1862, US Major General Samuel R. Curtis invaded northwest Arkansas to attack the Confederate forces of Major General Earl Van Dorn. The battle was a decisive victory for the United States and would mark the high point in Curtis’ brilliant career. Shea and Hess’ “Pea Ridge” is the definitive study on this battle and is an extremely fast paced book. Their tactical narrative is second to none and their extensive research pays off in a book that is enjoyable to read and overflowing with detail.

4. Valley Thunder: The Battle of New Market and the Opening of the Shenandoah Campaign, May 1864, by: Charles R. Knight. I had limited knowledge of the Battle of New Market before reading Mr. Knight’s first book. Unfortunately it has often been overshadowed by US Major General Phil Sheridan’s decisive Shenandoah Campaign later in 1864. Most notable as the battle that pitted VMI cadets against US Major General Franz Sigel’s Federal forces, it is much more than that. Knight adroitly leads the reader through a battle that terrain played a decisive role in. The imagery the author’s prose paints allows the reader to feel they are taking part in the battle. Knight, who previously worked as a historical interpreter at New Market, uncovered significant amounts of previously unused primary source material for “Valley Thunder.” William C. Davis, author of the well respected “The Battle of New Market” (1983) wrote the foreword for Knight’s book and proclaimed, “Valley Thunder surely takes its place now among the dozen finest and most complete accounts of any Civil War action…” If you have an interest in superb tactical analyses, this narrative deserves a place in your Civil War library. I interviewed Charlie Knight in June 2010 about “Valley Thunder.” To listen to my interview click HERE.

3. The Maryland Campaign of September 1862, Volume 1: South Mountain, by: Ezra Carman edited by: Thomas G. Clemens – Here I deviate from Professor LaFantasie and Wittenberg. Colonel Ezra Carman, of the 13th New Jersey Infantry, wrote one of the most exhaustive studies of the Maryland Campaign. Encompassing years of research and interviews with participants in the campaign, Carman’s unpublished manuscript has been used for decades by historians writing about the campaign. A quick glance through the notes and bibliography of Harsh’s landmark “Taken at the Flood,” (number 8 on this list) reveals countless references to Carman’s work. While Carman’s manuscript reveals his political leanings and potentially jaded criticism of US Major General George B. McClellan, this deficiency is more than overcome by his knowledge and research of the armies’ movements. This is all well and good, but what makes this work superb enough to be on my top 12 list? The footnoting of editor Tom Clemens. Sometimes I am guilty of not reading all of the footnotes. Not so with this book – I devoured all of them. Often Clemens’ candidness would leave me laughing. More often amazed at the depth of his research. If the reader skips the footnotes they are missing what makes this work so phenomenal - Clemens’ extensive research and knowledge of the Maryland Campaign. Kudos also have to go to Savas Beatie LLC. The work in publishing a book is significantly compounded by including all of the footnotes on the page that references them. By taking the extra time, Ted Savas made this book easier and more enjoyable to read. It is well worth the cost. I for one am looking forward to Clemens’ forthcoming analysis of Carman’s manuscript on the Battle of Antietam. I interviewed Dr. Clemens in August 2010 about “The Maryland Campaign of September 1862.” To listen to my interview click HERE.

2. Return to Bull Run: The Campaign and Battle of Second Manassas, by: John J. Hennessy – The Second Battle of Manassas was one of the most devastating defeats for the United States during 1862 – a year that witnessed the Peninsula Campaign, the Seven Days and the Battle of Fredericksburg. When Abraham Lincoln brought US Major General John Pope east, to command the recently created Army of Virginia, he envisioned two Federal armies, operating as a regional juggernaut, ultimately crushing CSA General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia. This would require cooperation between the commanding generals of each army if victory was to be achieved. Lincoln did not anticipate the bickering and jealousies that would characterize the relationship between Pope and Major General George B. McClellan, commander of the Army of the Potomac. Historian John Hennessy’s narrative on the Second Manassas Campaign is without a doubt the defining work on the campaign.

1) The Overland Series, by: Gordon C. Rhea which includes The Battle of the Wilderness, May 5-6, 1864, The Battles for Spotsylvania Court House and the Road to Yellow Tavern, May 7-12, 1864, To the North Anna River: Grant and Lee, May 13-25, 1864 and Cold Harbor: Grant and Lee, May 26 – June 3, 1864. Again, I have charted a different course than Wittenberg and LaFantasie. They chose not to include any multi-part series which left out Gordon Rhea whose series on Ulysses S. Grant’s Overland Campaign is by far the best tactical analysis I’ve ever read. What struck me most about this author’s work is how easy they were to read, while being extremely complex in details. Each book in the series stands well by itself, but when taken cumulatively they are absolutely masterful. Comprising nearly 2,100 pages it is the definitive work on the “knock ‘em out” pile driver offensive of General Grant. Rhea provides criticism where appropriate and takes no prisoners in this epic work. I personally look forward to his next book on the final movement of the armies to Petersburg, Virginia.

While I enjoy reading battle narratives more than any other type of book, I would be remiss if I did not mention a few notable biographies that stand out amongst my Civil War titles. The best of these, in my humble opinion, offer detailed historical information on the subject plus well thought out analyses of the leadership of the individual on the battlefield. Additionally, they must be as balanced as possible. Here are my top five Civil War biographies:

5. Grant: A Biography, by: William S. McFeely – This book was the winner of the 1982 Pulitzer Prize for biographies and autobiographies. McFeely does a superb job detailing the life of Hiram Ulysses Grant – better known as Ulysses S. Grant. The book is easy to read and moves at a quick pace. McFeely is critical of many of Grant’s decisions, particularly during his presidency. While Grant’s legacy has improved over the past two decades, I’m certain this book will continue to be the superlative work on our 18th president.

4. Breckinridge: Statesman, Soldier, Symbol, by William C. Davis – Only one general on either side of the American Civil War could claim the honor of being vice president of the United States: John C. Breckinridge. Noted historian, William C. Davis brings this seminal statesman, and soldier, to life in this brilliant study on the Kentuckian. As with all of Davis’ work, it is extremely well researched and interesting to read. Recently re-released by the University Press of Kentucky, it is a massive volume spanning over 700 pages.

3. Stonewall Jackson: The Man, The Soldier, The Legend, by: James I. Robertson, Jr. – Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson is a legend. All one has to do is drive the roads of Northern Virginia to see the reverence his name holds. Roads, shopping centers and monuments dot the countryside paying homage to his name. Robertson’s work takes a pro-southern stance and while it is obvious that Robertson enjoyed writing about him, his biography is very solid. This book is inevitably on many bookshelves throughout the south, but anyone with an interest in the great “Stonewall” should read Robertson’s book.

2. Sickles at Gettysburg: The Controversial Civil War General Who Committed Murder, Abandoned Little Round Top, and Declared Himself the Hero of Gettysburg, by: James A. Hessler. For any serious student of the American Civil War the mere mention of Daniel E. Sickles will inevitably conjure up what most historians have written for years – that Sickles was a scoundrel and murderer. Jim Hessler’s book, “Sickles at Gettysburg,” may not change one’s ultimate opinion of the man, but it provides an extremely well balanced look at the controversial man. Few of his era ever questioned his bravery. Most would probably state he was a political general with no business as a high ranking officer in the U.S. Army. The first statement is true. He won promotions mostly partly due to his political connections. The second part of the statement may not be as clear cut. Did Sickles possess a tactical understanding of leading men into battle? Did he keep his cool when leading his men? Did his personal presence on the battlefield inspire his men to fight? Did he operate with alacrity when the situation called for it? Hessler’s well written biography offers the readers a true opportunity to assess Sickles strengths and weaknesses. It is certainly not a “pro-Sickles” biography. Before you answer the questions I have posed, I highly recommend you read “Sickles at Gettysburg.” This is a book I truly enjoyed reading. I interviewed Jim Hessler in July 2009 about “Sickles at Gettysburg.” To listen to my interview click HERE.

1. Major General Robert E. Rodes of the Army of Northern Virginia: A Biography, by: Darrell L. Collins – Once in a great while a biography comes along that provides a “fresh look” at a Civil War officer. Darrell Collins’ recent release, “Major General Robert E. Rodes of the Army of Northern Virginia,” is just such a book. Not only is it a “fresh look,” it is the first biography written on Rodes. Rodes, a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), would rise in rank from colonel of the 5th Alabama Infantry to major general in command of a division in the 2d Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia. I find it incredulous that a division commander in the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia has never had a biography written about him. Collins’ book is very well written demonstrating the significant amount of time the author spent on research. While his correspondence with his wife, Hortense, is forever lost to history (she burned her personal letters from her husband) Collins was able to obtain many letters exchanged with his father, friends and professional military associates. Rodes was a capable soldier, brave to a fault, a faithful husband and a man of strong moral beliefs. I came away from reading this biography with a much better understanding of Rodes and an appreciation for the courage he demonstrated while leading his troops. If you don’t read any other biography in 2011, I recommend you purchase this fantastic book. I interviewed Darrell Collins in July 2010 about “Major General Robert E. Rodes.” To read the interview click HERE.

While this ranking is subjective, at best, it represents what I believe to be the best books I’ve read. I’m sure through the prism of time, there will be changes to my list. However, I am just as confident that all of these will stand the test time. I would enjoy hearing your thoughts on my list. Enjoy your reading and studying in 2011.

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I interviewed Petruzzi last June and Hessler last July.  Check out the interviews and reviews of these two books.

J. David Petruzzi Interview

James A. Hessler Interview

Congratulations to J.D., Steve and Jim!

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Savas Beatie Books Earn Literary Awards

El Dorado Hills, CA June 15, 2010 – Savas Beatie, LLC, is proud to announce the following historical awards and notable mentions.

“We are proud of our authors and titles,” noted managing director Theodore P. Savas, “and are humbled and honored by these awards.”

WINNER
The Army Historical Foundation Distinguished Writing Award, for Reference, 2009

The Complete Gettysburg Guide: Walking and Driving Tours of the Battlefield, Town, Cemeteries, Field Hospital Sites, and other Topics of Historical Interest
by J. David Petruzzi, with cartography by Steven Stanley (Savas Beatie, 2009)

At its Thirteenth Annual Members’ Meeting, held on Sunday at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA, the Army Historical Foundation recognized five books and three articles as outstanding achievements in writing on U.S. Army history. AHF President GEN William W. Hartzog, USA-Ret., announced the winners of the 2009 AHF Distinguished Writing Awards. The book award winners received a plaque honoring the book and a $1,000 cash award.

“J. David Petruzzi and Steven Stanley’s The Complete Gettysburg Guide is the definitive reference book for anyone planning to visit the Gettysburg battlefield,” said Matthew Seelinger, the Army Historical Foundation’s Chief Historian and Program Coordinator for the Foundation’s Distinguished Writing Awards Program.

“To be recognized by the U.S. Army Historical Foundation and to win this award is a great honor,” said author J. David Petruzzi. “Our primary goal was to motivate folks to walk the actual grounds traversed by the soldiers and citizens during the Battle of Gettysburg. That the book was recognized as the Reference Book of the Year humbles me greatly. Steve Stanley’s beautiful maps, layout and design make the book so easy and enjoyable to use, and we appreciate this honor more than can be expressed in mere words.”

Cartographer Steven Stanley agreed. “I am extremely grateful and blessed to have worked with J.D. Petruzzi on this project. His knowledge of the battle is mind blowing and his elegant writing was a perfect marriage with my maps and photos,” Stanley said. “I want to thank the U.S. Army Historical Foundation for this great honor and also want to thank our publisher Savas Beatie for believing in this book and giving us the free license on designing our book.”

The Army Historical Foundation, a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the American soldier. Its goal is to promote greater public appreciation for the contributions that America’s Army – Active, Reserve, and National Guard – has made to the nation in 233 years of service.

The AHF Distinguished Writing Awards program was established in 1997 to recognize authors who make a significant contribution to the literature on U.S. Army history. Each year nominations are submitted to the Awards Committee by publishers and journal editors. A small group of finalists are selected and a final judging is made. For more information on the Foundation and its activities, please visit the AHF website at www.armyhistory.org.

About the Authors: J. David Petruzzi is widely recognized as one of the country’s leading Gettysburg experts.  In addition to his numerous articles for a wide variety of publications, he is the author (with Eric Wittenberg) of bestsellers Plenty of Blame to Go Around: JEB Stuart’s Controversial Ride to Gettysburg (Savas Beatie, 2006) and (with Wittenberg and Michael Nugent) One Continuous Fight: The Retreat from Gettysburg and the Pursuit of Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, July 4-14, 1863 (Savas Beatie, 2008). Petruzzi is also a popular speaker on the Civil War Round Table circuit and regularly conducts tours of Civil War battlefields.

Steven Stanley lives in Gettysburg and is a graphics artist specializing in historical map design and battlefield photography. His maps, considered among the best in historical cartography, have been a longtime staple of the Civil War Preservation Trust and have helped raise millions of dollars for the Trust through their preservation appeals and interpretation projects. Steve’s maps have appeared in a wide variety of publications.

WINNER
The Bachelder-Coddington Literary Award, 2009
Given by the Robert E. Lee Civil War Round Table of Central New Jersey

Sickles at Gettysburg: The Controversial Civil War General Who Committed Murder, Abandoned Little Round Top, and Declared Himself the Hero of Gettysburg
by James A. Hessler (Savas Beatie, 2009)

The Bachelder-Coddington Literary Award is presented annually to the most original outstanding work on the Gettysburg Campaign. “[Sickles at Gettysburg] is now the standard working on Sickles,” award committee members stated. “Hessler takes a fresh approach to Sickles’ role in the battle of Gettysburg that enables readers to make their own determination on his controversial move forward.” Furthermore, committee members called the book, “an excellent portrait of a man who was larger than life.”

“I know that several excellent Gettysburg books were released last year, so I am truly honored to win this award,” said James Hessler. “When I wrote this book, I was not sure that the world would want to read a new Dan Sickles biography, so I continue to be thrilled by the reception and support that this book has gotten from the historical community. Love him or hate him, Dan Sickles is an important part of Gettysburg so his story deserved to be told.”

About the Author: James A. Hessler works in the financial services industry and is a Licensed Battlefield Guide at Gettysburg National Military Park. He has taught Sickles and Gettysburg-related courses for Harrisburg Area Community College and the Gettysburg Foundation. In addition to writing articles for publication, Hessler speaks regularly at Civil War Round Tables. A native of Buffalo, NY, he resides in Gettysburg with his wife and children.

About Savas Beatie, LLC:

Savas Beatie, LLC is a leading military and general history publishing company. Visit www.savasbeatie.com for more information.

Contact:
Sarah Keeney, Marketing Director, Savas Beatie, LLC
Email: sarahs@savasbeatie.com
Phone: 916-941-6896
Fax: 916-941-6895

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10. The end of Sri Lanka’s Civil War

9. H1N1 – The Swine Flu

8. Mexico’s Bloody Drug War

7. Pakistan: On the Verge of Breakdown

6. The Death of Michael Jackson

5. Massacre at Fort Hood

4. The Divisive Debate Over Healthcare Reform

3. Iran’s Tumultuous Election and Its Aftermath

2. Afghanistan: Can the U.S. Avoid a Quagmire?

1. America’s Economic Crisis

While most news stories, that would make an annual Top 10 list, are going to involve bloodshed, or death, two of last year’s top stories, at Time magazine, did not: “The Divisive Debate Over Healthcare Reform” and “America’s Economic Crisis.”  Obviously these stories will continue to make news headlines over the coming year.

After reading Time Magazine’s Top 10 list of news stories for 2009, I decided to assemble my own list.  The Top 10 most popular articles on This Mighty Scourge for 2009.  While totally unscientific, it certainly points out which articles my readers liked the most.  As I have done in previous lists, I have left out the articles on the Wilderness Wal-Mart, and other “calls to action,” as they always tend to enjoy a huge spike with little follow-up readership after a couple of days.  My top 10 list for 2009 are articles that have enjoyed consistent readership over long periods during the year.  If you haven’t read all of these articles, they are each hyperlinked so you can do so today.

2009 Top 10 List of Articles on This Mighty Scourge

10. Interview with James A. Hessler, author of “Sickles at Gettysburg” (Click HERE to Read)

9. The Battle of the Crater (Click HERE to Read)

8. Interview with Sally Jenkins & John Stauffer co-authors of “The State of Jones.” (Click HERE to Read) This article has been quite controversial and has been picked up by many news outlets due to the ongoing bickering between Stauffer & Jenkins and Vikki Bynum.

7. Gettysburg National Military Park – A Study in Contrasts (Click HERE to Read)

6. Interview with J. David Petruzzi, author of “The Complete Gettysburg Guide” (Click HERE to Read)

5. Antietam – One Bloody Day in September 1862 (Click HERE to Read)

4. Andersonville Prison – A Photo Essay and History (Click HERE to Read)

3. The Fighting 69^th New York Infantry and the Irish Brigade (Click HERE to Read)

2. Interview with Earl J. Hess, author of “In the Trenches at Petersburg” (Click HERE to Read)

1. Interview with Jim Lighthizer, President of the Civil War Preservation Trust (Click HERE to Read)

It should be noted that a few articles had very impressive finishes, reaching the top 10 list over the past couple of weeks.  Obviously articles that were published earlier in the year, had more time to gain readership.  For those of you interested in the articles that round out the top 20, on This Mighty Scourge, continue reading.  It’s interesting to note, that my mid-December article, on the Battle of Fredericksburg, came in at 14.  A very respectable position for only being available for two weeks.

Filling Out the Top 20 at This Mighty Scourge

11. The Battle of Chancellorsville – Joe Hooker’s Legacy (Click HERE to Read)

12. William T. Sherman – US Major General (Click HERE to Read)

13. Second Manassas – Again the Fields Turned Red (Click HERE to Read)

14. Battle of Fredericksburg – Ambrose Burnside’s First Foray (Click HERE to Read)

15. Robert E. Lee, General – CSA (Click HERE to Read)

16. Battle of the Wilderness – Grant Takes it to Lee (Click HERE to Read)

17. Robert E. Lee Surrenders the Army of Northern Virginia (Click HERE to Read)

18. Wilson’s Creek – the Civil War Breaks Out in the West (Click HERE to Read)

19. Interview with Scott L. Mingus, Sr. – Author of “Flames Beyond Gettysburg” (Click HERE to Read)

20. Albert Sidney Johnston – CSA General (Click HERE to Read)

Thank you for making 2009 a successful year at This Mighty Scourge!

Mike Noirot

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I was also fortunate to meet with author, and friend, Jim Hessler for dinner and few adult beverages.  If you have not picked up Jim’s new book, “Sickles at Gettysburg” (published by Savas Beatie, LLC in June), I would recommend that you do so.  It has really improved my knowledge of the second day’s fight and I have a new found appreciation for how tenuous the situation was in the III Corps’ sector.  Check out my review of “Sickles at Gettysburg” and interview with James Hessler by clicking HERE.

While with Jim, I met some new Gettysburg friends.  John Hoptak, Tim Smith, Eric Lindblade, Jim Glessner and Erik Dorr.  John Hoptak is a National Park Service Ranger at Antietam and has recently published “Our Boys Did Nobly: Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, Soldiers at the Battles of South Mountain and Antietam.”  This is a wonderful book and I plan on reviewing it soon.  Tim Smith is not only an author, but the Gettysburg Historian Extraordinaire and knows just about everything about the Battle of Gettysburg – and he proved it to me in a very short time!  Eric Lindblade and Jim Glessner recently formed a new publishing house, Ten Roads Publishing.  I definitely look forward to working with them in the future.  Lastly, Erik Dorr is the curator of The Gettysburg Museum of History.  This museum is a “must see” for anyone with an interest in Gettysburg – or American Military History.  Hopefully my next visit to Gettysburg will provide me enough time to visit Erik’s museum.

This was my third trip to Gettysburg during 2009.  It has been interesting to watch the transformation of some areas where the National Park Service is clear cutting ground to reestablish the sight lines of the summer of 1863.  This is especially noticeable southwest of the Devil’s Den, over the ground that CSA Brigadier General Henry Benning’s Georgian’s approached Houck’s Ridge and Devil’s Den.  The National Park Service has been quite busy in the area and the results are very evident.

Click HERE to read an official report from Gettysburg National Military Park on the rehabilitation effort and the status of the project.

CSA Brigadier General Henry Benning’s Approach – May 2007

Here is a photo that I took, from Little Round Top, in May 2007.  If you look over the Devil’s Den area, you can see how wooded the area of Benning’s attack was.  In 1863 this area was primarily rocky fields with small woodlots scattered about.  By 2007, the woodlots had grown together giving the area a much different look than Benning’s Georgians would have seen as they pushed towards Houck’s Ridge, and the Devil’s Den.

This is a much closer view, from May 2007, of the fields that Benning’s Georgians pushed through to reach Houck’s Ridge and the Devil’s Den.  While this is a rocky field, the woods in the distance were not there in 1863.  From this angle on Houck’s Ridge, above the Devil’s Den, you would have been able to see the Slyder farm in the distance.

 
CSA Brigadier General Henry Benning’s Approach – April 2008

This view is nearly identical to the picture taken in May 2007, from Little Round Top.  In May 2007 (see the first photo above), the area southwest of Houck’s Ridge was nearly a continuous woodlot, running from the east to the west (L-R).  In this photo, the highlighted area is clearly much more open, with views unimpeded to South Confederate Avenue.

CSA Brigadier General Henry Benning’s Approach – October 2009

This view is from October 2009, from the point of approach of CSA Brigadier General Henry Benning’s Georgia Brigade.  Taken at the Slyder Farm, you can clearly see Houck’s Ridge on the left, and the south slope of Little Round Top, via the Slaughter Pen, on the right.  The large tree behind the arrowhead, is the “witness tree” on Houck’s Ridge, above the Devil’s Den.  This sight line would have been much as Benning’s Georgians would have seen as they approached US Major General David B. Birney’s III Corps Division, on the afternoon of July 2, 1863.

A Study In Contrasts – Gettysburg Then and Now

After spending some time researching my pictures of CSA Brigadier General Henry Benning’s approach to the Devil’s Den, I decided to look at other areas of the battlefield that have changed significantly over the previous 14 decades.  I determined the best way to do this would be to compare pictures of fixed objects to old photos of the same area.  Fixed objects would be no problem as I have hundreds of pictures of regimental, cavalry, artillery and brigade monuments – many of which go back several years.  The dilemma was to find historical pictures of the monuments.  After searching the internet, I came across a great site, Stephen Recker’s Virtual Gettysburg.  This site is a wonderful Gettysburg site and one that I will continue to reference for articles I write about Gettysburg.  Besides Virtual Gettysburg, Recker also has a similar site on Antietam, Stephen Recker’s Virtual Anietam.  Virtual Gettysburg offered access to many historical pictures of the monuments at Gettysburg.  All of the pictures in the following photo essay come from Virtual Gettysburg.  I am deeply indebted to Stephen for allowing me to use them.  It should be noted that none of the monuments were erected during the war years.  The first monuments began appearing in the years after the war, but most were placed in the 1880′s and some as late as the latter part of the 20th Century.  I do not know the dates of the “THEN” monument pictures so this is not a scientific study – just something fun and interesting to look at.  So, let’s begin to explore some areas of Gettyburg battlefield that have changed significantly over the years.

143d Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment Monument

The 143d Pennsylvania Infantry was heavily engaged in the first day’s fighting at Gettysburg, July 1, 1863.  This monument is located facing Chambersburg Pike, from the south, near South Reynolds Avenue on McPherson Ridge.  The most noticable difference between “THEN and “NOW” is the cedar tree growing behind the monument.  More significant is the expansion of the Reynolds Woods in the distance.

About the 143d Pennsylvania Infantry
* US Major General John F. Reynolds’ I Corps
* US Major General Abner Doubleday’s Third Division
* US Colonel Roy Stone’s Second Brigade
* Commanded by Colonel Edmund L. Dana
* Strength: 465 Casualties: 253(i)

Today, the 143d Pennsylvania Infantry regiment monument looks unchanged from the earlier picture.  The most noticeable change, as mentioned above, is the cedar tree growing southwest of the monument – providing it shade 365 days per year.  The most significant change, however, is the density and size of Reynolds’ Woods, in the distance.

The 76th New York Infantry Regiment Monument

Like the 143d Pennsylvania, the 76th New York was part of John Reynolds’ I Corps and was heavily engaged during the first day’s fight at Gettysburg.  Fighting north of the railroad cut, it would engage CSA Brigadier General Joseph R. Davis’ 3d Corps Brigade.  This picture, likely from the late 19th century, clearly shows some trees in the background, south of present day Wadsworth Avenue.

About the 76th Pennsylvania Infantry
* US Major General John F. Reynold’s I Corps
* US Brigadier General James Wadsworth’s First Division
* US Brigadier General Lysander Cutler’s Second Brigade
* Commanded by Major Andrew J. Grover (killed)
* Strength: 375 Casualties: 234

Standing on McPherson Ridge, north of the railroad cut, the 76th New York Infantry monument looks much the same as it did after it was erected.  The most significant difference is the expansion, and thickening of the woodlot, in the distance, south of Wadsworth Avenue.

 
The 104th New York Infantry Regiment Monument

The 104th New York Infantry regiment would be sent to the northern spur of Oak Ridge, to support US Brigadier General Henry Baxter’s Second Division, I Corps brigade.  Baxter was heavily engaged with CSA Brigadier General Alfred Iverson’s 2d Corps brigade when the 104th New York arrived.  This period specific photo, probably from the late 19th century, clearly shows a landscape clear of trees, all the way to Barlow’s Knoll.

About the 104th New York Infantry
* US Major General John F. Reynolds’ I Corps
* US Brigadier General John C. Robinson’s Second Division
* US Brigadier General Gabriel R. Paul’s First Brigade
* Commanded by Colonel Gilbert G. Prey
* Strength: 286 Casualties: 194

Today, the 104th New York Infantry monument sits on a shaded knoll below Brigadier General John Cleveland Robinson’s monument.  This picture is taken from a slightly different angle, but you can clearly see trees in the distance, towards Barlow’s Knoll.

The 1st U.S. Sharpshooter’s Monument

On the afternoon of July 2, 1863, US Major General David B. Birney sent Colonel Henry Berdan’s 1st U.S. Sharpshooters, and the 3d Maine Infantry, to scout near the center of the Confederate line, close to the Pitzer Woods.  When they reached Seminary Ridge, they engaged CSA Brigadier General Cadmus Wilcox’s Alabama brigade.  The “THEN” picture, to the left, clearly shows the 1st U.S. Sharpshooter’s monument on a hill, as written in Berdan’s after action report.  The view is to the northeast and there are few trees in the picture.

About the 1st U.S. Sharpshooters Regiment
* US Major General Daniel E. Sickles’ III Corps
* US Major General David B. Birney’s First Division
* US Brigadier General J. Hobart Ward’s Second Brigade
* Commanded by Colonel Hiram Berdan
* Strength: 313 Casualties: 49
 

Today, Colonel Hiram Berdan’s 1st U.S. Sharpshooters’ monument sits on a shaded hill on Berdan Avenue, just west of West Confederate Avenue.  While this view is towards the south, the entire area around the monument is surrounded by tall trees, much like those in this picture.  This area of West Confederate Avenue has changed significantly over the years.

The 5th New York Cavalry Monument

The 5th New York Cavalry was part of US Brigadier General Elon J. Farnsworth’s Cavalry Brigade.  Farnsworth was ordered to attack CSA Lt. General James Longstreet’s right flank on the afternoon of July 3.  The attack would be initiated from Bushman Hill, where the 5th New York Cavalry monument is located.  The changes in the landscape here are quite visible.  This picture, likely from the late 19th century, shows scattered trees on this hill.  They have since grown up significantly.

About the 5th New York Cavalry
* US Major General Alfred Pleasanton’s Cavalry Corps
* US Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick’s Third Division
* US Brigadier General Elon J. Farnsworth’s First Brigade
* Commanded by Major John Hammond
* Strength: 420 Casualties: 6
 

Today, the 5th New York Cavalry monument, on Bushman Hill, has darkened.  Additionally, the trees surrounding the monument have grown significantly.  Standing at the monument you cannot see the fields around the Slyder Farm.  At Gettysburg, the trees were thin enough that Longstreet’s soldiers could be seen.  This is one of the most dramatic areas of change at Gettysburg.

The 52d New York Infantry Regiment Monument

The 52d New York Infantry was part of the reinforcements sent to the III Corps by II Corps commander, US Major General Winfield S. Hancock.  Part of Samuel Zook’s brigade, the 52d would fight near the present day Loop.  This is another dramatic change at Gettysburg.  The woods here have thickened considerably.  The older photo shows significantly less trees.

About the 52d New York Infantry
* US Major General Winfield S. Hancock’s II Corps
* US Brigadier General John Caldwell’s First Division
* US Brigadier General Samuel K. Zook’s Third Brigade
* Commanded by Lt. Colonel Charles G. Freudenberg
* Strength: 134 Casualties: 38

Today, things have changed significantly in the area of the Loop, on Sickles Avenue.  The woodlot has filled in dramatically over the past several generations impeding the sight line towards the Wheatfield.

The 118th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment Monument

The 118th Pennsylvania was part of the reinforcements sent by US Major General George Sykes.  Part of the V Corps, it would also fight in the area of the Loop – west of the Wheatfield.  Like the area around the 52d New York, the differences between this historic photo, and the picture I recently took are stunning.  The entire area has been filled in with woods.

About the 118th Pennsylvania Infantry
* US Major General George Sykes’ V Corps
* US Brigadier General James Barnes’ First Division
* US Colonel William Tilton’s First Brigade
* Commanded by Lt. Colonel James Gwyn
* Strength: 235 Casualties: 25

Today, the 118th Pennsylvania Infantry monument has shade most of the day.  In the intervening years since the “THEN” photo was taken, the trees have slowly encroached on the monument.  The Loop is a beautiful area of the battlefield, but an area that has changed drastically since the Civil War.

The 140th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment Monument

The 140th Pennsylvania Infantry was another supporting regiment from US Major General Winfield S. Hancock’s II Corps.  Ordered towards the Wheatfield area, with the rest of the II Corps’ First Division, they would be ordered to the area between the Wheatfield, and the Peach Orchard, by General Sickles.  In this historic picture, very few trees can be seen, and there is a clear view north towards Wheatfield Road.

About the 140th Pennsylvania Infantry
* US Major General Winfield S. Hancock’s II Corps
* US Brigadier General John C. Caldwell’s First Division
* US Brigadier General Samuel K. Zook’s Third Brigade
* Commanded by Colonel Richard P. Roberts
* Strength: 515 Casualties 241

Today, the view towards the north, is dramatically different.  The most noticeable difference is the overhanging trees.  More significant, however, is the dense woodlot visible in the distance near the base of the monument.  These pictures were taken from the same angle, but the distant woodlot is not present in the historic photograph.

The 10th Pennsylvania Reserves (39th PN) Infantry Monument

The 10th Pennsylvania Reserves Infantry (39th Pennsylvania in Federal Service) was part of US Major General George Sykes’ V Corps.  It would help defend the Federal line on Little Round Top on July 2, 1863.  This historic picture clearly shows the monument in a fairly open clearing in the woods.

About the 10th Pennsylvania Reserves Infantry
* US Major General George Sykes’ V Corps
* US Brigadier General Samuel W. Crawford’s Third Division
* US Colonel Joseph Fisher’s Third Brigade
* Commanded by Colonel Adoniram J. Warner
* Strength: 401 Casualties 5

Today, the 10th Pennsylvania Reserves monument is in a somewhat constricted clearing in a section of deep woods just east of South Confederate Avenue, south of Crawford Road.  It is a very detailed monument that can be easy to miss as it sits between the two Round Tops and is not well marked.  The woods have closed in on this monument, as can clearly be seen when comparing the “THEN” photo to the “NOW” photo.

The 137th New York Infantry Regiment Monument

The 137 New York Infantry was part of US Major General Henry W. Slocum’s defensive line on Culp’s Hill.  Part of US Brigadier General George S. Greene’s XII Corps brigade, the 137th saw action on July 2 and 3, 1863.  The monument is located on North Slocum Avenue, with a view towards the north.  The contrasts between the historical picture and my picture, from May 2007, are evident.  Culp’s Hill has become significantly more wooded.

About the 137th New York Infantry
* US Major General Henry W. Slocum’s XII Corps
* US Brigadier General John W. Geary’s Second Division
* US Brigadier General George S. Greene’s Third Brigade
*Commanded by Colonel David Ireland
* Strength: 423 Casualties: 137

Today, the changes of Culp’s Hill are dramatic.  The lines of approach for CSA Lieutenant General Richard S. Ewell’s 2d Corps are covered with woods.  In fact, you cannot see the ground north of Culp’s Hill from the 137th New York Infantry monument.

Personal Observations and Commentary:
While there is no doubt, that the National Park Service, and the Gettysburg National Battlefield Park, have done a fine job restoring sight lines to certain areas of the battlefield, there is much work left to do.  Serious Civil War buffs and Gettysburg scholars have little trouble visualizing troop movements during a visit to the park.  However, casual enthusiasts, students and first time visitors will have difficulty visualizing the same things.  Gettysburg was a very complex battle and without the aid of the original sight lines, a visit to the park may be interesting, but may not be readily comprehended.  We need to continue to encourage the National Park Service to continue their efforts to restore the original landscape so our current generation, and future generations, will leave the park with a more complete understanding of what happened here nearly 150 years ago.

If you haven’t done so already, check out my Gettysburg Collection on Flickr.  I have organized and cataloged my most recent trips to Gettysburg, placing them on Flickr to make them easier to view and easier for search engines to find.  Let me know what you think!

(i) Trudeau, Noah Andre, Gettysburg: A Testing of Courage, published by Harper Collins in 2002, The Opposing Armies section starting on page 565. (for all troop strengths and casualties)

Savas, an attorney by trade, had been a publishing consultant, working with many publishers.  In 1992, he formed a publishing company with David Woodbury, Savas Woodbury Publishers which published a quarterly journal, “Civil War Regiments: A Journal of the American Civil War.”  With the departure of Woodbury, in 1995, the company became Savas Publishing Company, focusing on the American Civil War, World War II and the Indian Wars.

With the formation of Savas Beatie, LLC, Savas had a partner that enjoyed the Civil War as much as he did.  Originally from Kansas, Beatie served as an artillery lieutenant.  “Cap” graduated from Princeton University and Columbia Law School.  He has been a trial attorney in New York City for more than three decades.  At a young age, Cap read Douglas Southall Freeman’s “Lee’s Lieutenants: A Study in Command” and became hooked on the Civil War.  A Civil War historian, and author, Mr. Beatie published “The Army of the Potomac, Volume 1: Birth of Command,” in 2002 and “The Army of the Potomac, Volume 2: McClellan Takes Command,” in 2004.  He has finished his third volume in the Army of the Potomac series, which is available from Savas Beatie, and is currently working on the fourth volume.  Beatie lives in New York City.

Sarah Keeney was the first employee of Savas Beatie, starting after graduating from Cal Poly with a degree in journalism.  As director of marketing Ms. Keeney works closely with their authors, handles publicity tours, specialty sales and maintains the book marketing blog, Savas Beatie On Marketing.  Additionally Sarah works to arrange author interviews, television and radio appearances and book reviews.

Veronica Kane and Tammy Hall both handle marketing and administrative activities at Savas Beatie.

I recently had an opportunity to have a nice talk with Ted Savas.  It was a wide ranging discussion and one I’m sure you will enjoy listening to.  Like all of my interviews, I have separated it into separate sections so you can listen to it over a period of time.

Theodore P. Savas Interview – 13 Parts
Total Time: 1 hour, 21 minutes, 50 seconds

Part 1: Ted Savas Interview Part 1
Time: 3:15
Contents: Welcome and introductions | About Ted Savas | Why the publishing business?

Part 2: Ted Savas Interview Part 2
Time: 5:18
Contents:  Was there a specific opportunity Savas Beatie was created to take advantage of? | The changing landscape of publishing

Part 3: Ted Savas Interview Part 3
Time: 4:56
Contents:  About Savas Beatie and the staff | The culture of Savas Beatie

Part 4: Ted Savas Interview Part 4
Time: 4:49
Contents:  The importance of a good dust jacket | The story of the dust jacket of James Hessler’s book, “Sickles at Gettysburg”

Part 5: Ted Savas Interview Part 5
Time: 8:33
Contents: Finding the “jewels in the rough” | Passion for your books vs. mass appeal

Part 6: Ted Savas Interview Part 6
Time: 8:00
Contents:  Editing and working with authors | Using knowledgeable editors to create a consistently good product

Part 7: Ted Savas Interview Part 7
Time: 7:58
Contents:  How Savas Beatie markets their books | Partnership between publisher a author | Access to television news shows | Use of outside publicists

Part 8: Ted Savas Interview Part 8
Time: 6:12
Contents:  Mix of books from Savas Beatie | The book, “Flying Drunk”

Part 9: Ted Savas Interview Part 9
Time: 5:44
Contents:  E-books and the Amazon.com Kindle | We love books and are tactile | The ability of a book to draw you in

Part 10: Ted Savas Interview Part 10
Time: 7:07
Contents:  Background on the Google book settlement and Ted’s thoughts on it | Amazon.com as a publisher? | Self publishing

Part 11: Ted Savas Interview Part 11
Time: 5:51
Contents: Ted talks about the differences between different types of publishing houses

Part 12: Ted Savas Interview Part 12
Time: 8:14
Contents:  Future titles from Savas Beatie | Planting the seed of scholarship for Western Theater Civil War battles | Ezra Carmen’s Civil War Notes with fresh maps | The Gettysburg Encyclopedia

Part 13: Ted Savas Interview Part 13
Time: 5:53
Contents:  Discussion on the Complete Gettysburg Guide | Ed Bearss Petersburg book | Closing and wrap up

All these titles can be purchased directly from Savas Beatie, LLC by clicking HERE.

Check out these great titles from Savas Beatie, LLC

Details about “Once A Marine”
Written by: Nick Popaditch, with Mike Steere
Hardcover: 312 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: October 1, 2008
ISBN-10: 1932714472

Details about “Confessions of a Military Wife”
Written by: Mollie Gross
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: November 2009
ISBN-10: 1932714766

Details about “Indian War Veterans”
Written by: Jerome Greene
Hardcover: 472 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: January 15, 2007
ISBN-10: 193271426X

Details about “Steel Boat, Iron Hearts”
Written by: Hans Goebeler, with John Vanzo
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: December 20, 2004
ISBN-10: 1932714316

Details about “Playing With The Enemy”
Written by: Gary W. Moore
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: September 15, 2006
ISBN-10: 0143113887

Details about “All-Black Rangers”
Written by: Edward L. Posey
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: June 2009
ISBN-10: 1932714456

Details about “The Maps of Chickamauga”
Written by: David Powell
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: October 2009
ISBN-10: 1932714723

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

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

 Mike’s Interview with J. David Petruzzi

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

 Mike’s interview with James Hessler

Details about “Those Damned Black Hats”
Written by: Lance J. Herdegen
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: October 2008
ISBN-10: 1932714480

Details about “Plenty of Blame to Go Around ”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg and J. David Petruzzi
Hardcover: 576 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: September 1, 2006
ISBN-10: 1932714200

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

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

 Mike’s interview with Dr. Bradley Gottfried

Details about “Shiloh and the Western Campaign of 1862”
Written by: Edward Cunningham and Gary D. Joiner and Timothy B. Smith (editors)
Hardcover: 520 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: April 15, 2007
ISBN-10: 1932714278

Details about “The Unpopular Mr. Lincoln”
Written by: Larry Tagg
Hardcover: 576 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: May 2009
ISBN-10: 1932714618

Details about “Chicago’s Battery Boys: The Chicago Mercantile Battery in the Civil War’s Western Theater”
Written by: Richard Brady Williams
Paperback: 636 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: October 15, 2005
ISBN-10: 1932714383

Details about “Army of the Potomac: McClellan’s First Campaign, March – May 1862”
Written by: Russell Beatie
Paperback: 864 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: May 5, 2007
ISBN-10: 1932714251

Details about “Triumph & Defeat: The Vicksburg Campaign, Volume 2”
Written by: Terrence Winschel
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: September 2006
ISBN-10: 1932714219

Details about “A History of the 4th Wisconsin Infantry and Cavalry in the American Civil War”
Written by: Michael Martin
Hardcover: 480 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: April 2007
ISBN-10: 1932714189

Details about “The Battle of 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

 Mike’s interview with Eric J. Wittenberg

Details about “Champion Hill: Decisive Battle for Vicksburg”
Written by: Timothy B. Smith
Paperback: 520 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: July 15, 2004
ISBN-10: 1932714197

Details about “Capital Navy: The Men, Ships, and Operations of the James River Squadron”
Written by: John Coski
Paperback: 366 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: July 21, 1996
ISBN-10: 1932714154

All these titles can be purchased directly from Savas Beatie, LLC by clicking HERE.

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: James A. Hessler Interview Pt 1
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: James A. Hessler Interview Pt 2
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: James A. Hessler Interview Pt 3
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: James A. Hessler Interview Pt 4
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: James A. Hessler Interview Pt 5
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: James A. Hessler Interview Pt 6
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: James A. Hessler Interview Pt 7
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: James A. Hessler Interview Pt 8
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: James A. Hessler Interview Pt 9
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: James A. Hessler Interview Pt 10
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: James A. Hessler Interview Pt 11
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: James A. Hessler Interview Pt 12
Time: 5:27
Contents:  Will Sickles’ reputation ever be revived? | Hessler’s future plans | Wrap up and closing

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(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.