Eric J. Wittenberg

Well researched and footnoted w 100's of primary sources. Dozens of photographs of major participants, some of which I had never seen before.

No index of maps or overall index on content, which is quite inconvenient. Some maps not adequately detailed, as they did not support the story content. Hard to follow at times. He switched between Union and Confederate views in same paragraph several times.

I think this is one of Wittenberg's early books, and he has improved significantly since completing this one. Overall somewhat disappointing.… (meer)

Excellent study of the early fighting at the bridges of Chickamauga on September 18, 1863. Covers both Minty's cavalry at the Reed Bridge and Wilder's mounted infantry at Alexander's Bridge. Does an excellent job of providing background of the units and their commanders, keeping a clear distinction between the two units. The characters of Minty and Wilder really come to life. Another important area is the exposition of small unit covering tactics, first in theory and then as applied by the two units. The tactics are laid out clearly and interestingly. An important and welcome addition to the growing literature on the battle of Chickamauga, "the Gettysburg of the West".… (meer)

This seems like two books. The last part, describing the battle of Brandy Station is handled with Wittenberg's usual excellent coverage of movements and personal accounts, from BOTH sides.

The first part, however, is an extended apologia for the Union cavalry, circa spring of 1863. I know that subject is in the title of the book, but Wittenberg beats it to the ground, with example after example of Union trooper triumphs, even when they have been foolishly placed in dire circumstances by their commanders' blunders. And the Confederates only appear in quotations attesting to the valor and effectiveness of the Yankee cavalry troops. It just got old after awhile. Especially references to how exhausted the courageous Union troopers are after 36, count 'em, 36 hours in the saddle. Stuart's and Forrest's men, who went on raids that lasted nine or ten days nonstop, would split their sides laughing to read that.

At the command level, Wittenberg does a good job describing how the cavalry command was restructured and giving credit to those who accomplished it. But again he goes too far, even going to great lengths to try to prove that Stoneman's Raid before Chancellorsville was a smashing success!

This is an important treatise on the evolution of the Union cavalry, and they did mature during this period. I just wish Wittenberg had not been quite so heavy handed in making his case for them.… (meer)