• 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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In what would be one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, US Major General William S. Rosecrans, commanding the Army of the Cumberland, would push into northern Georgia, after a near bloodless battle to capture Chattanooga, and have his four infantry corps and single cavalry corps spread over a large area.  Believing Confederate Army of Tennessee commander, Braxton Bragg, was retreating towards Dalton, and further points south, he became lax in reuniting his command near the Chickamauga.  Instead of retreating, Bragg had an offensive move planned to attack Rosecrans and beat his army piecemeal before they could reunite.  Fortunately for Rosecrans, Bragg was slow in attacking, and he was able to bring together most all of his army to counter any thrust by the Confederates.  Very heavy skirmishing would occur between the Confederate and Federal cavalry, and some infantry, during the day on September 18.  This allowed Rosecrans to bring his infantry closer together.  Heavy fighting would occur through the day on September 19 and the Confederate position would be strengthened by the arrival of CSA Lieutenant General James Longstreet’s corps which was sent west by General Robert E. Lee.  This corps, led by the ever aggressive division commander, Major General John Bell Hood, would exploit an opening created by confusion on Rosecrans’ part on September 20.  Punching through the opening, Longstreet’s soldiers would roll the two wings of the Federal army apart causing a pellmell retreat towards Chattanooga.  The only thing that prevented complete destruction of the fleeing Federal troops was a courageous stand made by US Major General George H. Thomas at Snodgrass Hill.  Thomas would earn the moniker, “Rock of Chickamauga,” for the desperate defensive fight his troops endured while battling a large portion of Bragg’s Army of Tennessee.  This would be Bragg’s singular victory as commander the army and after a defeat, by US Major General Ulysses S. Grant, at the Third Battle of Chattanooga, Bragg would end up being sent east as military advisor to the Jefferson Davis administration.  After being “boxed up” in Chattanooga, with his Army of the Cumberland nearly starving, Grant would relieve Rosecrans of command and would promote Thomas to command of the army – a command he had earned through hard fighting, exceptional administrative skills and strong leadership.

I had planned on writing an in-depth essay on the Battle of Chickamauga, for the 147th anniversary, but a heavy workload at my real job prevented me from doing so.  This will have to wait until next year.  In the meantime, I provide a short narrative I wrote on the battle, several years back, for my other website, BattlefieldPortraits.com.  The complete text of that article is provided below.  Additionally, I have a collection of photos, from trips I have made to the Chickamauga National Military Park, on my Flickr site which I have arranged into a photo essay.  You can view these photos by clicking on the following link.

Michael’s Photo Essay on the Battle of Chickamauga

If you are interested in learning more about the Battle of Chickamauga, one of the most interesting battles in the Western Theater, in my humble opinion, I would recommend the following three books.

This Terrible Sound: The Battle of Chickamauga, by: Peter Cozzens (this is the best, of three very good books in his trilogy the other being on the battles of Stones River and Chattanooga)

The Chickamauga Campaign, edited by Steven E. Woodworth featured essays by: John R. Lundberg, Alexander Mendoza, David Powell, Ethan S. Rafuse, William G. Robertson, Timothy B. Smith, Lee White and Steven Woodworth.

The Maps of Chickamauga: An Atlas of the Chickamauga Campaign, August 29 – September 23, 1863, by David Powell with cartography by David Friedrichs (this is an excellent book in Savas Beatie, LLC’s maps series)

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Battle of Chickamauga

Location: Catoosa & Walker counties near Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia

Dates: September 18-20, 1863

Union Commander: William S. Rosecrans, Major General
Confederate Commander: Braxton Bragg, General

Battle Summary:

William S. Rosecrans was not known for his alacrity.  After a decisive victory, over several days in late 1862 and early 1863, at Stone’s River, Rosecrans went into winter bivouac.  Even after the urgings of President Lincoln, in the spring of 1863, Rosecrans would not move his Army of the Cumberland.

Finally, in late June, the gargantuan Army of the Cumberland started moving slowly to dislodge Bragg’s Army of the Tennessee, at Tullahoma, Tennessee.  This movement was quickly reported to Bragg who decided to relocate his army to northern Georgia – possibly as far as Dalton – since this would provide a better field of battle.

Rosecrans now moved more quickly to cut off Bragg’s army.  This was described by soldiers, in the Army of the Cumberland, as one of the hardest marches, over the most difficult terrain, encountered thus far.

After splitting his Army of the Cumberland into three assaulting forces, Rosecrans decided to assault (from the north, Major General Thomas L. Crittenden’s XXI Corps, the west, Major General George H. Thomas’ XIV Corps and the southwest, Major General Alexander McD. McCook’s XX Corps) the Army of Tennessee near a sleepy creek, called Chickamauga (appropriately meaning in the local Indian dialect: “River of Blood”).

As the Union forces under Thomas approached the Chickamauga, on September 18, thinking Bragg’s forces were on the other side, they were caught in a surprise attack.  The Union forces pulled back to the Lafayette Road and were determined to hold this north/south line.

During second day’s battle, James Longstreet’s Corps arrived in time to join the battle.  This brought the armies close to par and allowed Bragg a little breathing room.  The battle continued to sway back-and-forth along a 2 1/2 mile with the Lafayette Road being the approximate dividing line.

On the third day, through a grievous error on Rosecrans’ part, Longstreet was able to break through a hole near the center of the Union line.  Longstreet’s Corps, including John Bell Hood’s Texans, quickly rolled McCook’s line to the north and attacked Thomas’s corps to the north.  With Rosecrans leading the way, McCook’s and Crittenden’s corps started a piecemeal retreat towards Chattanooga.  Charles Dana, a war department informer, said he knew there were serious problems when he viewed Rosecrans, a devout Catholic, “cross himself.”

Left on the field, along the Snodgrass Hill spur, George Thomas’ XIV Corps was in a strong enough defensive position to hold Longstreets’s Corps at bay while the Army of the Cumberland retreated.  US Major General Gordon Granger’sReserve Corps also played a part in holding the Army of Tennessee in place.

Through his cool actions at Chickamauga, George Thomas earned the nickname, “Rock of Chickamauga.”

Campaign: Chickamauga

Outcome: Confederate Victory

Troop Strengths:
Federal: 62,000
Confederate: 65,000

Casualties (34,600 approximate of all types):
Federal: 16,170 (killed, wounded or missing/captured)
Confederate: 18,454 (killed, wounded or missing/captured)

Battle Aftermath:

After their retreat into Chattanooga, the Army of the Cumberland was “boxed in” between the Tennessee River, Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain.  The Army of Tennessee, for all practical purposes, had Rosecrans’ army in a “strangle hold.”  Food and supplies dropped until US Major General Ulysses S. Grant, fresh from victory at Vicksburg, arrived with reinforcements - specifically William T. Sherman’s Army of the Tennessee.  Upon arrival in Chattanooga, Grant relieved Rosecrans and put Thomas in his place.  Within several days food was once again flowing into Chattanooga, along Grant’s “Cracker Line.”  Grant would go on to defeat Bragg’s Army of Tennessee, at the Third Battle of Chattanooga, pushing them into northern Georgia.  Chickamauga, was a huge Confederate victory, but it was the “high water” mark for the Army of Tennessee.  Bragg would win no more victories and would be relieved by CSA General Joseph E. Johnston in the coming months.

Savas Beatie Author Named Chairman of the Wisconsin Sesquicentennial Commission

Valley Thunder: The Battle of New Market -video trailer

I interviewed Charlie in May.  To listen to the interview, and read my review on “Valley Thunder,” click on the following link.

Mike’s interview with Charlie Knight

If you have not purchased this book, I highly recommend it.  It is one of the best battle narratives recently released.

Colonel Ezra Carman was commissioned as lieutenant colonel in the 7th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry on September 9, 1861.  He would be wounded at the Battle of Williamsburg on May 5, 1862.  Upon returning to duty, he would be promoted to colonel and would actively recruit the 13th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry.  He would lead his regiment during the Maryland Campaign, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.  Carman would temporarily lead a brigade to extinguish the New York Draft Riots.  He would be transferred to the Western Theater, with the XII Corps, and would participate in the Battle of Chattanooga and the Atlanta Campaign.  He would receive brevet promotion to brigadier general on March 13, 1865.  After the war, Carman would become chief clerk of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and would be a historical expert on the Maryland Campaign.  He was the superintendent at the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Battlefield.  His first love, however, was as a historian.  His manuscript on the Maryland Campaign would occupy much of his time after the Civil War.  He would use firsthand accounts from commanders and soldiers to write his manuscript in addition to regimental histories and newspaper articles.  As Clemens told me, in our interview, the Carman manuscript would be used by other historians to write their narratives on the Maryland Campaign.  While the manuscript does contain some biases, it is still the definitive work on the subject.

Clemens did a masterful job of editing Carman’s manuscript.  His publisher, Savas Beatie, LLC, worked with him to ensure that the footnoting appears on the same page as Carman’s text.  This makes reading the book, and digesting the editor’s footnotes, a much easier experience.  I find myself often skipping footnotes, in other books, when I have to go to the end of the chapter or the notes section.  In “The Maryland Campaign of September 1862,” I read all of the footnotes in their entirety and it made Carman’s manuscript much more enjoyable to read.  I would often find myself chuckling while reading them as Clemens injected sarcasm and humor into his notes.  You will inevitably have an appreciation for Carman’s work, and Clemens’ research, when you read the book.  These footnotes alone make this book a great value.  Clemens also supports his editing of the manuscript with wonderfully unique maps.  The maps are in the front of the book and were created by cartographer Gene Thorp.  They are easy to understand and support the book well.

“The Maryland Campaign of September 1862” is intelligently organized.  The “Forward” was written by Ted Alexander, historian at Antietam National Battlefield.  Clemens’ well written “Introduction” is followed by the important section “Note on the Carman Manuscript” which provides detailed information on the manuscript and the challenges it presented Clemens during the editing process.  The chapter breakdown follows.

1. Maryland
2. The Confederate Invasion of Maryland
3. The Confederate Army Crosses the Potomac
4. General McClellan and the Army of the Potomac
5. Advance of the Army of the Potomac from Washington to Frederick and South Mountain
6. Harper’s Ferry
7. South Mountain (Crampton’s Gap), September 14, 1862
8. South Mountain (Fox’s Gap), September 14, 1862
9. South Mountain (Turner’s Gap), September 14, 1862
10. From South Mountain to Antietam
11. McLaws and Franklin in Pleasant Valley

The chapters are followed by an Appendix 1: Organization of the Armies followed by the Bibliography that makes it readily apparent how difficult Clemens editing project was.

I would highly recommend “The Maryland Campaign of September 1862, Vol. 1: South Mountain” to any serious Civil War student or enthusiast.  I’m certain you will find the book extremely interesting and enjoyable to read.

I was able to interview Tom on August 2, 2010.  As always, I have broken the 90 minute interview into multiple parts to make it easier to enjoy; you can listen to the parts at your leisure and come back to the next part when your time allows.

Details about “The Maryland Campaign of September 1862, Vol. 1: South Mountain”
Written by: Colonel Ezra Carman
Edited by: Thomas G. Clemens
Hardcover: 576 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: May 19, 2010
ISBN-10: 1932714812

Click HERE to order this and other excellent Civil War titles from Savas Beatie, LLC

Tom Clemens Interview – 15 Parts
“The Maryland Campaign of September 1862, Vol. 1: South Mountain”
Interview Date: August 2, 2010
Total Time: 1 hour 29 minutes 49 seconds

Part 1: Tom Clemens Interview Part 1
Time: 6:08
Contents: Welcome and introductions | About Tom Clemens | Why use Ezra Carman’s manuscript? | About Carman and his famous manuscript

Part 2: Tom Clemens Interview Part 2
Time: 5:59
Contents: Maryland during the Secession Crisis | Why did it take so long for Carman’s manuscript to be published in its entirety? | Tom’s research methodology and the difficulties he encountered | The Confederate Army of Northern Virginia pushes for an invasion of Maryland as early as 1861

Part 3: Tom Clemens Interview Part 3
Time: 6:42
Contents: Why did Jefferson Davis finally approve the invasion of Maryland in September 1862? | Did Lee believe a victory on northern soil would lead to Confederate recognition in Europe? | Why the Confederate authorities believed they could control the Mississippi and receive support from the northwest states

Part 4: Tom Clemens Interview Part 4
Time: 7:20
Contents: A discussion on Robert E. Lee’s decision to divide his Army of Northern Virginia | Carman’s belief that Harper’s Ferry was lost with the abandonment of Maryland Heights | Did the deliberate movements of US Major General William Franklin’s VI Corps make the surrender of Harper’s Ferry inevitable?

Part 5: Tom Clemens Interview Part 5
Time: 8:24
Contents: A discussion on Carman’s disdain for Halleck and the eventual capitulation of Harper’s Ferry | The tactical situation in Pleasant Valley and Harper’s Ferry prior to the surrender of Harper’s Ferry | The censure of Dixon Miles and the special commission’s decision with regards to the surrender of Harper’s Ferry

Part 6: Tom Clemens Interview Part 6
Time: 6:52
Contents: A discussion on Carman’s assertion that Lee could have been beaten piecemeal had Franklin’s VI Corps moved rapidly into Pleasant Valley in conjunction with a rapid movement by McClellan towards Boonsboro | How Frederick affected the movements of the Army of the Potomac

Part 7: Tom Clemens Interview Part 7
Time: 4:51
Contents: Franklin’s VI Corps attacks Thomas Munford at Crampton’s Gap | Carman’s criticism of CSA Brigadier General Howell Cobb

Part 8: Tom Clemens Interview Part 8
Time: 5:40
Contents: The fight for Turner’s Gap and Fox’s Gap | Tom’s description of the terrain at South Mountain and how it affected troop deployments and movements | Walking a battlefield is important to understanding the battle

Part 9: Tom Clemens Interview Part 9
Time: 5:28
Contents: The death of US Major General Jesse Reno and the fight for Fox’s Gap | Carman’s criticism of CSA Brigadier General Roswell Ripley

Part 10: Tom Clemens Interview Part 10
Time: 7:16
Contents: The fight at Turner’s Gap and the performance of US Brigadier General John Gibbon’s Iron Brigade | The performance of US Major General Ambrose Burnside | The other Iron Brigade from New York

Part 11: Tom Clemens Interview Part 11
Time: 3:30
Contents: The other Iron Brigades (continued)

Part 12: Tom Clemens Interview Part 12
Time: 7:51
Contents: Robert E. Lee orders his troops from South Mountain and Harper’s Ferry | A discussion of Carman’s criticism of McClellan’s slow movements from South Mountain

Part 13: Tom Clemens Interview Part 13
Time: 5:40
Contents: A discussion about McClellan’s lost opportunities of September 15, 1862 | The arrival of the Army of Potomac at Antietam | The tactical situation on September 16 at Antietam | An assessment of McClellan’s actions in the Maryland Campaign | Tom’s opinion on Ezra Carman’s manuscripts and their balance

Part 14: Tom Clemens Interview Part 14
Time: 4:28
Contents: Further discussion on the Carman manuscripts and the difficulty in researching them | Tom’s extensive database on Carman’s manuscripts

Part 15: Tom Clemens Interview Part 15
Time: 3:40
Contents: The status of The Maryland Campaign of September 1862, Vol. 2: The Battle of Antietam | A discussion on the footnoting of Tom’s book | Wrap up and closing

Collins’ biography of Rodes covers his early life, growing up near Lynchburg, Virginia through his divisional leadership in the Army of Northern Virginia.  Not lacking any detail, the book is over 500 pages.  Collins’ prose brings Rodes to life with the general jumping off the pages with excellent literary imagery.  Born on March 29, 1829, Robert Emmett Rodes was the son of David Rodes – a general in the Virginia Militia.  The younger Rodes would attend the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), graduating in 1848.  While Robert wanted to study engineering at the University of Virginia, his father had other plans for him.  Ultimately, Rodes would become a math teacher at VMI.

The author provides much detail of Rodes’ professional life, a journey that would take him through much of the south as an engineer, working for a canal operation and several railroads.  Collins makes a strong case for these years, working in the private sector, molding Rodes into the individual that would bravely lead his regiment, brigade and division into battles during the Civil War.  Rodes, a strict disciplinarian, would ultimately meet his wife, Hortense Woodruff, while an engineer for the Northeast and Southwest Alabama Railroad.

Never losing his interest in VMI, or teaching, he would accept a professorship at VMI in 1861.  Unfortunately, he was never able to start his new career as the Civil War would interrupt his plans.  Collins again provides a wonderful glimpse into Rodes’ life, detailing his time as captain of the Alabama “Warrior Guards” and his appointment to colonel of the 5th Alabama Infantry regiment.  Collins writing is very balanced, not glossing over the anger Rodes experienced when his regiment did not participate in the First Battle of Manassas, or the overly hard drilling he put his regiment through after the battle.

Collins’ knowledge of the Civil War, and expertise of battlefield tactics, is on display in the detailed descriptions of Rodes battlefield exploits while in the Army of Northern Virginia.  The author becomes a virtual battlefield guide for major battles that Rodes led his troops in: Seven Pines, Gaines’ Mill, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House and Opequon.  Rodes led from the front and would be wounded several times before he would finally be killed at Winchester.  The author’s free-flowing style makes “Robert E. Rodes of the Army of Northern Virginia” an enjoyable journey through the major battles of the Eastern Theater.   I recommend this book for anyone that is a serious student of the Civil War.

I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to interview Mr. Collins recently.  The text based interview follows.  Enjoy!

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

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Interview with Darrell L. Collins, author of “Major General Robert E. Rodes”

This Mighty Scourge (TMS): Darrell, can you tell my listeners a little about yourself and how you became interested in the Civil War?  Were there any mentors that influenced your interest in history?

Darrell Collins (DC): I cannot remember a time when I was not interested in the Civil War.  This is due in large measure to the fact that I was fortunate enough to grow up in a family that appreciated history.  I remember my parents and grandparents telling me stories about the Civil War that they had heard from their grandparents.  I grew up in Michigan, but my family heritage goes back many generations to the Virginia-West Virginia area.  Perhaps the most fascinating story I recall concerned my Confederate great-grandfather facing his own Union brother at the small battle of Droop Mountain in West Virginia, not far from their common home.  Such great stories set me on a life-long quest to learn more about this war of brother against brother.

TMS: I recently finished reading “Major General Robert E. Rodes of the Army of Northern Virginia.”  I must say that I really enjoyed the book and believe it provides a fresh look at one of the most successful commanders in Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia.  Why did you choose Rodes for a full length biography?

DC: Thank you for the compliment and I am glad you enjoyed the book.  In 1997, I attended a Civil War conference in Frederick, Md.  The keynote speaker was James Robertson, who had just published what I consider to be the definitive biography of Stonewall Jackson.  At the time, I had written a few books on the Civil War, but not a biography.  Robertson’s fascinating talk about his quest to know Jackson inspired me to set out on a similar adventure.  I, too, wanted to do a general in Lee’s army, one who had participated in nearly all its major campaigns.  I soon discovered that no major work had been done on Rodes.  We seemed a perfect match.

TMS: Rodes was raised in Lynchburg, Virginia.  His family sent him to private schools during his youth.  As a young man he attended the Virginia Military Institute – known as VMI.  Upon graduating from VMI, his father, David Rodes tried to get his son appointed as an officer in the Regular Army.  Unfortunately, with the Mexican War having recently ended, the U.S. Army had been downsized and there was no position available for Robert.  He would end up taking a teaching position, at VMI, with a rank of lieutenant.  Can you tell me how this teaching assignment impacted him?

DC: There is no doubt in my mind that Rodes loved and admired his father, a Virginia Militia general, court clerk, and speculator in land and slaves.  Though loving and kind, David Rodes was strict and controlling, making the major decisions regarding his son’s future.  After VMI, young Robert wanted to continue in education in engineering by attending the University of Virginia, but his father, though fairly well-off, refused to pay for it.  Instead, he came up with such schemes as getting Robert a commission in the army, becoming a court clerk in Richmond, or sending him out to Missouri to be a “preacher.”  When all these failed to materialize, Robert, almost by default, accepted a position at VMI teaching basic math courses to freshmen.  This, however, Robert truly loved doing.  From then on he wanted nothing more than a career in teaching, his ultimate goal being a full professorship at his beloved VMI.

TMS: VMI was a growing institution.  With its growth, a professorship position opened which Rodes applied for.  He would not end up getting the position –  a position that would be filled by none other than Thomas J. Jackson – the future “Stonewall.”  Rodes enjoyed teaching immensely, but financial considerations required him to take an engineering position with the North River Canal and later with the South Side Railroad where he was in charge of surveying the line from Farmville towards Lynchburg.  Can you describe this period in Rodes’ life and the toils of being an engineer for the South Side Railroad?

DC: The new chair that went to Jackson, Rodes did not get for two reasons: he had little training in the subjects to be taught (chemistry, geology, and mineralogy), and VMI Superintendent Francis Smith though a great admirer of Rodes, wished to follow the example of the West Point Academy by not making full professors of its graduates until VMI had been open at least twenty years (VMI opened in 1839).  Unable to survive on the meager pay of an assistant professor, Rodes reluctantly left his beloved VMI and began a career as an engineer in the field.  This proved to be a very tough life, working long hours outside in all kinds of weather, living in tents or hovels for weeks at a time, with little or no social life.  It was an existence Rodes learned to both love and hate.

TMS: One of the most enjoyable aspects of your book was the glimpses into Rodes’ character and moral beliefs.  One such example was during the period of time he was working on the South Side Railroad.  With his father losing his banking job, Rodes would bring his younger sister to live with him.  While it was rough living along the unfinished railroad, Robert would take care of his sister, providing for her needs.  This action and many others throughout his short life, would show the compassionate side of the future military commander.  What say you?

DC: In 1850, Virginia adopted a new state constitution, which stipulated, among other things, that a number of positions in state government filled by appointment now had to be filled by popular election.  Despite having held the position of district court clerk for more than twenty years, David Rodes was voted out of office in 1852.  Erroneously concluding that his father now was financially strapped, Robert offered to take in his teenage sister Sally.  Sally, however, refused to live in a one-room hovel with her brother, preferring instead to live in much more comfortable surroundings with friends in Charlottesville.  This offer by Rodes, as you say, was but one of many examples of his compassion.  Another example was his attempt to help a financially destitute friend by buying his watch for $75, an entire month’s wage for Rodes at the time.  There was, however, another side of Rodes that showed a definite lack of compassion, a prime example being his wish at the start of the war to settle his debts by selling the young children of his house-slave Hannah.

TMS: Rodes was extremely ambitious.  Over the coming years he would lose several assistant engineer positions, with different railroads.  This was fairly common as the road would either run out of money or would reach a point in its construction where fewer engineers were needed.  He would end up working twice for the NE & SW Alabama Railroad.  The first time the railroad ran out of money and the second time he came back as chief engineer.  It was during his first tenure, in Alabama, that he would meet Hortense Woodruff – his future wife.  Can you elaborate on what Rodes was experiencing during this difficult time and what gave him the financial security to marry Hortense?

DC: In addition for working for the Southside Railroad in Virginia, and the Northeast and Southwest Alabama Railroad in Alabama, Rodes worked a short time with different railroads in Texas, Missouri, and North Carolina.  Though he loved engineering, he hated the ephemeral nature of his work.  His return to Alabama in 1856 and appointment as chief engineer two years later gave him four things that finally secured his happiness: 1) a permanent job, with little or no threat of layoff, 2) a headquarters office—no more living in the field, 3) excellent pay–$3,000 a year, more than 15 times that of a common laborer, and 4) his chance to once again pursue and finally marry Hortense.

TMS: While no longer teaching, Rodes remained very interested in the educational system.  After he left VMI, he continued to remain in regular contact with Francis H. Smith, the head of VMI.  These letters provided much insight into the maturing Rodes – a man you described as being a strict disciplinarian.  How did this help mold him into the commander he would become later in life?

DC: Living under the guidance of his strict militia-general father, Rodes grew up in an environment of discipline.  Added to the discipline imposed by the military setting at VMI, was the self discipline Rodes developed as an engineer working under extremely harsh conditions for long periods of time.  In 1859, the University of Alabama was considering converting into a military institute similar to VMI.  The Board of Directors consulted Rodes.  He strongly recommended that the only way to “control the pupils” was to build a tall brick wall around the entire campus.  I think this is quite revealing.

TMS: Robert E. Rodes would finally get an opportunity to pursue his dream – teaching a VMI.  The board of VMI appointed Rodes Professor of Civil Engineering and Applied Mechanics.  He was to start on September 1, 1861.  Unfortunately the gathering war clouds of 1860 and early 1861 would intervene.  Rodes was well prepared for command.  After John Brown’s failed raid at Harpers Ferry, Tuscaloosa County funded the “Warrior Guards.”  Rodes would be elected their captain.  While he drilled his men hard, and kept strict discipline throughout the company, his men would grow to respect Rodes.  He was knowledgeable and turned the raw men into soldiers quickly.  With the formation of the 5th Alabama, Rodes would be appointed their colonel.  Many of the Warrior Guards would follow Rodes into Confederate service – another sign of the respect they felt for him.  Can you describe this period of time?

DC: As chief engineer of the NE & SW Alabama, Rodes worked in the company headquarters town of Eutaw, the seat of Greene County, some thirty miles southwest of Tuscaloosa.  Because of Hortense’s frequent illnesses (described only as “neuralgia”), the couple moved in with her parents in Tuscaloosa.  This fortuitous circumstance made Robert eligible in 1859 to be elected captain of the Warrior Guards.  By November of the following year, Rodes had so thoroughly trained the Guards that at the fair of West Alabama they won the banner as best drilled company.  When the Guards went to Montgomery, the following May, to be sworn into Confederate service, they became Company H of the 5th Alabama Infantry, and Rodes, his reputation for command now firmly established, was elected colonel.

TMS: After spending a period of time in Florida, the 5th Alabama was sent to Virginia.  They arrived at Manassas Junction on June 19, 1861 and were assigned to Brigadier General Richard S. Ewell’s Brigade.  The 6th Alabama, 6th Louisiana (later to be part of the Louisiana Tigers) and the Washington (LA) Artillery were also in the brigade – along with four companies of cavalry.  To protect the gathering Confederate army, Rodes was sent east towards Centreville and posted at Farr’s Crossroads.  It was there, on July 17, that Rodes would first meet the enemy.  Unfortunately, supporting forces had withdrawn leaving Rodes isolated, and in front of the rest of the army.  His 5th Alabama fought bravely, in what would best be described as a small skirmish, but once he realized he was surrounded he ordered his regiment to “recede” – a term he would use instead of “retreat.”  Can you describe the early war preparations, his arrival in Virginia and his first action at Farr’s Crossroads?

DC: Immediately after forming in May 1861, the 5th Alabama was sent down to Pensacola, Florida to be part of General Braxton Bragg’s force besieging Fort Pickens.  By the time the regiment reached Virginia in mid-June, Rodes had molded it into a highly efficient and well-trained unit.  He was sent up the Braddock Road to serve as an advance picket at Farr’s Crossroads.  Here Rodes’ engineering skills, more than his military training, served him well, his keen eye for terrain selecting an excellent defensive position for his men.  Eventually approached and nearly surrounded by about 2,000 men of Samuel Heintzelman’s division, Rodes refused to “recede” until he received specific orders to do so from General Ewell down at Union Mills Ford.  It was, as I have written, a splendid little affair for Rodes and the 5th Alabama.

TMS: On July 21, 1861 the first large scale battle was fought in the Civil War.  The First Battle of Bull Run would be a terrific victory for the Confederate army – however, without the arrival of Brigadier General Joseph E. Johnston’s command, from the Shenandoah Valley, it could have easily been a terrible Confederate defeat.  Rodes would see little action during the battle as he was posted away from the action.  This caused a growing resentment that you described as “petty and even illogical.”  Additionally, he would start a strict drill program that was so hard that the men suffered terribly.  Finally a surgeon told him he was going to kill all of his men – with the result being less drill during the heat of the day.  Can you describe Rodes during this period of time – the resentment he felt for not being part of the Confederate victory at Bull Run and his increasing use of hard drill?

DC: For four brief days after Farr’s Crossroads, Rodes basked in an atmosphere of back-slapping congratulations.  He appears to have thoroughly enjoyed the accolades, which all to soon were reduced to insignificance by the momentous battle of the 21st.  Already possessing a reputation for having a well-trained, efficient regiment, he seemed determined after Bull Run to further build on that reputation as additional proof that he was indeed, battlefield glory or no, a capable officer.  Rodes, however, may also have had the welfare of his men in mind when he put them on his harsh training regimen.  Though he did not participate in the great battle of the 21st, he witnessed its horrible aftermath, with its acres of dead and wounded men.  Only the severest discipline and training might spare his own men this awful fate in the next great contest.

TMS: One of the challenges you faced when writing this book was cited in the introduction.  While much of Rodes’ correspondence with his father, friends and military associates was saved, Hortense burned all of her correspondence with her husband after his death – letters that would have provided a glimpse into the heart of Rodes.  How did you work around this lack of primary source material and what other difficulties did you encounter when researching this book?

DC: Lacking this essential primary source material, I decided to approach my subject not only from his own perspectives, as revealed in his extant letters, reports, etc., but also from the perspectives of those people on whose lives he had a significant impact.  Simply put, a biography is an attempt to understand an individual.  A full understanding thus requires an investigation into not only what the main subject thought, believed, felt, and did, but also the effect of all these on the people with whom he interacted.  I therefore relied heavily on the letters, diaries, and memoirs of the people who knew Rodes, who worked with him, who befriended him, and who entrusted their lives to him.

TMS: Rodes’ hard work paid off.  On October 25, 1861, Rodes was promoted brigadier general in the Confederate Army.  His brigade included the 5th, 6th and 12th Alabama regiments and the 12th Mississippi.  Interestingly enough, Alabama law required that the new commander for Rodes’ 5th Alabama would be elected by a vote of the regiment.  This created quite a controversy.  Can you elaborate for my readers?

DC: Back in May, Rodes had been chosen colonel of the 5th Alabama by a vote of the men in the regiment.  He considered that method appropriate for new, raw units in the process of formation.  He strongly protested, however, against that method for veteran regiments, arguing, reasonably enough, that it ran too great a risk of not putting in place the best man for the job.  Respecting the principle of state’s rights, on which the new nation had been founded, Confederate authorities and General Beauregard refused to intervene in the matter, whereby Alabama’s Governor Shorter stood firm in his insistence that the new colonel be elected.  Ironically, the men chose Lieutenant Colonel Allen Jones, the man Rodes preferred for the job.

TMS: During US Major General George McClellan’s Peninsula Campaign Rodes’ brigade would not see action at Yorktown or Williamsburg.  They would, however, receive their “baptism of fire” at Seven Pines.  During the Confederate charge, which Rodes’ brigade led, his brigade would suffer a 50% casualty rate.  Additionally, Rodes received a significant wound to his arm.  Can you describe his performance at Fair Oaks?

DC: Before Seven Pines, Rodes possessed a well-deserved reputation for having molded his brigade, as he had done with the 5th Alabama, into an efficient, well-trained unit.  He remained, however, an untested, unproven, and unknown quantity as a combat officer, his little affair at Farr’s Crossroads notwithstanding.  Rodes emerged from the battle with soaring praise as immanently worthy of the high position he held.  D.H. Hill, his division commander, had launched the attack before Rodes was fully deployed.  Rodes’ intense training now paid off as he sent his men into the fight en echelon.  Once they smashed through the first Federal position, Rodes expertly straightened his line and pressed on, always inspiring and leading his men from the front.  Rodes truly impressed me, as he did his contemporaries, with both his ability and courage.

TMS: Darrell, your book includes wonderful maps.  These were made by Timothy Reese.  I am unfamiliar with Mr. Reese.  Can you tell my readers a little bit about him and how your partnership was formed?

DC: For my previous books I drew and developed my own maps.  They were adequate, but for Rodes I wanted the services of a professional cartographer.  My publisher, Ted Savas, recommended Timothy Reese, a prominent Civil War mapmaker used by Savas on several other projects.  I would send Tim sketches of the battles I wanted to use, indicating where I wished to place special emphasis regarding Rodes, and he turned them into the beautiful maps you see in the book.  I was very glad and grateful to have his services.

TMS: While still suffering a fever, and significant pain from his wounded arm, Rodes was again leading his brigade during the Battle of Gaines’ Mill.  His beloved 5th Alabama would perform very well during the attack against the Federal position but would eventually be forced to retire.  Unfortunately, Rodes would open the wound on his arm and would leave the field.  Taking his place was Colonel John B. Gordon.  Can you provide an analysis of Rodes’ Brigade’s actions at Gaines’ Mill?

DC: Rodes returned to duty too soon, a mere three weeks after receiving his wound at Seven Pines.  Convinced, however, that a major, if not war-winning campaign was about to begin, he resumed command of his brigade on June 20, five days before the beginning of the Seven Days’ Battles.  At Gaines’ Mill, Rodes’ Brigade held the left-center of Jackson’s line, poised to strike Porter’s Yankees across a dense, almost swampy thicket, and then 400 yards of open ground.  At 7 p.m., the men rushed forward, Rodes’ troops emerging from the thicket widely scattered and spread out.  Rodes was reorganizing his line when he wisely and nobly concluded he no longer was fit to go on.  The Confederates, including Rodes’ Brigade, ultimately went on to achieve a stunning victory.

TMS: While convalescing at a hospital in Richmond, Gordon would continue to command Rodes’ Brigade.  At the battle of Malvern Hill, the brigade would again suffer staggering losses – 450 men from all causes.  While severely depleted after the Peninsula Campaign, and the Seven Days, Rodes’ Brigade had earned a reputation for hard fighting and bravery.  What say you?

DC: Up to the very morning of the battle of Seven Pines, many of Rodes’ men despaired that they were being left out of the war, having stood in reserve at Williamsburg, seen no real action at Yorktown, and heard the guns but fired none of their own at Manassas.  After Malvern, many had had more than enough of this war, 1,650 of their number having been placed on the casualty lists.  Rodes’ Brigade had indeed earned it reputation as one of the best combat units in Lee’s army.

TMS: Rodes would return to his brigade after the Battle of Second Bull Run.  Part of Daniel Harvey Hill’s Division, it would engage the Federal forces at Turner’s Gap.  The fighting would be brutal during the battle of South Mountain as the Army of Northern Virginia attempted to keep the Federals from pushing through the gaps.  Can you describe the fighting Rodes’ men experienced at Turner’s Gap?

DC: I believe that at South Mountain Rodes performed one of his greatest services for the Confederacy.  If McClellan had pushed through the gaps, and thus interposed between Longstreet at Frederick and Jackson at Harper’s Ferry, untold disaster might have befallen Lee’s army.  Rodes’ Brigade played a crucial role in preventing that from happening.  The ground on South Mountain was rough and broken, but Rodes, with his keen engineering eye for terrain, placed his men to such advantage that they held off an entire division (Meade’s) for several hours without help.  To avoid being overwhelmed, Rodes then pulled back his men into an excellent L-shaped line that held off the enemy until darkness mercifully ended the fight.  The brigade, however, again lost heavily, this time about 400 men.

TMS: After the fighting at Turner’s Gap, the strength of the brigade had been reduced to around 1,200 effectives – not much larger than the original strength of Rodes’ 5th Alabama when it mustered into Confederate service.  Arriving at Antietam, D.H. Hill’s division, including Rodes’ Brigade, would be assigned a position south of the Sunken Road.  Described after the battle as Bloody Lane, Rodes would face US Major General William French’s Federal Division.  Needless to say, while eventually being pushed to the high ground beyond the road, Rodes’ Brigade would suffer during the fight in this sector.  Can you elaborate?

DC: Having once been convinced that they were being left out of the war, Rodes’ men now consistently found themselves placed at the crucial spot in nearly every great battle of Lee’s army, the Bloody Lane being yet another example.  I have walked the length of this narrow road, marveling at the courage of Rodes as he did the same under much more dangerous circumstances, encouraging his men as they, along with George Anderson’s brigade on their right, threw back charge after charge.  I walked back 100 yards or so to the barn where Rodes and an aide had ridden to bring up reinforcements, and saw the approximate spots where the aide took a bullet in the face and Rodes a piece of shrapnel in the thigh.  Faced with overwhelming numbers, Rodes’ and Anderson’s men eventually broke, but many were rallied by Hill, Longstreet, and a thigh-bandaged Rodes, and once again, Lee’s army was saved.

TMS: After the Maryland Campaign, Rodes would be assigned temporary command of Hill’s Division while in the Shenandoah Valley.  During this period of time, Rodes would command one of his future brigadier generals, Bryan Grimes.  An interesting exchange would take place between these two warriors during this time – an exchange that would cause future issues when Rodes was later made a division commander.  Can you provide some details on what took place?

DC: As senior brigadier, Rodes in late November 1862 assumed temporary command of Hill’s division while that officer was away on business.  Soon afterwards, Lee ordered the 2nd Corps to proceed from the Valley to Fredericksburg, Rodes putting the division in motion on November 21.  Unaware that Rodes was in command of the division, Grimes, in temporary command of Ramseur’s Brigade, complained to him about the order that forbade the men to remove their shoes and pants to cross the cold, waist-deep Shenandoah River.  Grimes was quite taken aback by the sharp rebuke he received from Rodes, only to be further angered by him later that same day for being chastised at not ordering his men to stack arms during a halt, and still later for not hurrying along sufficiently to a nearby town.  These unpleasant exchanges soured relations between the two men for nearly a year and a half, finally being mitigated by what Grimes called Rodes’ “gentlemanly gesture,” probably the division commander’s strong endorsement of Grimes’ promotion to brigadier.

TMS: During the spring of 1863, D.H. Hill was sent to North Carolina.  There was much anticipation about who would take his place in command of the division.  While Rodes was the senior brigadier general, Edward “Allegheny” Johnson would receive the promotion.  How did this affect Rodes?

DC: Though he desperately wanted the promotion, Rodes, unlike many of his colleagues, refused to campaign for it by soliciting endorsements from fellow officers and prominent politicians.  He felt highly gratified, however, when unsolicited references poured in for him.  Nonetheless, Rodes did not let his hopes get too high, reasoning that since he was not a ”West Point man” he had little chance of becoming a major general.  He thus took Johnson’s promotion in stride, especially since that officer was still recovering from a wound and probably would not take command for some time.  In the meantime, Chancellorsville took place.

TMS: I would like to comment on your writing style.  One thing I appreciated was how fluidly you could move from a narrative of battle action to providing interesting information on the background of Rodes or another soldier.  This made the book very enjoyable to read.  Is this style something that came naturally for you or did you consciously try to intersperse the narrative with enlightening stories of the soldiers?

DC: Thank you, Mike.  I certainly appreciate those kind words.  I did not want this biography to be a mere chronological recitation of what Rodes did.  Just as I relied on the diaries, letter, and memoirs of those who knew Rodes in order to provide a fuller understanding of him, I wanted to present their experiences to further illustrate what Rodes may have been going through at the same time.  A good example of this is the horror and terror described by Private Nick Weeks of the 3rd Alabama at Chancellorsville on May 3.  Rodes at the time is known to have been with the 3rd Alabama, perhaps only a few yards from Private Weeks.  What did Rodes confide to his own wife about that terrible day?  We will never know.  But Nick Weeks gave us some idea of what he, and Rodes, experienced.

TMS: In May 1863, Rodes would lead one of Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson’s Divisions at Chancellorsville.  It was during Jackson’s flank march, and subsequent engagement with US Major General O.O. Howard’s XI Corps, that Rodes provided his most valuable action during the war.   Leading the assault, on the center of the line, Rodes would receive much credit for rolling the Union right flank up, and pushing it to the main Federal line near the Chancellor Tavern.  Rodes was continually seen in the thick “of the action,” leading his men from the front.  Can you describe this portion of the battle and give an overall analysis of Rodes’ performance?

DC: It was customary practice, if possible, for units on the march to rotate from day to day which should be in the lead and which should bring up the rear.  On the morning of May 2, however, there was no time for such rotation.  Rodes’ division, being nearest the designated jump-off point on the Furnace Road, automatically drew the honor of leading the march, which meant that ultimately Rodes and his men also would lead the attack.  After a grueling march of some twelve miles, which consumed seven hours, Rodes deployed his 8,500 men fairly quickly into a one-and-a-half mile line straddling the Old Turnpike.  At the signal, Rodes sent his men forward, crushing the right of the XI Corps, and maintaining the momentum of the attack as long as possible until darkness, confusion, exhaustion and a lack of ammunition finally brought it to a halt.  Undoubtedly, it was Rodes’ finest hour.  “He seems after Jackson,” wrote Ewell in a private letter, “to be the hero of the fight.”

TMS: On May 10, Rodes was officially promoted major general.  Dated May 10, Rodes would take the unusual action of sending it back, requesting that it be made effective May 2.  The senate confirmed it with the requested date, effectively making Rodes the official division commander during the fight at Chancellorsville.  While most of his soldiers were pleased with his promotion, there was some dissension in the ranks, the soldiers believing that they earned the laurels at Chancellorsville.  Can you elaborate?

DC: I found this incident to be somewhat amusing.  As the only medium at the time, newspapers were devoured by the soldiers, who scanned every page looking for (favorable) references to their units.  When after Chancellorsville the papers heaped praise on Rodes, with little or no mention of his brigades or regiments, some soldiers in the division had had enough.  They protested, by way of anonymous letters to various papers, that although Rodes was an excellent officer who did his job, it was the men in the ranks who won the fight.  Rodes, by the way, had no delusions about this.  On several occasions he is known to have personally visited different regiments and thanked the men for their efforts in the latest battle.

TMS: After a long grueling march to Pennsylvania, in June 1863, Robert Rodes would lead his division to the sounds of fighting, at Gettysburg, on July 1.  Upon arriving north of Oak Hill, he would dress his lines and move to attack the Federal XI Corps at Oak Hill.  The fighting would be intense, but they would end up pushing the XI and I Corps through the town of Gettysburg and on to Cemetery and Culp’s hills.  Can you describe the action during the first day’s fight at Gettysburg?

DC: At Chancellorsville, Jackson and Rodes had achieved the unthinkable dream of assembling a large attack force on the flank of an unsuspecting enemy.  At Gettysburg Rodes did it again, this time by chance, when he came up on the right flank of the same XI Corps.  Now, however, Rodes took too long to deploy, waiting for his entire division to come up before attacking (What if he had sent even two brigades against the right of the XI Corps?).  By the time his troops were up, the I Corps had deployed in front of him.  Rodes finally launched his attacks, but they were uncoordinated.  The fighting became desperate, and for a time it looked as though the hero of Chancellorsville was facing defeat and humiliation.  The timely arrival of Early’s Division on his right changed all that, turned the tide, and pushed the Federals through Gettysburg.  Rodes appeared to have agreed with corps commander Ewell that Cemetery Hill could not be taken that day.

TMS: On the afternoon of July 2, Early’s 2d Corps Division attacked the Federals on East Cemetery Hill.  The vaunted Louisiana Tigers pushed through the Federal rifle pits and reached the reserve artillery.  Rodes’ Division was supposed to support the attack from the northwest.  His division did not make it into the fight and Early was forced to give up the ground his bloodied division fought so hard to take.  Your book is fair and balanced, and you do not give Rodes a pass for his poor performance at Gettysburg.  What happened that prevented Rodes from supporting Early on the afternoon of day two at Gettysburg?

DC: July 2 at Gettysburg undoubtedly was one of Rodes’ worst days as a commander.  He failed to appreciate the difficulty he faced in getting his division into position for an attack for which he had all day to prepare.  And once in position, it was his brigadiers who reported back to him the strength of the enemy line and the impossibility of the attack, which indicated that Rodes had not ordered any fact-finding reconnaissances.  These omissions were very uncharacteristic of Rodes, and on the surface they seem inexplicable.  In the course of my research, however, I discovered a possible explanation.  Observers claimed they saw Rodes that day frequently lying in an ambulance, apparently quite ill, and obviously incapable of command.  If so, Rodes deserves severe criticism for not turning over his division to a more-fit officer.  I assume pride prevented him from doing so.  When in thirty years his grandson would ask, “What did you do grandfather at the great battle of Gettysburg, the day we won the war?” there is no way Rodes is going to answer, “Nothing, I was sick.”

TMS: During the fall and winter, of 1863, Rodes worked diligently to put the right commanders in charge of his brigades.  Alfred Iverson would be shuttled out of the Army of Northern Virginia while Edward O’Neal, who Rodes had no confidence in, was left in command.  Eventually O’Neal would be replaced, but the struggles Rodes endured clearly highlighted the political realities of high command.  Can you tell my listeners about Rodes’ actions to firm up his command structure?

DC: At Gettysburg on July 1, Iverson sent his men into a deadly crossfire that nearly destroyed the brigade, while he remained in the rear, having ordered no reconnaissance and sent out no pickets.  Afterwards, his men openly refused to serve under him.  Clearly, he had to go.  Lee tactfully removed Iverson by making him a provost marshal.  Even before Gettysburg, Rodes harbored doubts about O’Neal, apparently concerning disciplinary issues related to Rodes’ old brigade.  The relationship between the two men turned bitterly sour, O’Neal going so far as to accuse Rodes of “drunken debaucheries,” an accusation unsubstantiated by any sources I have discovered.  The final straw for Rodes came at Gettysburg on July 1, when O’Neal, like Iverson, did not advance with his brigade.  Determined to be rid of the colonel, Rodes resisted the efforts of both Lee and Alabama politicians to have O’Neal made a brigadier.  At some cost to his popularity back home, Rodes eventually won out, and Cullen Battle became the new commander of the brigade.

TMS: In the spring of 1864, the Federals had a new commander – Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant.  He wasted little time setting his army in motion.  Rodes would arrive near the old Chancellorsville battlefield in early May and would take part in the campaign’s opening battle – The Wilderness.  With his division posted along the Orange Turnpike, Rodes would attack the Federal V Corps and Ambrose Burnside’s IX Corps.  How would you grade Rodes’ performance at The Wilderness?

DC: The fighting in the Wilderness was bloody and desperate, with several moments when victory or defeat hung in the balance.  Rodes was involved in two of those moments, the first when John Jones’ Brigade of Johnson’s Division collapsed in front of him under the weight of fierce V Corps attacks, and Rodes moved up his division in time to steady the line and hold the position.  The second occurred the next day, May 6, when Rodes sent Stephen Ramseur’s Brigade to the right just in time to fill a gap in the line and stop Burnsides’ IX Corps from breaking through.  Unlike at Gettysburg, Rodes throughout the Overland Campaign would be in top form.

TMS: At the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Rodes’ Division was posted at the Mule Shoe Salient.  It would receive the brunt of Emory Upton’s attack on May 9.  On May 12, Rodes was again at the epicenter of a Federal attack against the salient – this time from the entire Federal II Corps.  Rodes, and his brigadier, Stephen Ramseur, were able to repulse the Federal onslaught, saving the day for Lee.  Can you describe Rodes’ contributions to the battle of Spotsylvania Court House?

DC: Part of what drew me to Rodes as his biographer was the fact that so often he found himself, quite by chance, to be in the hottest spots and most crucial situations, from the Bloody Lane to the Bloody Angle, in many of the great battles fought by the Army of Northern Virginia.  At the Mule Shoe I believe Rodes performed magnificently, both as a masterful tactician, moving Ramseur, for example, like a knight on a chessboard—over two spaces and up one, and as a brave leader of his men, many claiming afterwards that they consistently saw him “within rods of the firing.”  After Spotsylvania, I think no one could deny that Rodes was Lee’s toughest and most capable defensive commander.

TMS: Grant would move around Lee’s right flank, and again meet Lee – this time at the North Anna River.  Wisely choosing not to enter a pitched battle there, Grant pushed further south where he fought Lee at Cold Harbor.  Early’s 2d Corps, including Rodes’ Division, were used offensively, while Grant attacked other portions of the line.  Can you provide an analysis of Rodes’ performance at Cold Harbor?

DC: In perhaps the grandest assault of the war, involving three times the number of men who made “Pickett’s Charge,” Grant on the morning of June 3 sent 40,000 to smash the center of the Confederate line.  Lee’s men required little more than thirty minutes to shoot down 7,000 of these men and stop the attack cold.  At the same time, Grant had sent Burnsides’ IX Corps around to hit Lee’s left north of the Old Church Road.  Early and Rodes easily stopped him.  The whole bloody affair was perhaps Grant’s greatest mistake during the war.

TMS: In June 1864, Jubal Early’s 2d Corps was sent to the Shenandoah Valley to repulse US Major General David Hunter’s forces operating there.  Rodes’ entire division was depleted to 3,000 soldiers of all arms.  Early’s Army of the Valley quickly pushed all Federal forces from the upper Shenandoah Valley.  In an effort to draw forces from Grant’s position at Petersburg, Early moved into Maryland and defeated US Major General Lew Wallace’s small force at Monocacy.  However, with his sights set on Washington, Early’s plans were somewhat thwarted as Wallace held him at Monocacy long enough for reinforcements to arrive from Petersburg.  While the Army of the Valley did reach the outskirts of Washington, they were not able to break the defenses before they were forced to pull back.  Can you elaborate on Rodes contributions during the offensive actions of the 1864 Valley Campaign?

DC: With no more than twelve or thirteen thousand men at any one time, Early adopted the policy of being constantly on the move, whereby he hoped to magnify his numbers by way of creating numerous threats.  Thus while their comrades in the 1st and 3rd Corps were suffering in the trenches before Petersburg, Early and Rodes’ men were dashing up and down the Shenandoah Valley and venturing into Maryland to the very borders of the District of Columbia.  These tactics proved largely successful, clearing the entire Valley of all Federal forces, threatening Washington, and relieving Lee by drawing off thousands of enemy troops from around Petersburg.  During this time, Rodes’ men often were hungry and barefoot, but their morale remained remarkably high.  Rodes never let them forget that they were soldiers.

TMS: Having returned to the Shenandoah Valley, Early’s Army of the Valley had a new Federal commander to contend with – US Major General Philip Sheridan.  Placed in charge of the Middle Department, Sheridan proved up to the task.  He would attack a widely strung out Confederate army on October 19, at Third Winchester.  Facing the bulk of the attack was Stephen Ramseur’s Division.  Significantly outnumbered, Ramseur’s position was difficult.  Rodes’ Division would quickly move to reinforce Ramseur with John B. Gordon’s division also participating.  Upon arriving Rodes quickly assessed the situation and determined that drastic action was needed – an attack against the numerically superior Federal army.  During the attack, leading as always from the front, Rodes would be killed by either a piece of shrapnel, or minie ball, to the head.  Early would suffer a terrible defeat at Third Winchester and would forever lose the services of one of the preeminent Confederate division commanders with Rodes’ untimely death.  Can you tell my listeners about this pivotal battle and the death of Rodes?

DC: A price Early unwittingly paid for his remarkable success in the Shenandoah Valley during the summer of 1864, was overconfidence in himself coupled with a corresponding contempt for any Federal commander sent against him.  Rodes seemed to be aware of the growing problem.  He cautioned Early against ultimately taking one chance too many, whereby he feared Sheridan would pounce on his scattered forces and defeat them piecemeal.  Early refused to listen.  Thus on the morning of September 19, Early’s forces, as one of his soldiers later complained, were “scattered from Dan to Bersheba.”  Ramseur was two miles west of Winchester, with Rodes six miles beyond that at Stephenson’s Depot, and Gordon eight miles beyond that at Bunker Hill.  With remarkable speed, Rodes and Gordon arrived on the field and deployed to help Ramseur, who was under tremendous pressure form Sheridan.  Regardless, with 40,000 against 12,000 the battle was hopeless.  Rodes was sending Battle’s Brigade into the fight when his luck finally ran out and he was struck down.  The loss devastated his men, many later unreasonably concluding that had Rodes not been killed they would have won the battle of Third Winchester.  Throughout the Confederacy many considered the severity of the loss to be second only to that of “the great Jackson.”

TMS: Darrell, are you working on any new projects?

DC: I have a few projects in mind, but I have settled on nothing yet.  Mike, let me add that I thoroughly enjoyed this interview and I feel honored to have it placed on your excellent Blog.

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!

********************************************

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

###

Published by Savas Beatie, LLC, “Valley Thunder” is very enjoyable to read and is very well researched.  In my interview with Charlie, I asked him why he decided to write a new book on the Battle of New Market.  His reply was that he had uncovered a significant amount of new primary source material and that it was time to revisit the battle with a new narrative.  His book is the first new book on the battle since William C. Davis’ narrative, “The Battle of New Market,” was published 35 years ago.

The first chapter of “Valley Thunder” provides an interesting history of the Shenandoah Valley, detailing why the valley was so crucial to the Confederacy and why it would ultimately become one of the most hotly contested areas in the eastern theater.  Chapter two details the ascendancy of Franz Sigel to command of the Federal forces in the valley and John Breckinridge taking over command of the Confederate forces spread throughout the area.  This chapter also provide rich detail on the command structure of both forces.

Next, Knight provides detailed information of the initial movements of the two forces towards New Market.  This was particularly interesting for me as it highlighted the shortcomings of Sigel and his hesitancy to move his forces on Breckinridge after successfully occupying Winchester.  Knight builds a strong case for Sigel losing his nerve after John McNeill’s partisan rangers attacked the B & O Railroad in his rear.  After this minor skirmish Sigel would become fixated on his supply line, and as the author points out, he would quickly use his cavalry up chasing small bands of rangers instead of properly screening his movements and scouting ahead of his army.

The next five chapters provide a narrative of the battle that is rich in firsthand accounts and expert analysis of the movements of both armies.  The author, having earlier detailed the terrain of the battlefield, describes how it dictated the tactical deployment and movement of troops.  While terrain, roads and bodies of water impact every battle, their impact during the battle around New Market were even more dramatic.  I have visited the New Market Battlefield State Park and was very impressed with the detailed imagery that Knight’s book painted in my mind.  It is important for an author to properly convey the terrain the armies fought over, and Knight hits the bullseye on this mark –  making the book that much more enjoyable to read - the battle flowing effortlessly across the pages like a documentary program.

The last chapter, “Fame,” details the enduring fame the Battle of New Market has enjoyed and dispels some of the myths involving the actions of the VMI cadets.  Knight’s expert knowledge is apparent in his analysis of the battle and the strategic implications it forced on the residents of the valley when Sigel was removed from command, three days after his defeat, in favor of US Major General David Hunter –  a move that would initiate “hard war.”

Knight provides eight detailed appendixes to provide additional information on the battle.  These include the order of battle, after-action battle reports, details on the 54th Pennsylvania, 23d Virginia, 1st Missouri Calvary, Imboden’s flanking movement at Smith’s Creek and other interesting items.

I am very impressed with Charlie Knight’s first book, “Valley Thunder.”  It is a “must have” for any serious student of the Civil War.  Like all the Savas Beatie publications I have reviewed, the book is well constructed and loaded with maps and pictures –  making it a great investment that can be passed down to future generations of ACW enthusiasts.  I had the opportunity to interview Charlie on May 25.  He is very engaging and provides a great deal of information on the Battle of New Market.  I’m sure you will enjoy the interview as much as I enjoyed speaking with Charlie.

Details about “Valley Thunder”
Written by: Charles R. Knight
Hardcover: 360 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: May 2009
ISBN-10: 1932714804

Charlie Knight Interview – 14 Parts
“Valley Thunder: The Battle of New Market and the Opening of the Shenandoah Campaign, May 1864”
Interview Date: May 25, 2010
Total Time: 1 hour 29 minutes 48 seconds

Part 1: Charlie Knight Interview Part 1
Contents: Welcome and introductions | About Charlie Knight | Why write about New Market? | Charlie’s relationship with Savas Beatie, LLC | The strategic importance of the Shenandoah Valley

Part 2: Charlie Knight Interview Part 2
Time: 8:01
Contents: Lincoln promotes US Major General Franz Sigel to command the Valley forces | John Breckinridge and John Imboden the Confederate commanders in the Shenandoah Valley

Part 3: Charlie Knight Interview Part 3
Time: 6:19
Contents: The opposing forces and tactical situation in May 1864 | Sigel’s early movements in the Shenandoah Valley

Part 4: Charlie Knight Interview Part 4
Time: 7:01
Contents: Confederate partisan rangers bring grief to Sigel | Sigel’s use of his mounted arm | The Federal operational plan for the Shenandoah Valley

Part 5: Charlie Knight Interview Part 5
Time: 6:18
Contents: Breckinridge’s Confederate forces meet near New Market | Confederate desertions spike during the movement on New Market | How the terrain of the New Market Battlefield dictated the tactical plans and movements at New Market

Part 6: Charlie Knight Interview Part 6
Time: 5:03
Contents: Night fighting at New Market on May 14 | Breckinridge arrives at New Market and arrays his forces on Shirley’s Hill | The tactical situation on the morning of May 15 | Breckinridge formulates his plans for the upcoming battle

Part 7: Charlie Knight Interview Part 7
Time: 8:02
Contents: CSA Brigadier General Gabriel Wharton’s Brigade attacks Colonel Augustus Moor’s troops at New Market | Moor’s lack of familiarity with his brigade | Sigel arrives at New Market and takes command | Imboden attacks the Federal cavalry from a position east of Smith’s Creek | Imboden is taken out of the fight

Part 8: Charlie Knight Interview Part 8
Time: 3:41
Contents: Moor’s Federal brigade pulls back to the Bushong Farm | Terrain impacts the Confederate attack at the Bushong Farm | The Union army continues arriving at New Market | Federal artillery concentrates on the Confederate line

Part 9: Charlie Knight Interview Part 9
Time: 5:18
Contents: The 62d Virginia Mounted Infantry and Company A 1st Missouri Cavalry is ordered to silence the Federal artillery | Company A 1st Missouri Cavalry is annihilated

Part 10: Charlie Knight Interview Part 10
Time: 6:40
Contents: Sigel orders Major General Julius Stahel Cavalry to attack east of the Valley Turnpike | Stahel charges into the mouth of the Confederate artillery and Echols’ Infantry | The disposition of Echols brigade and the Confederate artillery | Colonel Joseph Thoburn orders his brigade to counter attack against the left flank of Breckinridge’s army | Lack of communication dooms Thoburn’s attack

Part 11: Charlie Knight Interview Part 11
Time: 5:57
Contents: Wharton orders an attack on the Federal right flank | The ground favors the Confederate charge | Carlin’s Federal battery is surprised by the 51st Virginia | Sigel’s position becomes untenable | The VMI Cadets are ordered to charge von Kleiser’s Battery

Part 12: Charlie Knight Interview Part 12
Time: 5:41
Contents: With a general retreat along the Federal line Sullivan’s Federal brigade arrives at New Market | DuPont’s Battery takes on the unusual task of covering the Federal retreat | DuPont’s unique actions provide time for Sigel’s army to retreat | Imboden’s cavalry dispositions and its impact on pursuing Sigel’s retreating column

Part 13: Charlie Knight Interview Part 13
Time: 7:14
Contents: One of the myths of the Battle of New Market | The Rupperts care for the wounded soldiers at New Market

Part 14: Charlie Knight Interview Part 14
Time: 8:07
Contents: US Major General David Hunter takes command of the Federal forces in the Shenandoah Valley | Hunter starts “hard war” and goes on the offensive | New Market – the “Gettysburg” of small battles | Knight’s plans for future books | Closing and wrap up

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.