General Lees Immortals

Two decades after the end of the Civil War, former Confederate officer Riddick Gatlin, Jr. bemoaned the lack of a history of the Branch-Lane Brigade, a command in which he had served. Who has ever written a line to tell of the sacrifices, the suffering and the ending of these more than immortal men? he asked. Why has the history of that brigade not been written? With the publication of General Lees Immortals: The Battles and Campaigns of the Branch-Lane Brigade in the Army of Northern Virginia, 1861-1865, Gatlins long wait is finally over. This storied brigade was first led by Lawrence Branch, and then by James H. Lane, and served with Lees Army of Northern Virginia for its entire existence. These Tar Heels fought in nearly every major battle in the Eastern Theater, including the Seven Days Battles, Second Manassas, Sharpsburg (where Branch was killed), Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville (where its members mistakenly shot Stonewall Jackson), Gettysburg (including Picketts Charge), the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, the Petersburg Campaign, and the final retreat to Appomattox. Originally part of A. P. Hills famous Light Division, the brigade earned high plaudits for its disciplined defensive efforts, hardhitting attacks, and incredible marching abilities. Its heavy combat exposure, however, resulted in devastating losses. By wars end, its roll call of casualties far exceeded its number of survivors. Michael Hardys General Lees Immortals is based upon years of study and grounded on an impressive foundation of sources, which allows the men to speak for themselves as they describe their time in camp, endless hardships, long marches, bloody battles, increasing hunger, and much more. In addition to a dozen original maps, General Lees Immortals also includes scores of rare photosmany of which were previously unpublishedall of which enhance this well written and engrossing account. Although it took more than 150 years, Captain Gatlins more than immortal men have finally received their just due in this, their first comprehensive history.