The copy-edited files are back with the University Press of Kansas and there is a title: Gettysburg's Southern Front: Failure and Opportunity at Richmond.
I've really enjoyed this project. The book covers the little-known Federal operations against Richmond during the Gettysburg Campaign - an effort by a 20,000-man force led by Major General John Dix. The Federal advance on Richmond was directly connected to Lee's drive into Pennsylvania. Indeed, the primary purpose of Dix's operation was to the cut the railroads linking Lee's army to Richmond and to threaten the city itself as the Army of Northern Virginia marched north. Many Federal leaders at the time saw great potential in the venture, which produced engagements in the fields east of Richmond and at the railroad bridges over the South Anna. I expect many readers will find compelling events and intriguing stories they knew little or nothing about before.
The book demonstrates how Dix's effort at Richmond (coupled with smaller operations in NC and western Va.), was part of a Henry Halleck plan - albeit a weak and poorly-coordinated one - to counter the advance of Lee's army north in June and July. Integral to the study (and discussed at length) are issues such as Lee's logistical situation before, during, and after the battle Gettysburg; debates in Washington about the Richmond strike and other efforts to counter or blunt Lee's Pennsylvania foray; reaction to Lee's invasion by commanders in various US and Confederate departments behind his column; the decisions and efforts of Confederate leaders to defend Richmond while supporting Lee's offensive - among other related issues.
Fingers crossed for a release later this year.
