Daniel T. Davis - Bloody Autumn: the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1864

Also part of the Emerging Civil War Series:

Bushwhacking on a Grand Scale: The Battle of Chickamauga, Sept. 18-20, 1863

by William Lee White

Grants Last Battle: The Story Behind the Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant

by Chris Mackowski and Kristopher D. White

The Last Days of Stonewall Jackson: The Mortal Wounding of the Confederacys Greatest Icon

by Chris Mackowski and Kristopher D. White

A Season of Slaughter: The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, May 8-21, 1864

by Chris Mackowski and Kristopher D. White

Simply Murder: The Battle of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862

by Chris Mackowski and Kristopher D. White

2013 by Daniel T. Davis and Phillip S. Greenwalt

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form
or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording,
or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Printed in the United States of America.

ISBN-13: 978-1-61121-165-8
EPUB ISBN: 978-1-61121-166-5

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013954086

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Daniel:
To Willie Chapel Pettus, III
December 28, 1973, to September 23, 2009
We miss you, brother .

Phillip:
To my parents, Stephen and Melanie, who inspired my love of history,
and to my wife, Adel, who endures that interest

Table of Contents

by Scott Patchan

by Chris Mackowski & Phillip Greenwalt

by Eric Campbell

List of Maps

Maps by Hal Jespersen

Acknowledgments

Both authors would like to express their joint sincerity and gratitude to the following people who have, like the soldiers who fought, given their all to help us in the publication of this book.

To the great historians at Emerging Civil War, especially Chris Mackowski and Kristopher D. White, who sent the pitch to Savas Beatie, organized the ECW series, and proofread through multiple drafts: we greatly appreciate everything you both have done and continue to do. Thank you.

To Theodore Savas and the Savas Beatie team who took the chance on us: we hope we have reflected that trust well and look forward to continued work with you.

To Hal Jespersen, whose excellent maps really enhance the flow of the story: we thank you, Hal, for your patience and commitment, even when we threw some challenges of driving tour maps at you!

To the renowned historian on the Shenandoah Valley campaign of 1864, Scott Patchan. He graciously wrote an excellent introduction for the book.

A footbridge leads to the Civil War Trust property at Fishers Hill. (CM)

Besides the great historians at ECW who helped us in this endeavor, we would like to extend another hearty thanks to the staff and volunteers at Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park, especially Chief of Interpretation Eric Campbell, who graciously consented to writing a great appendix for us. In addition, Park Rangers Shannon Moeck and Kyle Rothemich both showed the level of enthusiasm and service that reflects the high standard one comes to expect from rangers of the National Park Service. They were both there to assist in any way they could, from driving us to the 8th Vermont Monument to searching through files to see the extent of Gen. Cullen Battles leg wound. Park Volunteer Patrick Kehoe, a member of the Cedar Creek Battlefield Association, asked some poignant questions that directed and focused our attention and opened up great historical conversations while showing his deep interest in the Valley. To Heather Ball for accompanying us on trips to Fishers Hill and cemeteries and the pictures she took along the way, thank you. We could not forget Joe Ball, either.

Prior to being co-authors, we were each shaped in our growth as historians by the following people.

Daniel: My lovely wife Katy for all of her love, patience, and support. You are the great blessing in my life. I love you more each day. To my parents, Tommy and Kathy Davis. At a very young age, through many family vacations and weekend trips, they instilled a deep respect and love of American history and the Civil War. My brother Matt also accompanied my father and me on a trip to take pictures at Fishers Hill, Toms Brook, and Cedar Creek. To my aunt and uncle, Butch and Margie Markham, who continued the battlefield excursions through my college years. To the renowned historian Frank OReilly, who first showed me Fishers Hill and Cedar Creek so many years ago. Lastly, to my wifes parents, Tom and Cathy Bowen. I began this project living in their house while my wife and I worked to build our own. I am forever in their debt.

Phillip: To my parents, Stephen and Melanie, as the dedication reads, for their nurturing, inspiration, love, and support. I know everyone says this, but they are truly the greatest parents. I have always looked forward to escaping to battlefields with my father. More than seven years ago, an Ohio girl took an interest in a tall, lanky history nerd, and that belle, Adel, has now become my wife; she continues to inspire, support, and tolerate my passion for American history. In the process, she has made me a better person and historian. I would be remiss if I did not thank my mother-in-law and father-in-law who allowed me to lug Civil War books to their house to read and write even when the books and stacks got in the way. To my sister and brother, Adrienne and Patrick: thanks for the laughs, support, and putting up with me as I tried to tell you in conversation how cool this one account I found from a soldier was. To all my extended familythis includes many history enthusiaststhank you also for the great conversations and love over the years. Lastly, to the staff at George Washington Birthplace National Monument and Thomas Stone National Historic Site, a great bunch of historians.

For the Emerging Civil War Series

Theodore Savas, publisher
Chris Mackowski, series editor
Kristopher D. White, historical content editor
Sarah Keeney, editorial consultant

Maps by Hal Jespersen
Design and layout by Chris Mackowski

PHOTO CREDITS:

Historical photographs courtesy of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park (FSNMP); the Library of Congress (LOC); Museum of the Confederacy (MOC); Son of the South (SOS); Virginia Military Institute (VMI); and Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS).

Modern photography courtesy of the authors (DD/PG), Heather Ball (HB), and Chris Mackowski (CM).

The Virginia Military Institutes Hall of Valor, including the Virginia Museum of the Civil War, overlooks the 300-acre New Market battlefield. In May of 1864, cadets from VMI rushed to the aid of Confederate forces commanded by Maj. Gen. John C. Breckenridge to repulse an incursion by Union Maj. Gen. Franz Sigel. The battle was the latest in an ongoing string of encounters in the Valley that eventually led to a major effort by Federals to sweep it clean in the late summer and fall of 1864. (CM)