Shenandoah Summer

Jubal A. Earlys disastrous battles in the Shenandoah Valley ultimately resulted in his ignominious dismissal. But Earlys lesser-known summer campaign of 1864, between his raid on Washington and Phil Sheridans renowned fall campaign, had a significant impact on the political and military landscape of the time. By focusing on military tactics and battle history, Scott C. Patchan uncovers the facts and actions of these little-understood battles and offers a new perspective on Earlys contributions to the Confederate war effortand to Union battle plans and politicking. Patchan details previously unexplored battles at Rutherfords Farm and Kernstown (a pinnacle of Confederate operations in the Shenandoah Valley). He examines the campaigns influence on President Lincolns reelection efforts and provides insights into the personalities, careers, and roles in Shenandoah of Confederate General John C. Breckinridge, Union General George Crook, and Union Colonel James A. Mulligan, with his fighting Irish brigade from Chicago. Finally, Patchan reconsiders the ever-colorful and controversial Early himself, whose importance in the Confederate military pantheon this book at last makes clear.