NF Hunter In The Shenandoah

[Josh The Lighthouse Guy]

Scott Patchan's History Press book about the Battle of Piedmont ends with Hunter's departure from Staunton. I assume his older, longer book on the subject does as well.

Are there any books about the second half of the campaign: Lexington, Lynchburg, and the subsequent retreat? Or any book that covers the whole campaign?

Given how much Hunter was reviled, especially for burning VMI, I would think his campaign would have gotten more literary attention but it seems largely ignored.

 

[gjpratt]

Yes. I went through the same exercise after reading Piedmont. Gary Walker's Hunter's Fiery Raid Through Virginia's Valleys fills the gap. I am just starting it so have not read enough to comment on it. On quick,perusal, it appears to be what we are looking for. As a footnote, I went through my book cases before I went on an internet search and sure enough I had this book but have never read it. I have a whole bookshelf on the 1864 Valley Campaign. I stocked up on these books many years ago anticipating an in-depth study but somehow never got around to it. I had an unopened copy of Wert, too. The price on my first run Walker book is a fraction of its price on Amazon and ABE.

HUNTER'S FIERY RAID THROUGH VIRGINIA VALLEYS (Retitled From-Yankee Soldiers in Virginia Valleys : Hunters Raid): GARY C. WALKER: 9789990941494: Amazon.com: Books

HUNTER'S FIERY RAID THROUGH VIRGINIA VALLEYS (Retitled From-Yankee Soldiers in Virginia Valleys : Hunters Raid) [GARY C. WALKER] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. HUNTER'S FIERY RAID THROUGH VIRGINIA VALLEYS (Retitled From-Yankee Soldiers in Virginia Valleys : Hunters Raid)

www.amazon.com

 

[Josh The Lighthouse Guy]

I should mention I have finished reading Patchan's The Battle Of Piedmont And Hunter's Raid On Staunton: The 1864 Shenandoah Campaign. It reads more like a "normal" Civil War battle study than I'd expect from a History Press book. It's pretty good.

The battle itself is a relatively simple yet dramatic affair. Although it ended in a disastrous rout for the Confederates it was a close run thing. Patchan also does a good job debunking myths and misconceptions about the battle, and gives a fair shake to Hunter.

My full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/336365006

I really wish Patchan had written a sequel covering the other half of Hunter's campaign.

 

[gjpratt]

Walker's book has some additional detail on Piedmont.

 

[gjpratt]

I am halfway through Gary Walker's book on Hunter's campaign. It could use a closer and tighter edit. The research is basic but sound. Overall, I would say the book is informative and serves its purpose

 

[ErnieMac]

Lee's Endangered Left by Richard R. Duncan covers Sigel's and Hunter's Campaigns. Lexington and Lynchburg are included.

 

[gjpratt]

Lee's Endangered Left by Richard R. Duncan covers Sigel's and Hunter's Campaigns. Lexington and Lynchburg are included.

Great tip. Even more pre-Muster reading. Thanks.

 

[Rebforever]

Waynesboro, Va. a city of approximately 21-22,000 people today.
Only app. 20 or so feet of Early's earth works remain.
From the South Wayne Ave. Bridge to the rail road at that time was mostly swamp fed by 6 large springs on both side of the river.
All signs of the Civil War are gone as if it just disappeared over night recently happened.