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The Maps of the Bristoe Station and Mine Run Campaigns: An Atlas of the Battles and Movements in the Eastern Theater after Gettysburg, Including ... ... 1864
Few historians have examined what happened to the Army of Northern Virginia and the Army of the potomac during the critical months following Gettysburg, when both armies assumed the offensive in a pair of fascinating campaigns of thrust and counter-thrust. This careful study breaks down these campaigns into 13 map sets or 'action-sections' enriched with 87 original full-page colour maps.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2013
7 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Bradley M. Gottfried
32 books5 followersBorn and raised in Philadelphia, Brad Gottfried earned his Ph.D. in Zoology from Miami University and spent the four decades as an educator in higher education. He has served as a full-time faculty member, department head, campus dean, chief academic officer and president. Before retiring in 2017, he served as President of Sussex County Community College (NJ) and College of Southern Maryland for the past 17 years.
His interest in the Civil War began at an early age and was rekindled when he returned to an administrative position in the Philadelphia area. His fourteenth book was recently published. His early writing primarily centered on the Battle of Gettysburg, and he wrote five books on this topic. He has also written two brigade-level histories. His current “niche” is map books, where he thoroughly describes campaigns through the use of maps. Seven books have been published in this series: Gettysburg, First Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Cavalry at Gettysburg, Bristoe/Mine Run, and the Wilderness, have been published. The Maps of Spotsylvania through Cold Harbor will be published next. He is also working on a variety of other Civil War related projects.
In addition to writing, Brad is an Antietam Certified Battlefield Guide and a Gettysburg Licensed Town Guide. He may have retired, but he is still an educator.
Brad is married to his wife, Linda and between them they have four grown children and six grandchildren. The Gottfrieds moved from Southern Maryland to Fayetteville, Pennsylvania, which is just west of Gettysburg.
His interest in the Civil War began at an early age and was rekindled when he returned to an administrative position in the Philadelphia area. His fourteenth book was recently published. His early writing primarily centered on the Battle of Gettysburg, and he wrote five books on this topic. He has also written two brigade-level histories. His current “niche” is map books, where he thoroughly describes campaigns through the use of maps. Seven books have been published in this series: Gettysburg, First Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Cavalry at Gettysburg, Bristoe/Mine Run, and the Wilderness, have been published. The Maps of Spotsylvania through Cold Harbor will be published next. He is also working on a variety of other Civil War related projects.
In addition to writing, Brad is an Antietam Certified Battlefield Guide and a Gettysburg Licensed Town Guide. He may have retired, but he is still an educator.
Brad is married to his wife, Linda and between them they have four grown children and six grandchildren. The Gottfrieds moved from Southern Maryland to Fayetteville, Pennsylvania, which is just west of Gettysburg.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 1, 2014
I'm divided about this book. It's hard to complain about any book that has 87 good maps of Civil War campaigns. Add to this that these particular campaigns are rarely touched upon in any detail. The text accompanying each map offers reasonable coverage of each phase of the particular campaign or engagement. The whole forms a reasonably coherent whole covering the period from August 1863 through February 1864.
The book is flawed, mostly because of choices made in the maps themselves. The initial set of maps shows a fundamental problem. They set the stage for the discussion and subsequent maps. The area covered, primarily the the triangle between the Rappahannock and Rapidan Rivers in Virginia, saw significant maneuver during the period covered. Yet when you look at Map 1.3 The Battleground, there are two obvious things missing. Neither Bristoe Station nor Mine Run are shown on the map. The location of Bristoe Station is shown in the extreme lower right corner of the map. Map 4.1 illustrates the problem well, with the block representing the Union Fifth Corps mostly off the map. The ultimate destination of the Army of the Potomac, the area around Centreville, is not on the map at all. Similarly, while Verdiersville and the location of Mine Run appear on the far left edge of the overview map, the run itself is not indicated. This is a basic failure.
Similarly, the orientation of individual map sets makes no particular sense. The overview maps have North oriented towards the right page edge, which initially seems a little strange but is a reasonable choice. Other sets of maps have North oriented towards the top of the page, which is fairly natural. Then the maps covering the battle of Auburn (Maps 3.9-3.12) have North oriented towards the left page edge. The maps would work as well with either of the other two orientations. As they are, they present a false impression of the direction of advance and retreat. Map Set 8 has the same North is left orientation. The Payne Farm Map Set 10 have their own orientation, with North to top left corner. This orientation makes some sense due to the particular line of the battle, but it could be handled reasonably well with the North-top configuration. Finally, the Morton's Ford Map Set 13 has its own unique orientation for no reason that I can see. Again, it's a basic rule to have consistent map orientations unless otherwise is absolutely necessary.
There are also a number of copy editing errors that are particularly notable in the text accompanying parts of Map Set 10, where reference numbers in the text are out of sync with those shown on the maps. Apparently an editing pass after receipt of the final maps was missed. Gottfried also confuses WHF Lee and Fitzhugh Lee.
I'm torn as to whether or not to recommend this book. The strengths likely outweigh the flaws, but they are such basic and preventable flaws.
The book is flawed, mostly because of choices made in the maps themselves. The initial set of maps shows a fundamental problem. They set the stage for the discussion and subsequent maps. The area covered, primarily the the triangle between the Rappahannock and Rapidan Rivers in Virginia, saw significant maneuver during the period covered. Yet when you look at Map 1.3 The Battleground, there are two obvious things missing. Neither Bristoe Station nor Mine Run are shown on the map. The location of Bristoe Station is shown in the extreme lower right corner of the map. Map 4.1 illustrates the problem well, with the block representing the Union Fifth Corps mostly off the map. The ultimate destination of the Army of the Potomac, the area around Centreville, is not on the map at all. Similarly, while Verdiersville and the location of Mine Run appear on the far left edge of the overview map, the run itself is not indicated. This is a basic failure.
Similarly, the orientation of individual map sets makes no particular sense. The overview maps have North oriented towards the right page edge, which initially seems a little strange but is a reasonable choice. Other sets of maps have North oriented towards the top of the page, which is fairly natural. Then the maps covering the battle of Auburn (Maps 3.9-3.12) have North oriented towards the left page edge. The maps would work as well with either of the other two orientations. As they are, they present a false impression of the direction of advance and retreat. Map Set 8 has the same North is left orientation. The Payne Farm Map Set 10 have their own orientation, with North to top left corner. This orientation makes some sense due to the particular line of the battle, but it could be handled reasonably well with the North-top configuration. Finally, the Morton's Ford Map Set 13 has its own unique orientation for no reason that I can see. Again, it's a basic rule to have consistent map orientations unless otherwise is absolutely necessary.
There are also a number of copy editing errors that are particularly notable in the text accompanying parts of Map Set 10, where reference numbers in the text are out of sync with those shown on the maps. Apparently an editing pass after receipt of the final maps was missed. Gottfried also confuses WHF Lee and Fitzhugh Lee.
I'm torn as to whether or not to recommend this book. The strengths likely outweigh the flaws, but they are such basic and preventable flaws.
October 13, 2023
Gottfried's telling of the events of the final months of 1863 after the victory at Gettysburg clarifies the usual narratives.
Nothing actually changes but the outcomes make more sense. For example, the usual telling of the Battle of Bristoe Station has Warren approaching Broad Run in time to see Sykes pulling away and the Confederates approaching. He spots a railroad bed and quickly has his Corps take cover. Here, II Corps leaves the morning encounter with rebel cavalry along the O&A railroad. The lead division moves over to a parallel country road. When it come to an intersecting road, the men look to their left and see a Confederate division also paralleling the tracks. The Union division commander immediately orders his men to take up a position along the railroad while the Confederate commander follows order to continue his pursuit of the retreating Sykes.
The events of this period establish certain realities going into the war's climax. Lee never really recovers from Gettysburg. He suffers from heart ailments and rheumatism and would like nothing more than to retire but Davis won't hear of it.
Both Lee and Meade are bedeviled by unreliable subordinates who sabotage brilliant plans.
Lee is not only in need of all sorts of equipment Richmond cannot provide his army with sufficient food or clothing. Desertion is a major problem.
But the leaders and their armies keep going for almost two years.
Nothing actually changes but the outcomes make more sense. For example, the usual telling of the Battle of Bristoe Station has Warren approaching Broad Run in time to see Sykes pulling away and the Confederates approaching. He spots a railroad bed and quickly has his Corps take cover. Here, II Corps leaves the morning encounter with rebel cavalry along the O&A railroad. The lead division moves over to a parallel country road. When it come to an intersecting road, the men look to their left and see a Confederate division also paralleling the tracks. The Union division commander immediately orders his men to take up a position along the railroad while the Confederate commander follows order to continue his pursuit of the retreating Sykes.
The events of this period establish certain realities going into the war's climax. Lee never really recovers from Gettysburg. He suffers from heart ailments and rheumatism and would like nothing more than to retire but Davis won't hear of it.
Both Lee and Meade are bedeviled by unreliable subordinates who sabotage brilliant plans.
Lee is not only in need of all sorts of equipment Richmond cannot provide his army with sufficient food or clothing. Desertion is a major problem.
But the leaders and their armies keep going for almost two years.
June 13, 2020
I am glad these campaigns, barely covered even in broad histories of the war, have gotten this deluxe treatment. The maps are great despite occasional errors. Although the book is limited in scope because it does not get mired in the politics of the Eastern Theater, it succeeds at explaining the nuts and bolts of the operational maneuvers and the battles of Bristoe Station, Rappahannock Station, and Payne's Farm.
September 4, 2024
One in a series of Map Atlas books published by SB Publishing. Set up to have a map on one side and a text of what the map portrays on the other. As hw title states this book covers after Gettysburg until General Grant's promotion before the Overland Campaign.
The book covers a much needed story of the fall of 1863. The text is generalized to cover big movements of both armies. As actions ensue the text is more detailed.
Some numbering in text is missing or not in correct location on maps, but does not distract from the story.
Much recommended book!
The book covers a much needed story of the fall of 1863. The text is generalized to cover big movements of both armies. As actions ensue the text is more detailed.
Some numbering in text is missing or not in correct location on maps, but does not distract from the story.
Much recommended book!
June 19, 2014
I earlier read two obscure volumes on the subject, one focusing on Bristoe Station and the other on Mine Run, and found them worthwhile. But this book has some advantages: (a) there are many maps that outline movement of the Army of Northern Virginia and the Army of the Potomac. Indeed, there were times when I felt overwhelmed by the maps. I wonder if fewer might have been more effective; (b) the two campaigns are seen to be linked and considering them together assists in that endeavor.
After Gettysburg, General George Meade was seen as someone who was too cautious and who took too much time to make his moves. He finally made a move against General Robert E. Lee. This book shows how Lee outgeneraled Meade and led him to begin a retreat--even though Meade had more troops on the ground. Later, Meade admitted that Lee had played a deep game and taken the initiative. However, Lee's advance was undone by A. P. Hill's impetuosity in pursuit. His Corps was "ambushed," essentially, and the Confederates suffered many casualties. What began as a triumph of maneuver by Lee and his forces and ended up with a bungled attack by Hill.
Then, Meade once more advanced against Lee, and we moved to the Mine Run campaign. The book does a nice job of describing the chess match between Lee and Meade. We also learn of the poor generalship of leaders on both sides, such as General William French. Meade was more aggressive than previously, but the book notes that he probably exercised appropriate caution as the campaign ground to a halt.
All in all, a very nice examination of a little known struggle coming between Gettysburg and the Wilderness Campaign.
After Gettysburg, General George Meade was seen as someone who was too cautious and who took too much time to make his moves. He finally made a move against General Robert E. Lee. This book shows how Lee outgeneraled Meade and led him to begin a retreat--even though Meade had more troops on the ground. Later, Meade admitted that Lee had played a deep game and taken the initiative. However, Lee's advance was undone by A. P. Hill's impetuosity in pursuit. His Corps was "ambushed," essentially, and the Confederates suffered many casualties. What began as a triumph of maneuver by Lee and his forces and ended up with a bungled attack by Hill.
Then, Meade once more advanced against Lee, and we moved to the Mine Run campaign. The book does a nice job of describing the chess match between Lee and Meade. We also learn of the poor generalship of leaders on both sides, such as General William French. Meade was more aggressive than previously, but the book notes that he probably exercised appropriate caution as the campaign ground to a halt.
All in all, a very nice examination of a little known struggle coming between Gettysburg and the Wilderness Campaign.
April 14, 2015
Until I read this book I thought that nothing much happened between the Army of Northern Virginia and the Army of the Potomac between Gettysburg and the start of the Wilderness Campaign. How wrong I was.
The maps and descriptions in this book, like the others in the series, give a blow-by-blow account of the activities of the two aforementioned armies through the latter half of 1863. It shows how Lee and Meade struggled to bring each other to battle under advantageous circumstances. Flanking maneuvers, tactical retreats, cavalry engagements, surprise engagements, are all described and illustrated. I highly recommend this book for how it illuminates so much military activity that goes mostly unrecognized in the Civil War historical literature.
The maps and descriptions in this book, like the others in the series, give a blow-by-blow account of the activities of the two aforementioned armies through the latter half of 1863. It shows how Lee and Meade struggled to bring each other to battle under advantageous circumstances. Flanking maneuvers, tactical retreats, cavalry engagements, surprise engagements, are all described and illustrated. I highly recommend this book for how it illuminates so much military activity that goes mostly unrecognized in the Civil War historical literature.
July 10, 2025
Good book covering the campaigning in the Eastern Theater between Gettysburg and the Overland Campaign. I do have a few minor complaints: the orientation of the maps within sets seem to change randomly at times (for example, in map set 3 the maps switch from having north towards the right side of the page to having north towards the left side). Also, the manueverings of the two armies during late July 1863 are skipped over.
June 14, 2018
A good short history with excellent maps of Lee's Army of North Virginia and Meade's Army of the Potomac post-Gettysburg Campaign. These campaigns are often overlooked because they didn't result in any major battles.
The one thing that seems missing are the movements of the armies between Williamsport and the Rappahannock (post-July 15, 1863). Those movements were not apparently covered in the author's previous book with maps of the Gettysburg Campaign.
I also noticed a couple editorial issues: the numbers on Map 10.9 don't match the numbers in the accompanying text and #6 seems to be missing from Map 10.10.
Recommended for Civil War buffs.
The one thing that seems missing are the movements of the armies between Williamsport and the Rappahannock (post-July 15, 1863). Those movements were not apparently covered in the author's previous book with maps of the Gettysburg Campaign.
I also noticed a couple editorial issues: the numbers on Map 10.9 don't match the numbers in the accompanying text and #6 seems to be missing from Map 10.10.
Recommended for Civil War buffs.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews