More than 1;000 men held the rank of brigadier general during the Civil War; but a surprising number remain unknown to all but the most ardent scholar. These lesser-known brigadiers; like General Abner M. Perrin (1830-1864); played much more than a casual role in the momentous conflict. Perrin; of the South Carolina 14th Regiment; took part in all of the major battles of the Army of Northern Virginia. At Gettysburg; he assumed command of a brigade whose general was wounded and defeated all opponents to lead the first troops to enter the town. He received a promotion to brigadier general for his actions and commanded his own brigade at Mine Run; the Wilderness; and Spotsylvania; where he was mortally wounded. This welcome biography chronicles Perrin's life and military career; removing this deserving Civil War personality from the shadows of history.
#3238480 in Books 2011-04-26Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 10.24 x 1.33 x 7.15l; 2.44 #File Name: 0786459344536 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. General Braxton Bragg; C.S.A. - a Necessary Corrective for a Tarnished ReputationBy tim stoyA much-needed biography of an oft-maligned senior Confederate States Army commander. This book begins with a very interesting and informative overview of Bragg's early life and career in the United States Army. He was a genuine hero of the Mexican War; respected for his dedication to duty and effectiveness as a trainer and organizer; a sharp-eyed and sharp-tongued critic of the Army's problems; tilting against windmills (Winfield Scott and Jefferson Davis and lesser lights) in the 1850s. Martin does an excellent job discussing the many problems Bragg encountered upon joining the Confederate States Army from insufficient supplies and untrained soldiers to difficult subordinates and superiors. He follows Bragg through the several levels of command he assumes up to command of the Army of Tennessee. His accounts and criticisms are balanced; showing Bragg's strengths and weaknesses; as well as those of Bragg's friends and enemies in and outside of the Army. Martin does a good job of showing many of the Bragg's problems stemmed from his acerbic personality. He assesses that Bragg developed a strong aversion to the letting of blood at the Battle of Shiloh and this is the reason he seldom moved to the front in his later battles; compromising his ability to supervise his troublesome subordinates - Polk; Hardee; Breckenridge; Longstreet; etc. and thus failing to implement his battle plans. Martin makes clear that Bragg cared deeply for his soldiers; but was ineffective in expressing himself in terms which would endear him to his men; although many greatly respected him for his professionalism.This book belongs in the library of anyone interested in the Civil War; especially on the campaigns in the West. Although Bragg developed the reputation as an unsuccessful and unlucky general; Martin makes clear Bragg was as much the victim of CSA President Davis' failure to properly support him and being thus saddled with Leonidas Polk as he was incapable of enforcing his own will on his troublesome subordinates.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. review; GENERAL BRAXTON BRAGG;CSABy cwGREAT BOOK; novel idea;go to battle plans;of each officer;instead of interview's with general's; did years after the war!!!!!!!!!!!!!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Braxton BraggBy Gerald J BrozVery Informative ; Bragg may not of been as incompetent as often portrayed; would recommend to any Civil War reader
