Osprey's Shenandoah Valley 1862

The American Civil War had some very capable field generals as well as some who were not as capable. Among the most capable of the Confederate generals was 'Stonewall' Jackson. Typical of many of these men, they were outstanding in their military career under the United States in the years prior to the Civil War. This was during a time when many 'leaders' were such only due to political cronyism or after buying their commissions. We often think that today's political world in the US is rife with problems of all sort (and it is), but the issues were even greater in the middle years of the United States.

Anyway, the Civil War was somewhat unique in that the capital cities of both sides were very close to each other. Lincoln was constantly concerned about the defense of Washington DC during the first years of the war and Jefforson Davis was equally concerned about perhaps having to abandon Richmond because of the nearness of the Federal armies. So much of the first year or so was based on the concerns regarding keeping the other side's armies out of the capital while trying to figure how to take the capital of the other side.

Fortunately, there were only a few ways to reach these places. The Potomac River was a major obstacle to the Confederates and the hills and mountains of Virginia were equally difficult to take a big army across.

Early in 1862 the Federal army wanted to wage a major offensive in the Maryland peninsula and into Virginia, headed straight for Richmond. However, they were concerned about the Confederates coming up the Shenandoah Valley, crossing the Potomac and heading for Washington DC. As such, the Federal army decided to head down the Shenandoah Valley to forestall any Confederate advance. Taking an army of approximately 50,000 troops, Nathanial Banks was tasked with taking this valley. 'Stonewall' Jackson, with only about 17,000 troops was tasked with defending it.

It was obvious that a head on confrontation would not turn out well for the Confederates, yet Banks never used the full force in his campaign, preferring to use it piecemeal. The result was a campaign of several months where the Federal army would take an area, move on to another yet be unable to fully hold the area taken. It was a campaign of good tactics on the Confederate side with some very questionable tactics on the Federal side. Both sides made mistakes and missed opportunities thanks to incapable subordinates as much as anything else. It resulted in a very interesting and fluid campaign that ended up wearing out and demoralizing the Federal forces who eventually retired from the Valley.

The Donnells tell the tale superbly. I often have some difficulty following Civil War campaigns, but for whatever reason, it was not the case with this one. I was able to easily follow what happened and thanks to some very well done maps and charts, had no trouble with the ebb and flow of the campaign. The fine selection of period photos and the artwork of Adam Hook further enhanced the experience.

In all, it makes for a great read and a book I know you will enjoy reading.

August 2013

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