Tag Archives: Overland Campaign
Struck by a Fired Ramrod, Part 2: Mysterious Death and Elaborate Funeral
This is part two of a three-part series. Part one can be found here. Major William Ellis returned to the Army of the Potomac near Petersburg in mid-June. He knowingly cut short his recovery from a gruesome wound received from … Continue reading
Book Review: “On to Petersburg: Grant and Lee, June 4-15, 1864”
I’m not a fan of writing traditional book reviews. I suppose it reminds me too much of my standard weekly assignments during all four undergrad years as a history major at the University of Illinois. Gordon Rhea’s latest publication, On … Continue reading
On to On to Petersburg!
I don’t know about you, but for years, I have been anxiously awaiting the completion in Gordon Rhea’s epic study of the Overland Campaign. Knowing that the release of the final chapter was pending, I have been ridiculously excited for … Continue reading
The Most Overlooked Phase of the Overland Campaign
I often wonder what motivates people to buy the Civil War books they do. Are they interested in learning something? Being entertained? Both? Do they want to hear their favorite story told one more time, maybe in a new way? … Continue reading
Grant, the Wilderness, and the Loneliness of Command
On the evening of May 6, 1864, Lieutenant General U.S. Grant considered the day’s events. The Battle of the Wilderness had just ended its second day, and Grant’s forces had been beaten and battered in a way he’d never seen. … Continue reading
A Brief Observation on the Army of the Potomac’s Winter Encampment in Stafford County
Recently, I came across a letter written by James Christiancy. Christiancy began the war as an officer in the 17th Michigan Infantry before he transferred to the 9th Michigan Cavalry. After the Gettysburg Campaign, he joined Brig. Gen. George A. … Continue reading
Thomas Nast from the North Anna River: “On to Richmond”
One of my favorite images of the Civil War comes from the June 18, 1864 issue of Harper’s Weekly. The image, by Thomas Nast, is titled “The Campaign in Virginia—“On to Richmond!” and it accompanied the paper’s coverage of the … Continue reading
Question of the Week: 4/4-4/10/16
Here’s another QotW from Phill Greenwalt: Lee supposedly said, “If he [Grant] gets there [James River] it will become a siege and then it will be a mere question of time.” Do you agree with this sentiment or did Lee … Continue reading
Coming Soon: Hell Itself
One of the most anticipated volumes in the Emerging Civil War Series is finally on its way. Hell Itself: The Battle of the Wilderness completes a cycle of Savas Beatie books that includes A Season of Slaughter: The Battle of … Continue reading
Mackowski’s New “Strike Them a Blow” Looks at the Overlooked Phase of the Overland Campaign
by ECW Correspondent Pat Tintle The Emerging Civil War Series has covered well-known events such as Gettysburg and Appomattox, but for the latest volume, author Chris Mackowski has turned the series’ focus toward a battle not found in all U.S. History … Continue reading