From Bull Run to Appomattox

Book excerpt: A cavalier of the South The author of this book was a trooper in the Confederate cavalry who published his recollections of the Civil War in later life. The 6th Virginia Cavalry, the unit to which he proudly belonged, was formed at Manassas in 1861 and it fought principally as part of the Army of Northern Virginia. Hopkins has structured his book as a chronology of conflicts and the list naturally includes some of the most significant engagements of the war. The 6th Virginia took an active role in Jackson's Valley Campaign at Second Bull Run, Brandy Station, Upperville, Fairfield, Bristow, Mine Run, the Wilderness, Todd's Tavern, Spotsylvania, Haw's Shop, Cold Harbor, Early's campaign in the Shenandoah Valley and the Appomattox Campaign at the close of hostilities. Only three of the regiment actually surrendered with Lee-the remainder cut through Union lines and were later disbanded. This excellent first hand account does not seek to be a regimental history-though much interesting information is given by the author-instead Hopkins has elected to concentrate on those events he witnessed himself and upon the accounts of other reliable writers. This is, of course, an excellent source work for any student of the horse soldiers in grey and will be a valuable addition to any American Civil War library. Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.