By Tim McKinney
Paperback, 160 pages
6 x 9
Like cancer on the soul of the nation, the Civil war digested the national fabric as father turned against son and brother against brother.
Related here, for the first time, is the true story of an unfortunate campaign in that unfortunate war. When a relatively unknown Robert E. Lee arrived in the wilds of western Virginia, America’s Civil War odyssey, which would consume four years, was a mere four months old. We as a people had taken but a few steps on a long dark journey.
The Sewell Mountain range of Fayette County, Virginia was of little note until the tide of war determined the areas strategic importance.
Here, Robert E. Lee, a 54-year-old Virginia aristocrat and quintessential gentleman soldier, stood in defense of his native state.
His opponent, William S. Rosecrans, was a 42-year-old Ohio native and warfare novice, having had no prior combat experience.
This then is the tale of a little-known campaign in a well-known war.
In the fall of 1861 Gen. Robert E. Lee arrives in the mountains of western Virginia (now West Virginia) to take command of the Confederate forces. He finds not only logistical problems caused by the terrain, but feuding between his two generals, John Floyd and Henry A. Wise. Lee will be required to bring his diplomatic skills to bear, along with his military skils.
Assisting him is his trusted aide, Walter H. Taylor. With some never before published photos, Taylor comes to life as Lee’s indespensable aide and friend.
During this fall season in the mountains, Lee will grow a beard that becomes a trademark of the great man in wartime photos. He also finds his beloved horse, Traveller, raised in Greenbrier County and purchased for $200. Here is recounted the history of this great horse. Lee loved him at first sight.
This is the book devoted to this long-forgotten campaign of General Lee. Many personal accounts of the men on both sides bring this conflict in the mountains alive.
See other titles by Tim McKinney including Civil War in Greenbrier County, Civil War in Fayette County, WV Civil War Almanacs Vols 1 & 2.