Thomas F. (hardtack) -
I've been reading---almost constantly---about the Civil War for over 60 years, as I am fascinated about the subject. I thought I knew just how bloody the war in the West was. Turns out I was wrong. While many other books cover the conflict in this area---partly or in detail---none that I've read has covered it in as much interesting detail as this one.
Most of the book covers the conflict in Kansas and Missouri, with some actions in Arkansas. And the book includes details of many of Abraham Lincoln's decisions regarding policy and commanders in the West.
The only---and almost unbelievable---historical mistake I found was the author's mention on page 347 of Confederate General Simon Buckner as the "defender of Vicksburg." Buckner was nowhere near Vicksburg when Union General Grant captured it, or even involved in that campaign. The Confederate general in the Vicksburg campaign was John Pemberton.
Another interesting note: The author maintains that the bloodiest battle of the Civil War, in terms of number of casualties to the number of men fighting, was at Wilson's Creek in August, 1861. And of the Union officers who participated in this early battle, before the War's end seven would become major generals and 23 would become brigadier generals.
Most of the book covers the conflict in Kansas and Missouri, with some actions in Arkansas. And the book includes details of many of Abraham Lincoln's decisions regarding policy and commanders in the West.
The only---and almost unbelievable---historical mistake I found was the author's mention on page 347 of Confederate General Simon Buckner as the "defender of Vicksburg." Buckner was nowhere near Vicksburg when Union General Grant captured it, or even involved in that campaign. The Confederate general in the Vicksburg campaign was John Pemberton.
Another interesting note: The author maintains that the bloodiest battle of the Civil War, in terms of number of casualties to the number of men fighting, was at Wilson's Creek in August, 1861. And of the Union officers who participated in this early battle, before the War's end seven would become major generals and 23 would become brigadier generals.
