An Alternate Selection of the History Book Club®
One of the most shocking and humiliating defeats in the United States’ military history, the Red River Campaign narrowly missed turning the tide of the entire Civil War. The daring military operation took place in north Louisiana, in April of 1864. Though the Union soldiers outnumbered the Confederates nearly four to one, the Union forces found themselves under assault and running for their lives. Written in an engaging tone, this illustrated volume chronicles the campaign in precise detail.
This accessible book begins with an overview of the campaign, emphasizing the impact that it had on the outcome of the Civil War. Successive sections cover Confederate Richard Taylor’s strategy, the initial assault of the Union Army of the Gulf, the Confederate’s surprise retaliation attack at Mansfield, and the Southerner’s pursuit of the fleeing Yankees. The final chapter discusses alternative strategies that may have led to a Confederate victory, along with the subsequent careers of major participants.
About the Author
Samuel W. Mitcham, Jr. is the author of more than forty history books, which have received praise from Publishers Weekly and British Army Review. In addition to writing articles for the Journal of Soviet Military Studies, he has appeared on the History Channel, CBS, National Public Radio, and the British Broadcasting Network. A former helicopter pilot and company commander, Mitcham has lectured at West Point, Air War College, and the General Staff College of the Marine Corps. After receiving his BA in journalism from Northeast Louisiana University, he received his MS from North Carolina State University and PhD from the University of Tennessee. Mitcham lives in Monroe, Louisiana.
RICHARD TAYLOR AND THE RED RIVER CAMPAIGN OF 1864
By Samuel W. Mitcham, Jr.
HISTORY / United States / Civil War Period (1850-1877)
288 pp. 6 x 9
13 maps
5 tables Appendixes Notes Biblio. Index
ISBN: 9781455616336