Union Command Failure in the Shenandoah: Major General Franz Sigel and the War in the Valley of Virginia, May 1864

The Battle of New Market in the Shenandoah Valley was a significant engagement in the American Civil War, but previous studies have focused on the Confederate side. David Powell's book, Union Command Failure in the Shenandoah: Major General Franz Sigel and the War in the Valley of Virginia, May 1864, provides the balance needed to understand the campaign. Sigel's record in the field was mixed, and he was not Grant's first choice to lead the effort, but politics and other factors left him in command. The book delves into all the issues, analyzing the campaign from an operational standpoint and including original maps, photos, and the skillful writing readers have come to expect from Powell.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2019
Publisher: Savas Beatie

The Battle of New Market in the Shenandoah Valley is a captivating and significant event in American history. With its dramatic storyline, intense interest, and profound implications, it has often been the subject of scholarly attention. However, previous studies have primarily focused on the Confederate side of the story, leaving a gap in understanding the Union's perspective.

In his book, "Union Command Failure in the Shenandoah: Major General Franz Sigel and the War in the Valley of Virginia, May 1864," David Powell fills this void by providing a comprehensive and balanced account of the battle. The author delves into the strategic significance of the engagement, which involved only 10,000 troops, and its far-reaching ramifications.

Union General Ulysses S. Grant viewed a spring campaign in the Shenandoah Valley as an integral part of his overall strategy to turn Robert E. Lee's strategic western flank, deny his Army of Northern Virginia much-needed supplies, and prevent other Confederates from reinforcing Lee. It was left to Union General Franz Sigel, a German transplant, to execute Grant's strategy in the northern reaches of the Shenandoah, while Maj. Gen. George Crook struck elsewhere in southwestern Virginia.

Sigel's record in the field was mixed, and he was not Grant's first choice to lead the effort. However, a combination of politics and other factors led to his appointment as commander. On May 15, 1864, Sigel encountered Confederate Maj. Gen. John C. Breckinridge and his small army outside the crossroads town of New Market. The ensuing battle was intense, and the outcome hung in the balance until the Union lines finally broke, causing Sigel's Yankees to flee the field.

What made the Battle of New Market particularly noteworthy was the presence of the Virginia Military Institute's Corps of Cadets. The Corps of Cadets played a dramatic role in the fighting, ensuring that New Market would never be forgotten. However, their involvement in the battle sometimes overshadowed other aspects of the campaign, which were equally interesting and important.

Powell's years of archival and other research provide an outstanding foundation for this outstanding study. The book is meticulously researched, well-written, and filled with insightful anecdotes and historical details. It sheds new light on the Battle of New Market and its broader context, providing a deeper understanding of the Civil War and its impact on American society.

In conclusion, the Battle of New Market in the Shenandoah Valley is a captivating and significant event in American history. While previous studies have focused on the Confederate side of the story, David Powell's book "Union Command Failure in the Shenandoah" provides a balanced and comprehensive account of the battle. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Powell sheds new light on the strategic significance of the engagement and its impact on the Civil War. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in American history and the Civil War.

Weight: 484g
Dimension: 237 x 165 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781611214345