This book is an operational and tactical study of cavalry operations in Northern Virginia from September 1862 to July 1863. It examines in detail John Mosby's first six months as a partisan; within the context of the larger threat to the Union capital posed by Jeb Stuart. Previous studies of Mosby's career are largely based on postwar memoirs. This narrative balances those accounts with previously unpublished official contemporary records left by the Union soldiers assigned to the defense of Washington; D.C. The formation of the Michigan Cavalry Brigade is fully documented; along with the exploits of the brigade in the months before George Custer took command. Largely forgotten events; such as Jeb Stuart's Christmas Raid; the fight at Fairfax Station during Stuart's ride to Gettysburg; as well as the vital role played by Union general Julius Stahel's cavalry division in the critical month of June 1863; are examined at length.
#1872579 in Books 2011-03-23Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.90 x .50 x 5.90l; .57 #File Name: 0786463333192 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. For those of us fortunate enough to escape going to warBy Christian J. StreckFor those of us fortunate enough to escape going to war; this book provides a glimpse into the horror and tragedy that is always a part of war. The letters to home from members of the Boyd family of Abbeville; SC bring home the personal losses suffered by one family; losses that were seen on both sides of this war.I picked up this book because my grandparents lived in the Diamond Hill District in the late 1870s thru about 1915. While none of my known relatives are mentioned; nevertheless; my grandparents had to have been familiar with the stories of this and other nearby families. Most historical accounts of wars are somewhat impersonal; say the view from 20;000 feet. This;however; is the ground level account. It's easy to become attached to the characters; worry with them about how their families are doing; and grieve when they are lost in battle. Accounts such as this are the only way; short of actually participating; to learn what war is really like. For that reason; I think it provides an invaluable lesson.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. ... to me as it offers an insight to my great grand father's life a member of Kershaw's BrigadeBy Darla B.This book was very meaningful to me as it offers an insight to my great grand father's life a member of Kershaw's Brigade; Army of Northern Virginia during the War Between the States; 1861-1865.I am grateful to Keith Jones and his associates for putting together this document. I means so much to me and to my family; the successors of Daniel Boyd; the only son to survive the war.Sincerely;William Daniel Boyd; Jr.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Must read for anyone interested in real persons enduring the civil war and it's aftermath for the Confederacy .By Dorothy E MartinThe format used explains what is happening; then gives reader the pertinent letters from these heroic men. Made me want to read more about the civil war. The letters are simple and straight forward---heart-breaking as you begin to realize these men will not be returning home to the families they are writing to. Heart-breaking as you think about the anxiety the families must have felt...as they waited for news from their "boys".
