Admiral Raphael Semmes Camp #11
Sons of Confederate Veterans
Mobile, Alabama
Books about the wbts written by
mobilians
The battles of new hope church
By Russell w. blount, jr.
In the late spring of 1864, Union general William T. Sherman made his way toward Atlanta in what would become infamous as his March to the Sea. Northwest of the city, in Paulding County, Sherman's advance was halted for the first time when he found himself enveloped in unbroken wilderness, face to face with Joseph Johnston's Army of Tennessee. The two armies engaged in a series of intense battles in the area, which the soldiers would begin calling the "Hell Hole." Harrowing details bring to life the conflicts at New Hope Church, Pickett's Mill, and Dallas in this thorough study of Georgia warfare during the Atlanta Campaign. More than a dozen chapters offer explanations on the battle strategies employed and describe the conditions faced by the soldiers, with letters, memoirs, and diary entries providing firsthand accounts of their horrific experiences. Maps depict the position of the brigades during battle while images include portraits of the men in uniform and illustrations of combat. Written in the present tense, this history captures the intensity of war.
This is an account of the actions in Paulding County, Georgia, during the last week of May 1864, including a significant phase in the Atlanta Campaign. During this interval, the Confederate army stops Sherman's advance for the first time. The battles of Pickett's Mill and Dallas are also covered.
This is an account of the actions in Paulding County, Georgia, during the last week of May 1864, including a significant phase in the Atlanta Campaign. During this interval, the Confederate army stops Sherman's advance for the first time. The battles of Pickett's Mill and Dallas are also covered.
- Hardcover: 192 pages
- Publisher: Pelican Publishing (March 31, 2010)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1589807480
- ISBN-13: 978-1589807488
Editorial Review
This is an impressive first book, with much to recommend it. The author's writing style produces a vivid easy to read narration. Couple this with seamlessly switching between participant's accounts and the author's narration to produce an enjoyable reading experience. This combination captures the experience of the battlefield without being unduly graphic.
Another thing to like about this book is the topic. We do not have many histories in this area. Much of the Atlanta Campaign concentrates on the siege, battles around the city, the action further north or at Kennesaw Mountain. New Hope Church, Pickett's Mill and Dallas, occurring in early May 1864, often get lost. This book centers on the overall situation when both armies went to ground and fought things out. In the end, Sherman returns to maneuver and Johnston is forced to retreat.
This book is on the divisional level with the brigade being the smallest unit normally mentioned. Those seeking regimental alignments, specific information and causalities will be disappointed. In the heavily wooded terrain, given the poor communications and line of sight problems, the author's decision to work at the divisional level produces a crisper narration that keeps things moving.
The only "problem" I found was the author's acceptance of items that are often being questioned. A bland assertion on Grant's drinking was the first discordant note. Dwelling on Hood's physical condition brought up his supposed opium use. There are a couple of other assertions similar to this but they do not damage or really detract from the overall good history of the battles.
There are serviceable maps in the front of the book that work with the narration. A series of period illustrations from Harper's and photographs appear as needed, end notes, a Bibliography and index complete the book.
This small book provides good value for the price, is informative and a pleasure to read.
This is an impressive first book, with much to recommend it. The author's writing style produces a vivid easy to read narration. Couple this with seamlessly switching between participant's accounts and the author's narration to produce an enjoyable reading experience. This combination captures the experience of the battlefield without being unduly graphic.
Another thing to like about this book is the topic. We do not have many histories in this area. Much of the Atlanta Campaign concentrates on the siege, battles around the city, the action further north or at Kennesaw Mountain. New Hope Church, Pickett's Mill and Dallas, occurring in early May 1864, often get lost. This book centers on the overall situation when both armies went to ground and fought things out. In the end, Sherman returns to maneuver and Johnston is forced to retreat.
This book is on the divisional level with the brigade being the smallest unit normally mentioned. Those seeking regimental alignments, specific information and causalities will be disappointed. In the heavily wooded terrain, given the poor communications and line of sight problems, the author's decision to work at the divisional level produces a crisper narration that keeps things moving.
The only "problem" I found was the author's acceptance of items that are often being questioned. A bland assertion on Grant's drinking was the first discordant note. Dwelling on Hood's physical condition brought up his supposed opium use. There are a couple of other assertions similar to this but they do not damage or really detract from the overall good history of the battles.
There are serviceable maps in the front of the book that work with the narration. A series of period illustrations from Harper's and photographs appear as needed, end notes, a Bibliography and index complete the book.
This small book provides good value for the price, is informative and a pleasure to read.
Russell W. Blount, Jr., is a senior vice president with Surety Land Title, Inc. After earning his B.S. in history from the University of South Alabama, he taught the subject at the high-school level. Blount is involved in such organizations as the Civil War Preservation Trust, Historic Mobile Preservation Society, and the Sons of Confederate Veterans. He also serves on the board of directors for the Kiwanis Club of Fort Conde. He resides in Mobile, Alabama.
clash at kennesaw June & July 1864
By russell w. blount
This dramatic recounting covers one of the Civil War's most gruesome battles, offering insight into a geographic conflict overlooked throughout history. The struggle between the Union and Confederate armies for possession of Kennesaw Mountain encompassed a month-long fight through squalid trenches, adverse weather, and other miseries such as swarms of insects and the stench of lifeless soldiers. From Acworth to Kennesaw to Marietta, nearly 200,000 men fought and suffered in the days surrounding the climactic battle on June 27. Author Russell W. Blount, Jr. sheds light on the horrific battle in this detailed narrative. Here, one of the most important phases of the Atlanta Campaign is brought to life. From the face of death and destruction left behind by the blue and the gray to a glimpse at the raw feelings and emotions of the common privates and civilians, no misery endured by troops is withheld. Also included in this vivid depiction are insights into the character of commanders William T. Sherman and Joseph E. Johnston. Russell W. Blount, Jr. is a senior vice president of Surety Land Title, Inc., the Gulf Coast's premier title company. After receiving a BS in history from the University of South Alabama, the Civil War enthusiast taught history at the high-school level. His affinity for history is apparent in his involvement with such organizations as the Civil War Preservation Trust, Sons of Confederate Veterans, and the Historic Mobile Preservation Society. Blount is also the author of Pelican's The Battles of New Hope Church.
From early June to early July of 1864, North Georgia's Kennesaw Mountain loomed as the focal point around which the Union and Confederate armies fought and suffered. From the Georgia rail towns of Acworth to Big Shanty (now Kennesaw) and Marietta, nearly 200,000 men-blue and gray-fought for possession of the forbidding landscape. The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, which took place on June 27 of that year, is a day remembered by many as one of the most gruesome battles of the Civil War. This book covers the Atlanta Campaign's dramatic month-long struggle over possession of Kennesaw Mountain. Along with details of the grisly battle, author Russell W. Blount, Jr. provides insight into the character of commanders William T. Sherman and Joseph E. Johnston. The battle's common privates and their outlooks are chronicled as well, along with civilian accounts of the tragic occurrence.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1455616648
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/clash-at-kennesaw-russell-blount-jr/1110838717
From early June to early July of 1864, North Georgia's Kennesaw Mountain loomed as the focal point around which the Union and Confederate armies fought and suffered. From the Georgia rail towns of Acworth to Big Shanty (now Kennesaw) and Marietta, nearly 200,000 men-blue and gray-fought for possession of the forbidding landscape. The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, which took place on June 27 of that year, is a day remembered by many as one of the most gruesome battles of the Civil War. This book covers the Atlanta Campaign's dramatic month-long struggle over possession of Kennesaw Mountain. Along with details of the grisly battle, author Russell W. Blount, Jr. provides insight into the character of commanders William T. Sherman and Joseph E. Johnston. The battle's common privates and their outlooks are chronicled as well, along with civilian accounts of the tragic occurrence.
- Hardcover: 160 pages
- Publisher: Pelican Publishing; First Edition edition (September 10, 2012)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1455616648
- ISBN-13: 978-1455616640
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1455616648
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/clash-at-kennesaw-russell-blount-jr/1110838717
From Civil War News Book Review – January 2013
The Atlanta Campaign of 1864, arguably the war’s most important, has been undergoing a series of micro-studies. As a student of this campaign for nearly 30 years, I believe it’s about time it got more deserved attention. Author Russell Blount Jr., who contributed his first micro-study, The Battles of New Hope Church, in 2010, continues the welcome trend with this book on the battles around Kennesaw Mountain.
After moving over half way to Atlanta from Dalton in north Georgia in less than a month, William T. Sherman’s armies were forced into a much slower pace by rough terrain and poor weather. For some 28 days his Federals fought for mere yards of red mud while losing men daily. This attrition warfare sapped Sherman of his favorite tactic: maneuver.
Sherman also worried about his supply line and the possible loss of troops as enlistments expired later that summer. The irritable Buckeye planned meticulously to keep his men supplied by creating new depots along his line of advance.
Leaving the railroad in May to turn Confederate Gen. Joseph Johnston out of the Allatoona Mountains almost did him in at New Hope Church and Pickett’s Mill. He was forced to use more supplies than anticipated.
Sherman used some maneuvering to move Johnston off the first Kennesaw line. With Sherman’s superior artillery pounding him, Johnston fell back to the shorter – and much more powerful – second Kennesaw line.
Anchored on Big and Little Kennesaw Mountains, the line followed ridges to the south and bristled with trenches and cannon positions. The Confederate center, anchored on the Dead Angle, was defended by Ben Cheatham’s hard-fighting veterans and Patrick Cleburne’s famous division.
Blount’s narrative is highlighted by quotes from men of all ranks on both sides, including ones new to students of the campaign. A particularly good section is how Confederate Gen. Leonidas Polk was killed on Pine Mountain by Union artillery fire. An incompetent but popular officer, Blount makes Polk a sympathetic character.
Many historians believe that Sherman’s direct assault along the second Kennesaw line was his biggest mistake of the campaign. While some details of the tactical execution can be called into question – and Sherman depended on George Thomas for much of his tactics in the campaign – the overall strategy, had it been successful, would have resulted in a huge victory.
Two parts of Johnston’s army, one on top of the two mountains, would have been separated and possibly destroyed in detail while follow-up forces captured the Confederate railhead of Marietta.
Coupled with this assault was the movement of John Schofield’s troops to the south to secure a crossing on Olley’s Creek designed to stretch Johnston’s line ever farther. Indeed, it was this movement, detected by Johnston, which brought about the fight at Kolb’s Farm.
John Bell Hood’s corps was to extend the Confederate left but, instead, overstepping his mandate, launched an attack on prepared Federal lines. Schofield continued his movement despite Hood’s presence. After the smoke and carnage of Kennesaw settled, he had achieved his mission and was now closer to Atlanta than Johnston.
This success ultimately brought about Johnston’s retreat to Smyrna and then the Chattahoochee River. Blount describes the battle and its aftermath in great detail — especially the truce called to bury the bodies rotting in the summer heat. This is a potent part of the book.
Blount places all of these events in their proper context. With his masterful use of primary sources, he weaves a tale of a Union commander capable of intelligent design and wide mood swings trying to gain his objective but not at all costs.
Indeed, as Thomas reported after Kennesaw, “one or two more such assaults would use up this army.” Sherman’s loss of 3,000 men was quite small compared to the bloodbath going on at the same time between Lee and Grant.
Sherman told his wife, “I begin to regard the death & mangling of a couple thousand men as a small affair.”
Johnston’s attempts to hold Atlanta from the Kennesaw line and the growing disgruntlement in Richmond provides an interesting contrast between one side that had the initiative and the other trying, albeit not very hard, to wrest it away.
I have three quibbles with this book. One, Blount uses the figure of 60,000 “effectives” for Johnston’s army. Historian Richard McMurry’s research has shown that the proper way to count that army is the “present for duty” numeration. Thus, Johnston’s actual strength on the Kennesaw line was between 70,000 and 75,000 men.
Second, Blount ignores the first campaign study from 1882 by Union Gen. Jacob Cox, who was in the campaign. Third, he provides no analysis of Sherman’s Kennesaw actions.
Despite these issues, Blount has contributed a fine study that is well written, well researched, quite readable and recommended to those seeking to learn more about this pivotal Atlanta Campaign battle.
The Atlanta Campaign of 1864, arguably the war’s most important, has been undergoing a series of micro-studies. As a student of this campaign for nearly 30 years, I believe it’s about time it got more deserved attention. Author Russell Blount Jr., who contributed his first micro-study, The Battles of New Hope Church, in 2010, continues the welcome trend with this book on the battles around Kennesaw Mountain.
After moving over half way to Atlanta from Dalton in north Georgia in less than a month, William T. Sherman’s armies were forced into a much slower pace by rough terrain and poor weather. For some 28 days his Federals fought for mere yards of red mud while losing men daily. This attrition warfare sapped Sherman of his favorite tactic: maneuver.
Sherman also worried about his supply line and the possible loss of troops as enlistments expired later that summer. The irritable Buckeye planned meticulously to keep his men supplied by creating new depots along his line of advance.
Leaving the railroad in May to turn Confederate Gen. Joseph Johnston out of the Allatoona Mountains almost did him in at New Hope Church and Pickett’s Mill. He was forced to use more supplies than anticipated.
Sherman used some maneuvering to move Johnston off the first Kennesaw line. With Sherman’s superior artillery pounding him, Johnston fell back to the shorter – and much more powerful – second Kennesaw line.
Anchored on Big and Little Kennesaw Mountains, the line followed ridges to the south and bristled with trenches and cannon positions. The Confederate center, anchored on the Dead Angle, was defended by Ben Cheatham’s hard-fighting veterans and Patrick Cleburne’s famous division.
Blount’s narrative is highlighted by quotes from men of all ranks on both sides, including ones new to students of the campaign. A particularly good section is how Confederate Gen. Leonidas Polk was killed on Pine Mountain by Union artillery fire. An incompetent but popular officer, Blount makes Polk a sympathetic character.
Many historians believe that Sherman’s direct assault along the second Kennesaw line was his biggest mistake of the campaign. While some details of the tactical execution can be called into question – and Sherman depended on George Thomas for much of his tactics in the campaign – the overall strategy, had it been successful, would have resulted in a huge victory.
Two parts of Johnston’s army, one on top of the two mountains, would have been separated and possibly destroyed in detail while follow-up forces captured the Confederate railhead of Marietta.
Coupled with this assault was the movement of John Schofield’s troops to the south to secure a crossing on Olley’s Creek designed to stretch Johnston’s line ever farther. Indeed, it was this movement, detected by Johnston, which brought about the fight at Kolb’s Farm.
John Bell Hood’s corps was to extend the Confederate left but, instead, overstepping his mandate, launched an attack on prepared Federal lines. Schofield continued his movement despite Hood’s presence. After the smoke and carnage of Kennesaw settled, he had achieved his mission and was now closer to Atlanta than Johnston.
This success ultimately brought about Johnston’s retreat to Smyrna and then the Chattahoochee River. Blount describes the battle and its aftermath in great detail — especially the truce called to bury the bodies rotting in the summer heat. This is a potent part of the book.
Blount places all of these events in their proper context. With his masterful use of primary sources, he weaves a tale of a Union commander capable of intelligent design and wide mood swings trying to gain his objective but not at all costs.
Indeed, as Thomas reported after Kennesaw, “one or two more such assaults would use up this army.” Sherman’s loss of 3,000 men was quite small compared to the bloodbath going on at the same time between Lee and Grant.
Sherman told his wife, “I begin to regard the death & mangling of a couple thousand men as a small affair.”
Johnston’s attempts to hold Atlanta from the Kennesaw line and the growing disgruntlement in Richmond provides an interesting contrast between one side that had the initiative and the other trying, albeit not very hard, to wrest it away.
I have three quibbles with this book. One, Blount uses the figure of 60,000 “effectives” for Johnston’s army. Historian Richard McMurry’s research has shown that the proper way to count that army is the “present for duty” numeration. Thus, Johnston’s actual strength on the Kennesaw line was between 70,000 and 75,000 men.
Second, Blount ignores the first campaign study from 1882 by Union Gen. Jacob Cox, who was in the campaign. Third, he provides no analysis of Sherman’s Kennesaw actions.
Despite these issues, Blount has contributed a fine study that is well written, well researched, quite readable and recommended to those seeking to learn more about this pivotal Atlanta Campaign battle.
BESIEGED : MOBILE 1865 KINDLE EDITION
BY JR., RUSSELL W. BLOUNT
In no other battle of the Civil War is the lack of rapid communication more tragic than in the campaign for the city of Mobile, Alabama, in 1865. Hours after Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered, the Union efforts to capture the port ravaged a city that had remained nearly unscathed through five brutal years of war. Author Russell W. Blount, Jr. crafts a vivid narrative of his hometown during these desperate times as revealed through diaries, letters, and journals of those who lived through the turbulent siege of nearby Spanish Fort and the subsequent battle for Mobile.
Considered the last major battle of the Civil War, it is seen by many historians to be a punitive action by Union commanders who were loath to leave such a prize unconquered. Mobile’s value as a blockade-running port for the South was no longer a threat to the Union. By this time in the action, the city known as the “Paris of the South” remained primarily as a refuge for those who were exhausted by deprivation and hardship; their defenders were a ragtag band of soldiers holding on to fading strength, determined to protect the city against all odds. Their poignant defense of what was not only a battlefield but also their home front is as tragic as it was courageous. Blount provides an eyewitness account that brings us into Mobile in the last months of the war and allows a glimpse of what it must have been like for both civilians and the soldiers charged with defending them.
Considered the last major battle of the Civil War, it is seen by many historians to be a punitive action by Union commanders who were loath to leave such a prize unconquered. Mobile’s value as a blockade-running port for the South was no longer a threat to the Union. By this time in the action, the city known as the “Paris of the South” remained primarily as a refuge for those who were exhausted by deprivation and hardship; their defenders were a ragtag band of soldiers holding on to fading strength, determined to protect the city against all odds. Their poignant defense of what was not only a battlefield but also their home front is as tragic as it was courageous. Blount provides an eyewitness account that brings us into Mobile in the last months of the war and allows a glimpse of what it must have been like for both civilians and the soldiers charged with defending them.
- Print Length: 168 pages
- Publisher: Pelican Publishing (July 6, 2015)
- Publication Date: July 6, 2015
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
- Language: English
- ASIN: B014VGQZVG
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