PDF Hunter's Fiery Raid through Viginia Valleys by Gary Walker in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Just skimming through the book I've already found so much useful information! It has so many mapsBy HistoryBuffAmandaI'm doing a research paper for my Civil War and Reconstruction class on the Hunter's Raid through Virginia and the Battle of Lynchburg. Just skimming through the book I've already found so much useful information! It has so many maps; authentic photographs; and re-creation photos. Walker defiantly did his research when writing this book. Most of his references and research can be found right on the pages! I'm super excited to really get into this book and find out everything it has to offer me! Best $3 I've ever spent!!!1 of 3 people found the following review helpful. EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE BATTLE OF PIEDMONT INTERPRETATIONBy Glenn E. StacyI bought this book with high expectations; especially since I wanted to know more about the 1864 Shenandoah Valley Campaign. My ancestor's regiment; the 39th Tennessee Mounted Infantry was involved a lot of the fightining in key battles; including Piedmont. When I got to the section of the Battle of Piedmont; I was appalled with what the author wrote about Vaughn's Brigade and their participation in the battle or none at all; according to the author. Heck; none of the units that were part of Vaughn's Brigade are not even listed; which a few I will list here; the 39th;1st; 43rd; 59th Tennessee Mounted Infantry; as well as others. He states that Vaughn's Brigade never budged at all; but remained still and not coming to the assistance of their fellow comrades. This is utterly false and I mean completely untrue. The author obviously did not conduct thorough research to this battle. In fact; at one point in the battle Vaughn's troops were ordered by General Jones to reinforce the left flank of the left wing; along the river bluffs; because of an imminent counter attack the Southern troops were going to employ and this is documented in several diaries. In moving from their positions from the right wing to the left wing; they were targeted by Dupont's artillery and were on the receiving end of a devastating fire that killed and wounded many. My ancestor's regiment; the 39th Tennessee Mounted Infantry was under the command of Major Robert McFarland and they brought 118 into the fight and suffered half that number in casualties. The best book on the Battle of Piedmont is Scott Patchan's; "The Finaly Fury". This author has done a great injustice to the men and boys; of General Vaughn's Brigade; who suffered dearly during this terrible battle. I know there are other authors who have written about this subject that also omit these brave Tennesseans and their sacrifices. Now I am not sure if I want to continue on with this book or not; because I do not know how credible and reliable it is; in telling the truth about this important campaign. I cannot recomment this book to anyone.2 of 4 people found the following review helpful. This book is a hell of a good readBy Midwest Book ReviewGary Walker's book; "Hunter's Fiery Raid Through Virginia Valleys" certainly provides the reader with a plethora of information concerning the Hunter led Union attack in Virginia in May and June; 1864.I am impressed with the author's research; and his ability to capture the times. I could smell the burning homes and feel the wrath of the civilians caught in the scorched-earth policy of Union General "Black Dave" Hunter. Who can blame the civilians for fighting for home and family?General Hunter already had a history of behavior affecting the South's most treasured icon by freeing all slaves in Union hands in his command; the Department of the South; in 1862. This was later annulled by President Lincoln; stating Hunter had exceeded his authority. Hunter also sanctioned the first Negro regiment; the 1st South Carolina. Congress upheld him in this act. The Confederates labeled Hunter a felon to be executed if captured. Hunter was a hard man for the Confederates to stomach.Some people actually thought that a scorched-earth policy would shorten the war. Scorched-earth had already had a desired effect on Native Americans and affected the folks in Georgia and South Carolina. Sherman wasn't kidding when he said; "War is Hell!"Gary Walker reminds us how bad war can be; how it smells and tastes and how hard it is to forget. This book is a hell of a good read. I appreciate the education.Richard N. LarsenReviewer