ePub Battle of Big Bethel: Crucial Clash in Early Civil War Virginia by J. Michael Cobb; Edward Hicks; Wythe Holt in History

Review

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A Bigger Battle than We Now BelieveBy Amanda WarrenThis is a superb; very thorough treatment of the battle as well as its greater significance in the overall story of the Civil War. We now think of "Big" Bethel as miniscule; but in its immediate aftermath the effect was profound for both sides. The authors did an extraordinary job depicting the personalities (wherever you have General Magruder; the scene is never going to be boring!) and the action. Who could ever forget the sight of Gouverneur Warren mounted on a little WHITE mule; brandishing a stick for lack of a sword?!I did find one little mistake. Henry Hotze; who went on to become the masterful Confederate spokesperson in Europe; is referred to as a "combatant." But he did not actually fight in Big Bethel; his regiment was camped nearby in Southeastern Virginia and he only wrote about the battle from secondhand reports. Also; a subject which I think could have been better explained was Magruder's reasons for burning Hampton. I just read "John Bankhead Magruder: A Military Reappraisal" which clarified why he made the decision; whereas in this book it was presented vaguely and thus came out to be highly questionable.But those are obviously minor problems. The book as a whole is excellent and very moving. Highly recommended!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Fielding TylerOne of the better works on the engagement at Big Bethel. Mike Cobb knows his stuff.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy jab40awesome book