The 48th Pennsylvania in the Battle of the Crater - by Jim Corrigan (Paperback)
About this item
Highlights
- In June 1864, Grant attempted to seize the Confederate rail hub of Petersburg, Virginia.
- About the Author: Writer and journalist Jim Corrigan lives in Morrisville, Pennsylvania.
- 197 Pages
- History, United States
Description
About the Book
In June 1864, Grant attempted to seize the Confederate rail hub of Petersburg, Virginia. General P.G.T. Beauregard responded by rushing troops to Petersburg to protect the vital supply lines. A stalemate developed as both armies entrenched around the city. Union commander General Ambrose Burnside advanced the unusual idea of allowing the 48th Pennsylvania--a regiment from the mining town of Pottsville--to excavate a mine, effectively tunneling under Confederate entrenchments. One of the most inventive and creative conflicts of the war, the Battle of the Crater ultimately became one of the most controversial, as an almost certain Union victory turned into an astonishing Confederate triumph.Book Synopsis
In June 1864, Grant attempted to seize the Confederate rail hub of Petersburg, Virginia. General P.G.T. Beauregard responded by rushing troops to Petersburg to protect the vital supply lines. A stalemate developed between the entrenched armies. Union commander General Ambrose Burnside advanced the idea of allowing the 48th Pennsylvania--a regiment from the mining town of Pottsville--to tunnel under Confederate entrenchments and place explosives there. The plan should have guaranteed Union victory, yet the battle turned into an astonishing Confederate triumph.
This thorough history of the Battle of the Crater shows how bickering among Federal commanders allowed shattered Confederate troops the opportunity to regroup, costing the Union an opportunity to capture Petersburg and bring an early end to the war. It also reveals how the cooperation of Confederate commanders helped to avert certain defeat. Appendices include a list of forces in the Battle of the Crater, a table of casualties, and a list of soldiers decorated for gallantry during the conflict.
Review Quotes
"well-written and well-researched...highly recommended"-Civil War News; "a wealth of research...meticulous accounting of details...scholarly and welcome addition"-Midwest Book Review; "highly detailed...engaging account...a very good read"-The NYMAS Review; "very well-written and nicely-illustrated"-The Civil War Courier.
About the Author
Writer and journalist Jim Corrigan lives in Morrisville, Pennsylvania. He is a native of Schuylkill County, home of the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment.