Gordon John Brown - Flames beyond Gettysburg: the Confederate expedition to the Susquehanna River, June 1863

I am grateful to so many people for their assistance and support. First, and foremost, is my wife Debi, who has patiently put up with my endless babbling about the Civil War, endured several car rides to check out obscure locations associated with troop movements, and cheerfully endorsed the time I spent researching and writing this book. I also thank God for my children. Scott Jr. donated his graduate research paper from Millersville University, which was the genesis for this book. My son Tom frequently accompanied me touring sites associated with this story. I also thank my daughter Melissa, whose sweet disposition always kept me smiling throughout the months of research and writing.

I appreciate all those who contributed material for this project. Researcher and author David Ward shared his vast knowledge of Pennsylvania-related Civil War manuscripts and letters. Al Gambone freely shared his perspectives on Maj. Gen. Darius N. Couch, personalizing a copy of his excellent biography of the enigmatic general. James McClure, editor of the York Daily Record, graciously shared sources he used for his excellent series of York County histories. Tom Ryan of Delaware, author of an article on the bridge burning for the Washington Press, freely shared his notes that I later incorporated into the driving tours. Brian Kesterson provided input on the 17th Virginia Cavalry, including the James Hodam manuscript in his possession. Rob Wynstra directed me to the William D. Lyon papers at Navarro College and provided an Alabama newspaper article that held additional information. Gregory C. White shared his research on Georgians at Gettysburg and sent materials from the University of Georgias Hargrett Library. Chris Brantley, compiler of source material for Gordons Brigade, gave me valuable leads.

Guy Breshears exchanged information with me regarding Maj. Granville Haller. Several descendants of leading characters offered information and encouragement, including Hallers great-grandson Martin N. Chamberlain, the Emmick brothers, and the Rev. Elijah White IV of Virginia. Richard C. Wiggin graciously gave me permission to quote the informative July 1, 1863, letter Annie Welsh sent to her husband, Brig. Gen. Thomas Welsh at Vicksburg.

June Lloyd, Lila Fouhrman-Shaull, and the volunteers at the York County Heritage Trust were quite helpful, as was John Heiser, librarian of the Gettysburg National Military Park and York County historian Thomas L. Scheafer. Tom Buffenbarger at the U.S. Military History Institute in Carlisle guided me to several resources in their collection, as did Timothy Smith at the Adams County Historical Society. Kevin Shue of the Lancaster County Historical Society assisted in researching local accounts and gave me permission to quote from Sidney Myers diary and J. Houston Mifflins letters. Bob Schmidt of Historic Wrightsville provided encouragement, as did members of Rivertownes and the Columbia Historic Preservation Society. Jim Brown allowed me to quote the Phebe Angeline Smith letter from his collection. Chris Vera provided access to letters and documents at the Columbia Historic Preservation Society.

Several people critiqued parts of the manuscript, including primary proofreader David Wieck. Additional input and suggestions came from Licensed Battlefield Guide Phil Cole (publisher of three of my books on human interest stories from Gettysburg and Antietam), Lancaster County historian Ronald Young, wargamer Doug Rogers, and living historians Ken Miller and J. David Petruzzi. Ivor Janci published my four books on miniature wargaming and has been a constant source of encouragement. Eric J. Wittenberg, noted author and cavalry expert, proofed the text and provided several good sources for cavalry-related material.

Finally, I would like to thank the good folks at Savas Beatie for their encouragement and support of this second edition. Its not often that an author gets to rewrite a previously published book and make it even better, and I thank Theodore P. Savas, managing director for Savas Beatie LLC, for believing in this project and for making so many useful suggestions. His marketing director, Sarah Keeney, is a whiz at promotion and her efforts on behalf of this book are commendable and very much appreciated. I would also like to thank graphic designer Ian Hughes of London, England, for designing the cover using Bradley M. Schmehls impressive painting Columbia Bridge Burning, and talented cartographer Steven Stanley for his wonderful maps for this edition (with the exception of the Skirmish of Wrightsville map, which is from the studio of Tom Poston). Modern photography was supplied by Dr. Thomas M. Mingus, and Chapter 11 was co-written with Professor Scott L. Mingus, Jr.

My father, Staff Sgt. Robert E. Mingus, a decorated veteran of World War IIs European Theater, offered tremendous love, support, and enthusiasm for the project. He and my Mom gave me the early training and inspiration for a life of research and study, both personally and professionally.