From Fort Henry to Corinth   By: M. F. (Manning Ferguson) Force (1824-1899)

From Fort Henry to Corinth by M. F. (Manning Ferguson) Force is an exceptional historical account that delves into the lesser-known Civil War campaigns and battles that took place in and around the Mississippi Valley. Although not a widely discussed topic, Force's book sheds light on the strategic and tactical significance of these forgotten battles, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of this crucial period in American history.

One of the notable strengths of this book is Force's ability to bring these campaigns to life through his vivid and engaging storytelling. His attention to historical detail and meticulous research is evident throughout the narrative, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the specific events and experiences of the soldiers on both sides of the conflict. With a balanced approach, Force presents both Union and Confederate perspectives, offering readers a nuanced understanding of the motivations and challenges faced by each side.

Another commendable aspect of the book is Force's clear and coherent writing style. While discussing complex military strategies and maneuvers, he manages to explain them in a manner that is accessible and easy to follow, even for readers with limited prior knowledge of the Civil War. This makes the book suitable for both history enthusiasts and casual readers seeking to expand their understanding of this period.

Moreover, Force's inclusion of various maps, illustrations, and photographs further enhances the reader's comprehension of the battles and campaigns described. These visual aids accompany relevant sections of the text, enabling readers to fully visualize the terrain, troop movements, and key points of contention. The inclusion of these visual elements is particularly valuable in a book of this nature, where geographical and tactical understanding is crucial to appreciating the significance of the events.

However, it is worth noting that despite the author's meticulous research, the book occasionally leans toward a traditional military history approach, focusing primarily on troop movements and battle outcomes. While this is necessary to provide a comprehensive overview of the campaigns, some readers might have appreciated a deeper exploration of the social, political, and cultural aspects of this period.

Overall, From Fort Henry to Corinth is a captivating and meticulously researched account of the somewhat overlooked campaigns that occurred in the Mississippi Valley during the Civil War. Force's expertise, storytelling skills, and attention to historical detail make this book a valuable addition to any Civil War enthusiast's library, illuminating an often neglected aspect of this pivotal conflict.

First Page:

The main source of information is the official reports of battles and operations. These reports, both National and Confederate, will appear in the series of volumes of Military Reports now in preparation under the supervision of Colonel Scott, Chief of the War Records Office in the War Department. Executive Document No. 66, printed by resolution of the Senate at the Second Session of the Thirty seventh Congress, contains a number of separate reports of casualties, lists of killed, wounded, and missing, which do not appear in the volumes of Military Reports as now printed. Several battle reports are printed in volume IV., and in the "Companion," or Appendix volume of Moore's Rebellion Record, which are not contained in the volumes of Military Reports as now printed... Continue reading book >>