Union Sharpshooter vs Confederate Sharpshooter: American Civil War 1861-65

The Union and Confederacy used sharpshooters during the American Civil War, who were skilled in marksmanship and could drive artillerymen from their guns. They were also expert scouts and raiders, with one raid netting almost 250 prisoners. Initially, Union marksmen had the upper hand, but the Confederates proved themselves as worthy opponents. Gary Yee assesses their role in three bloody clashes at the height of the war.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 27 June 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Union and the Confederacy both employed sharpshooters during the American Civil War, utilizing firearms that were comparable to those of their infantry counterparts. These sharpshooters engaged in combat in a manner reminiscent of Napoleonic-era light infantry, often fighting in siege warfare where their marksmanship was highly valued. Sharpshooters played a crucial role in driving artillerymen from their guns, as well as becoming expert scouts and impressive raiders for the Confederacy. Initially, Union marksmen held the upper hand, but as the Confederates began to raise and train their own sharpshooters, they proved to be worthy opponents. In this study, firearms expert Gary Yee assesses the role played by sharpshooters in three significant clashes during the war: the battle of Fredericksburg, the siege of Vicksburg, and the siege of Battery Wagner.

Weight: 260g
Dimension: 247 x 179 x 6 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472831859