Book of the Year: The Fight For the Old North State at Civil War Books and Authors

I learned today that The Fight For the Old North State was picked as the Book of the Year at the Civil War Books and Authors. Andrew Wagenhoffer, who publishes this excellent blog, reviewed the book earlier this year. I'm happy and honored at the recognition. I want to thank the University Press of Kansas and everyone who helped out with this project.

The Time is At Hand: Robert E. Lee's Plan To Attack New Bern

On January 2, 1864, Robert E. Lee wrote: “The time is at hand when, if an attempt can be made to capture the enemy’s forces at New Berne, it should be done. I can now spare troops for the purpose, which will not be the case as spring approaches.” 

Lee's proposal led to a large expedition against New Bern led by General George Pickett, an operation detailed in The Fight For the Old North State (Univ. Press of Kansas, 2019).  Lee believed success at New Bern would alleviate the supply crisis plaguing his army and quell an emerging peace movement. As N.C. Supreme Court Justice Walter A. Montgomery later wrote:  "A great majority of the people . . . thought that the time had arrived when the question of peace with the United States government should be considered. It was thought that the contest was hopeless after the surrender of Vicksburg and the defeat . . . at Gettysburg, and that the further effusion of blood and destruction of property should cease.” These developments spurred Confederate leaders to focus on military efforts in North Carolina.

Though the New Bern expedition in February failed, Lee’s plan triggered one of the last successful Confederate offensives, culminating in the capture of Plymouth in April. The Fight for the Old North State captures the full scope, as well as the dramatic details of this struggle for North Carolina.

Some recent review excerpts from The Fight For the Old North State:

"... an excellent history of an understudied late-war offensive ... Highly recommended." - Civil War Books and Authors blog

  "... meticulously researched and confidently written new monograph ...." - America's Civil War

"... a detailed, fact-filled journey through joint land and water operations by the Federals and Confederates in their struggle for North Carolina during the early part of 1864 ... recommended." - Joan Wenner, Civil War News

"Well-researched, well-written, balanced, and well-illustrated, if this book doesn't win some awards, people simply aren't paying attention." - Civil War Navy, the History Profession, and Other Historical Musings blog

Holiday Sales! The Fight For the Old North State and Richmond Must Fall

The Fight For the Old North State and Richmond Must Fall are both temporarily sold out at Amazon. But fear not. During the Holidays, you can get them at a great discount straight from the publishers (order details below). If you've already bought either of these through Amazon (and you are not my mother, etc.), feel free to leave a customer review there - always appreciated.

Order The Fight For the Old North State at 30% off and free shipping direct from the University Press of Kansas until December 16. Use code GIFT30 at: https://kansaspress.ku.edu/978-0-7006-274

Order Richmond Must Fall through the the Kent State University Press for 25% off until December 31. Use code HOLIDAY19 at: http://www.kentstateuniversitypress.com/2011/richmond-must-fall/