Cedar Mountain to Antietam: A Civil War Campaign History of the Union XII Corps, July – September 1862 Hardcover – February 11, 2022 by M. Chris Bryan

Description

Author: Bryan M. Chris

Package Dimensions: 0x229x788

Number Of Pages: 408

Release Date: 18-02-2022

Details: Product Description
The diminutive union XII corps found significant success on the field at Antietam. Its soldiers swept through the East Woods and the Miller Cornfield—permanently clearing both of Confederates—repelled multiple Southern assaults against the Dunker Church plateau, and eventually secured a foothold in the West Woods. This important piece of high ground had been the Union objective all morning, and its occupation threatened the center and rear of Gen. Robert E. Lee’s embattled Army of Northern Virginia. Federal leadership largely ignored this signal achievement and the opportunity it presented. The achievement of the XII Corps is especially notable given its string of disappointments and hardships in the months leading up to Antietam.

M. Chris Bryan’s
Cedar Mountain to Antietam: A Civil War Campaign History of the Union XII Corps, July –September 1862 begins with the formation of this often-luckless command as the II Corps in Maj. Gen. John Pope’s Army of Virginia on June 26, 1862. Bryan explains in meticulous detail how the corps endured a bloody and demoralizing loss after coming within a whisker of defeating Maj. Gen. “Stonewall” Jackson at Cedar Mountain on August 9; suffered through the hardships of Pope’s campaign before and after the Battle of Second Manassas; and triumphed after entering Maryland and joining the reorganized Army of the Potomac. The men of this small corps earned a solid reputation in the Army of the Potomac at Antietam that would only grow during the battles of 1863.

This unique study, which blends unit history with sound leadership and character assessments, puts the XII Corps’ actions in proper context by providing significant and substantive treatment to its Confederate opponents. Bryan’s extensive archival research, newspapers, and other important resources, together with detailed maps and images, offers a compelling story of a little-studied yet consequential command that fills a longstanding historiographical gap.
Review
“I thoroughly enjoyed this new study on the early days of the XII Corps. Bryan skillfully weaves firsthand accounts into a compelling story about the triumphs and defeats of this venerable unit. Unlike so many other unit histories, he provides context by explaining the Confederate side of the equation and goes one step further by devoting space to the topography of the battlefields. These approaches help the reader gain a much better grasp of the issues and challenges the XII Corps faced. Hal Jespersen’s outstanding maps are abundant and effectively complement the text. This study thrusts armchair readers into the ranks of the XII Corps, where they can almost see, smell, and hear the sounds of camp, the march, and the battles. I wish all unit history books were this good.”

Bradley M. Gottfried, author of “The Maps of Antietam”

“This is a terrific book! Chris Bryan’s deep research and concise prose shines new light on the often-overlooked travails and valor of ‘Banks’ Weary Boys’ as they became the XII Corps, Army of the Potomac at Antietam. I highly recommend it.”

Thomas G. Clemens, editor of “The Maryland Campaign of September 1862” trilogy

“Deeply researched and accompanied by splendid battle maps, Chris Bryan’s book is an engaging microhistory of the Union Army’s XII Corps during the crucial summer and fall of 1862. In addition to providing a clear and comprehensive narrative, Bryan has marshaled a myriad of soldier’s voices to create a vivid portrait of life in the Union Army during its most trying period.”

Craig L. Symonds, Professor Emeritus, United States Naval Academy

“The XII Corps was something of an ugly stepchild in the Union Army and did not often get full credit for its battlefield performance. Chris Bryan’s richly sourced narrative helps bring the XII Corps and its remarkable story from Cedar Mountain to Antietam out of the shadows.”

D. Scott Hartwig, author of “To Antietam Creek: The Maryland Campaign of September 1862”