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Book Review By David Fletcher
Grierson's Raid by Tom Lalicki

In 1863 one single military campaign started the Federal Army on its path toward eventual ultimate victory turning around two years of demoralizing losses and strategic blunders. That battle was not at Gettysburg but in fact a minor incursion into Mississippi by a cavalry force of less than 2,000 Union soldiers. Their leader Colonel Benjamin H. Grierson was given a difficult and dangerous mission by Grant to draw Confederate military attention away from the city of Vicksburg and its crucial port along the Mississippi River on the eve of the planned Union siege in April. The plan to sever telegraph lines and destroy railroad facilities approaching Vicksburg was nearly flawless through meticulous planning, perfect execution, brilliant reconnaissance, and extremely good fortune. Grierson's force was small enough to inflict damage and quickly move on but large enough to pose a threat to homeguard and civilian forces. Confusing his adversaries by dividing his troops, the Federal Army always seemed to be a step ahead of the rebels. Grierson and his men commandeered supplies critical for the South's war effort destroying munitions, clothing, and transportation systems. In actual battle engagements they outgunned the Confederate Army killing hundreds of rebel troops, capturing hundreds more, and leading hundreds of newly liberated slaves to freedom in Baton Rouge, LA. Dealing a lethal blow to the defense of Vicksburg from which the South would never recover, the effect of this heroic and daring 16-day 600-mile raid was to embolden and energize a demoralized nation hungry for news of victory and a resolution to the war.
Kind Of History Time of history: - 19th century History of military? Yes Armed Forces: - Army Nationality? Specific war? - Civil War (US) Subjects of this Historical Account Is the portrayal sympathetic? - Sympathetic Intelligence of subject of history: - Smart Main Adversary From a certain profession/group? How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - throughout most of the book. Nationality? - American Is the portrayal sympathetic? - Somewhat Unsympathetic Setting United States Yes The US: - Deep South Farm/Ranch: - farm Farms/Ranches? Yes If applicable, liberal/conservative? - Historian is very moderate Style How much gore? - 3 (some) How fast-paced is the book? - 9 (quite a lot) Accounts of torture and death? - moderately detailed references to deaths Book makes you feel... - encouraged How much focus on stories of individuals? - Focuses mostly on history of key players Pictures/Illustrations? - A lot Maps necessary? - Necessary maps provided Length of book - 150-200 pages How much emphasis on small details? - 6 (an above average amount)