As I completed the manuscript for Chasing Jeb Stuart and John Mosby in 2011, I realized (on good advice) that the narrative was too long and too broad in scope. I decided to shorten the time frame of the book and to narrow my focus to the cavalry. In doing so, I cut out seven…

During the last few years, I have made several references to the logistical problems in the Union Cavalry Corps, created by the different models and caliber of carbines carried by the men. I have also, especially recently, referenced what I term ‘the mythical horn of plenty’ within the Cavalry Corps. In doing so, I do…

As I worked on last month’s Part 2, I considered just how far I could expand this story, or, put another way, how much more readers would tolerate. In this concluding post, I want to take a brief look at how the South handled the same supply problems that winter, as well as how they…

Several months ago, while pondering ideas for future posts, I re-read three reports in my files, all dated March 1, 1863, and all three describing, in some detail, the Union cavalry picket line around the Army of the Potomac. I have other reports from the same general time frame, but finding three written by different…

Several years ago, I examined several of the challenges confronting Brig. Gen. Montgomery Meigs, Col. Rufus Ingalls, and their subordinates in the Quartermaster Department, as they struggled to keep the men and animals of the Army of the Potomac supplied during the winter of 1862-1863. You can find those posts here and here. I want…

I truly appreciate the feedback I receive from you, and I especially appreciate hearing from readers familiar with a home I have written about or who are descendants of a soldier I have written of. I believe Maj. John Eells, 5th Virginia Cavalry, may have been the last trooper, North or South, killed in action…

For more than 161 years, Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart’s ‘Ride to Gettysburg’ has proved fertile ground for debate and controversy, and for more than 30 years I have tried to avoid such discussions. Confusing orders, missing orders, problematic decisions, and Stuart’s motivations are just a few of the unknowable or unsolvable factors that fuel the…

Friend, author and historian, Arnold Blumberg, has, for many years provided book reviews to a host of media outlets. In recent years, however, the number of outlets, especially for Civil War related content, has rapidly diminished. Arnold recently offered to continue writing reviews and offering them to me. I happily accepted and will post his…