Some of you certainly know, and hopefully many of you know or know of Licensed Gettysburg Battlefield Guide, Jim Hessler. A guide for about 20 years, Jim is the author or co-author of several award-winning books related to the Battle of Gettysburg. He also maintains the engagement schedule of a celebrity, speaking, guiding tours – both on and off the Gettysburg Battlefield – recording a Battle of Gettysburg Podcast and now The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast YouTube Channel, and more.
Jim has been a good friend for nearly ten years, and he recently invited me to discuss my book, Small but Important Riots, with him. Wide ranging, our discussion runs an hour and forty minutes. If you think you can stand it, you may find the interview here. But I encourage you to dig into his channel and the many other programs he brings you, including interviews with the inimitable Wayne Motts, Steve Floyd, and others about aspects of the Battle of Gettysburg, on-site discussions related to the battle, author interviews, and much more. If you like what you see, you may help Jim by subscribing to his channel.
Small But Important Riots 
Thanks for letting us know about that, Bob. I can’t wait to watch it.
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Bob, I did see this interview on you tube. I plan on listening when I get the chance. I’m a big fan of Jim’s books.
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Thanks Terry, and good to see you recently in Gettysburg
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I recently watched your interview on Jim Hessler’s YouTube series. It was quite enjoyable and educational. You were able to clearly and interestingly describe Pleasanton’s actions with reference to his orders from Hooker and how you straightened out the prior misconceptions.
What’s more, your comments about the O.R.s hit the nail on the head. You clearly proved that what is missing can change the whole story. And those reports that are there have their problems. Reading after action reports of opposing commanders can leave one with the feeling that one is reading about two completely different battles. I used to think they were at least reliable for orders given, but with Hooker to Pleasanton, you have shown that is not universally the case. The other info I have thought was reliable was who marched where. But who knows about that either. One cannot ignore the O.R.s as they have much to offer, but one must be skeptical.
Another piece of valuable info from the interview is we all will now know where to find you…at the National Archives.
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Thank you, Tom.
You are correct regarding the importance of the OR and not ignoring them. But we can’t forget just how much material is not in the OR or the ORS. Finding the time to dig it out is always the challenge.
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