To Hell or Richmond: The 1862 Peninsula Campaign

In the spring of 1862, George McClellan and his army aimed to capture the Confederate capital and end the rebellion. The Confederates under generals Magruder and Johnston retreated, drawing McClellan away from his base. As McClellan approached Richmond, a great battle was brewing. Could the Confederates save their capital and win the war with a single fatal blow?

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2024
Publisher: Savas Beatie

In the spring of 1862, George McClellan and his massive army embarked on a slow and arduous journey up the Virginia Peninsula, driven by a single-minded objective: capturing the Confederate capital and putting an end to the rebellion. With determination etched on their faces, the Federal artillery unit, emblazoned with the defiant slogan "To Hell or Richmond," vowed to achieve their mission at all costs.

Despite facing overwhelming odds, the outnumbered and outgunned Confederates, led by generals "Prince John" Magruder and Joseph E. Johnston, displayed remarkable resilience and strategic acumen. They skillfully withdrew, drawing McClellan away from his base at Fort Monroe and further up the peninsula, precisely in the direction he desired. McClellan, confident in his numerical superiority, believed that a decisive victory was within his grasp.

However, the Confederates had a cunning plan up their sleeves. If they could lure McClellan just far enough and out of position, they might have a chance to launch a surprise attack and defeat him. As McClellan approached the very gates of Richmond, a titanic battle was brewing, with the fate of the Confederacy and the young nation hanging in the balance.

In their book, To Hell or Richmond: The 1862 Peninsula Campaign, authors Doug Crenshaw and Drew Gruber take readers on a captivating journey alongside the armies as they traverse the peninsula. The stakes become increasingly high, with surprises lurking around every corner. The soldiers, driven by their unwavering loyalty and determination, had only two possible destinations in mind: victory or defeat.

The book delves into the intricate strategies, political maneuverings, and personal struggles of the soldiers on both sides. It sheds light on the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought in the trenches, facing unimaginable hardships and risking their lives for their cause. The authors provide a detailed account of the battles, including the pivotal engagements at Seven Pines, Gaines' Mill, and Malvern Hill, where the fate of the campaign was decided.

Through their meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Crenshaw and Gruber bring the 1862 Peninsula Campaign to life, offering a fresh perspective on a pivotal moment in American history. The book serves as a reminder of the human cost of war and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, To Hell or Richmond: The 1862 Peninsula Campaign is a must-read for anyone interested in military history, American civil war, or the human triumph over adversity. It provides a captivating account of a pivotal moment in history, offering insights into the strategies, sacrifices, and bravery of the soldiers who fought in this epic battle.

Weight: 324g
Dimension: 228 x 154 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781611215236