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"The Devil's to Pay": John Buford at Gettysburg: A History and Walking Tour
An award-winning Civil War historian's profile of the brilliant Union cavalry officer and the strategies he employed to prevent catastrophe at Gettysburg.
The Battle of Gettysburg turned the tide of the Civil War. But the outcome of the decisive confrontation between North and South might have been dramatically different if not for the actions of Brig. Gen. John Buford, commander of the Union army's First Cavalry Division.
An award-winning chronicler of America's War between the States and author of more than a dozen acclaimed works of historical scholarship, Eric J. Wittenberg now focuses on the iconic commanding officer known to his troops as "Honest John" and "Old Steadfast." Wittenberg describes in fascinating detail the brilliant maneuvers Buford undertook to keep Gen. Robert E. Lee's Confederate army at bay and later rescue what remained of the devastated First and Eleventh Corps."The Devil's to Pay" celebrates the stunning military achievements of an unparalleled tactical genius at the onset of the Gettysburg Campaign and paints an unforgettable portrait of a quiet, unassuming cavalryman who recognized a possible disaster in the making and took bold action to avert it.
Based on a wealth of information from primary sources, "The Devil's to Pay" includes pages of illustrations, maps, and photographs, as well as a walking and driving tour of the battlefield sites where America's history was made at a staggeringly high cost in blood. A comprehensive tactical study that is both scholarly and eminently accessible, it is an essential addition to the library of any Civil War enthusiast.
The Battle of Gettysburg turned the tide of the Civil War. But the outcome of the decisive confrontation between North and South might have been dramatically different if not for the actions of Brig. Gen. John Buford, commander of the Union army's First Cavalry Division.
An award-winning chronicler of America's War between the States and author of more than a dozen acclaimed works of historical scholarship, Eric J. Wittenberg now focuses on the iconic commanding officer known to his troops as "Honest John" and "Old Steadfast." Wittenberg describes in fascinating detail the brilliant maneuvers Buford undertook to keep Gen. Robert E. Lee's Confederate army at bay and later rescue what remained of the devastated First and Eleventh Corps."The Devil's to Pay" celebrates the stunning military achievements of an unparalleled tactical genius at the onset of the Gettysburg Campaign and paints an unforgettable portrait of a quiet, unassuming cavalryman who recognized a possible disaster in the making and took bold action to avert it.
Based on a wealth of information from primary sources, "The Devil's to Pay" includes pages of illustrations, maps, and photographs, as well as a walking and driving tour of the battlefield sites where America's history was made at a staggeringly high cost in blood. A comprehensive tactical study that is both scholarly and eminently accessible, it is an essential addition to the library of any Civil War enthusiast.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2014
188 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Eric J. Wittenberg
37 books23 followersEric J. Wittenberg is an American Civil War historian, author, lecturer, tour guide and battlefield preservationist. He is a practicing attorney in downtown Columbus, Ohio. His published works have focused especially on the Civil War cavalryman and the cavalry battles of the Civil War, with emphasis on the Army of the Potomac's Cavalry Corps
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 29, 2014
This is a nice book. I do believe that Longacre's biography--General John Buford--is better fleshed out. Both authors face difficulty in finding and using primary sources. There is not the depth of information about Buford--according to both authors--to do a really thorough biography.
This book puts its greatest focus on Gettysburg (events leading to that battle and the immediate aftermath of the struggle in Pennsylvania).
The books provides a brief background of Buford's background--pre-war. We see Buford's service as the Civil War approaches. He gets a desk-bound position, until released from this by John Pope, a spectacularly poor general at Second Manassas, who at least gave Buford a command. By the time the march of the armies toward Gettysburg began, Buford had risen to a division commander.
The book does a very nice job of taking us step by step through his division's arrival on the battlefield, their deployment, the preparations that Buford oversaw to delay Confederate forces until Union infantry could arrive. One gets a sense of some wonderful generalship on the part of Buford and his brigade commanders (William Gamble and Thomas Devin).
After the end of the battle, Buford's career after the conflict is described, including his untimely death. There is a nice review of his skills as a leader.
The book features a series of Appendices, some of which are useful. The order of battle (A) shows the place of Buford's cavalry within the total Union force. B speaks to the extent to which repeating rifles were used by Buford's troopers. A table on page 210 suggests that this is not accurate. Appendix C examines the "depth in defense" used by the Federal cavalry on Day # 1 at Gettysburg. The volumes concludes with a walking tour of the battlefield.
A nice book!
This book puts its greatest focus on Gettysburg (events leading to that battle and the immediate aftermath of the struggle in Pennsylvania).
The books provides a brief background of Buford's background--pre-war. We see Buford's service as the Civil War approaches. He gets a desk-bound position, until released from this by John Pope, a spectacularly poor general at Second Manassas, who at least gave Buford a command. By the time the march of the armies toward Gettysburg began, Buford had risen to a division commander.
The book does a very nice job of taking us step by step through his division's arrival on the battlefield, their deployment, the preparations that Buford oversaw to delay Confederate forces until Union infantry could arrive. One gets a sense of some wonderful generalship on the part of Buford and his brigade commanders (William Gamble and Thomas Devin).
After the end of the battle, Buford's career after the conflict is described, including his untimely death. There is a nice review of his skills as a leader.
The book features a series of Appendices, some of which are useful. The order of battle (A) shows the place of Buford's cavalry within the total Union force. B speaks to the extent to which repeating rifles were used by Buford's troopers. A table on page 210 suggests that this is not accurate. Appendix C examines the "depth in defense" used by the Federal cavalry on Day # 1 at Gettysburg. The volumes concludes with a walking tour of the battlefield.
A nice book!
February 25, 2023
The last paragraph of the conclusion rightly sums up this work: In many ways, Buford deserves credit for the Union victory at Gettysburg. He personally selected the battlefield and developed a strategy to hold it - despite the approach of Confederates in overwhelming numbers on July 1. Buford and his men campaigned almost nonstop for 50 days, and their performance was superb throughout this period. Their stubborn and determined delaying action along the Chambersburg Pike bought just enough time for general Reynolds to reach the field, determined that the high ground south of town was a strong defensive position worthy of defending, and decide that the Army of the Potomac should stand and fight there. But for Buford's successful fight for time Reynolds never would have had the opportunity to make that decision, and the outcome of the Battle of Gettysburg might have been very different. ” pg 264
An inspiring account of the first day of Gettysburg focusing on the Calvary brigades, nearly hour by hour; of how Buford’s 2,823 unmounted Calvary held off 8 times as many confederates. Includes many first hand accounts of the action of not just about Buford, but about the men under his command, all of whom behaved with exquisite courage. Does justice to the unmounted carvery’s actions in the afternoon of the first day, not just the opening hours.
”My brigade fought well under disadvantageous circumstances against a largely superior force,” reported Gamble. “Every officer and soldier did his duty.” He concluded: “this brigade had the honor to commence the fight in the morning and to close it in the evening.”
Chapter 11 starts to address the controversy over Buford’s supposedly “leaving the field of battle.”
Wittenberg’s explanations of the orders received and exactly followed clear Buford from all blame. [Wittenberg does not point out how, as Buford was dead by this point, his innocence was left in the hand of others.]
The conclusion is a masterful account of all that Buford accomplished at Gettysburg. From the careful placing of pickets and videttes on the evening of June 30, the 12 hour unmounted fighting holding a vastly superior force a bay on June 1, to the important skirmishes on the flank before withdrawing under orders on June 2; Buford held the ground he determined was in the Union’s advantage.
John Beaufort and his men deserve the accolades they received for their role in the Gettysburg campaign, for without their service the manner in which the Civil War progressed would have been very different. The devil gave John Beaufort a large bill to pay at Gettysburg, and the ‘Old Steadfast’ paid that in full.” pg 267
Interesting much shorter write up: http://npshistory.com/series/symposia...
Also easier to understand https://archive.nytimes.com/opinionat....
Something to explore when I have time: http://npshistory.com/series/symposia...
Great quote from the end of day 1: “It was a gloomy night for us, I tell you, with picket duty, knowing that at daylight the battle would be resumed. A man thinks pretty hard at such times” – private Thomas B. Kelle of the 8th Illinois Cavalry.
An inspiring account of the first day of Gettysburg focusing on the Calvary brigades, nearly hour by hour; of how Buford’s 2,823 unmounted Calvary held off 8 times as many confederates. Includes many first hand accounts of the action of not just about Buford, but about the men under his command, all of whom behaved with exquisite courage. Does justice to the unmounted carvery’s actions in the afternoon of the first day, not just the opening hours.
”My brigade fought well under disadvantageous circumstances against a largely superior force,” reported Gamble. “Every officer and soldier did his duty.” He concluded: “this brigade had the honor to commence the fight in the morning and to close it in the evening.”
Chapter 11 starts to address the controversy over Buford’s supposedly “leaving the field of battle.”
Wittenberg’s explanations of the orders received and exactly followed clear Buford from all blame. [Wittenberg does not point out how, as Buford was dead by this point, his innocence was left in the hand of others.]
The conclusion is a masterful account of all that Buford accomplished at Gettysburg. From the careful placing of pickets and videttes on the evening of June 30, the 12 hour unmounted fighting holding a vastly superior force a bay on June 1, to the important skirmishes on the flank before withdrawing under orders on June 2; Buford held the ground he determined was in the Union’s advantage.
John Beaufort and his men deserve the accolades they received for their role in the Gettysburg campaign, for without their service the manner in which the Civil War progressed would have been very different. The devil gave John Beaufort a large bill to pay at Gettysburg, and the ‘Old Steadfast’ paid that in full.” pg 267
Interesting much shorter write up: http://npshistory.com/series/symposia...
Also easier to understand https://archive.nytimes.com/opinionat....
Something to explore when I have time: http://npshistory.com/series/symposia...
Great quote from the end of day 1: “It was a gloomy night for us, I tell you, with picket duty, knowing that at daylight the battle would be resumed. A man thinks pretty hard at such times” – private Thomas B. Kelle of the 8th Illinois Cavalry.
July 3, 2021
Very detailed and informative book focused almost entirely on the U.S. cavalry during the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg. Dispositions and actions are very well covered for that first day, as well as brief coverage of the units' reduced employment the night of July 1st, and the day of July 2nd.
My only quibble with the book is it's titled "John Buford at Gettysburg", and while it does indeed feature him, it's less about the man and more about the units under his command. And while it's true that once battle is joined, the General has limited control over the actions of his men, I would have liked a bit more insight into Buford's decision making as well as quotes from him as to what he was thinking that day; just more of his personal experiences during the battle.
That said, it really is a great book that brings a lot more detail to an aspect of the Battle of Gettysburg that has long been overshadowed by the other actions of those three days.
My only quibble with the book is it's titled "John Buford at Gettysburg", and while it does indeed feature him, it's less about the man and more about the units under his command. And while it's true that once battle is joined, the General has limited control over the actions of his men, I would have liked a bit more insight into Buford's decision making as well as quotes from him as to what he was thinking that day; just more of his personal experiences during the battle.
That said, it really is a great book that brings a lot more detail to an aspect of the Battle of Gettysburg that has long been overshadowed by the other actions of those three days.
January 9, 2016
I'm a bit torn in reviewing this book. When Wittenberg writes, he writes reasonably well. I would read other books by him. The problem is, he doesn't write very much. The body of the book is some 200 pages, yet those pages feel padded. For example, the book is filled with pictures of officers, dozens of them, who have at best only an oblique relation to the story of Buford's troops. There are some pages with three of four lines of prose under a full size picture of someone like Gen Howard. Many pages are 30-40%covered in footnotes. One quickly gets the sense that there's simple not much to say about Buford's troops and their actions at Gettysburg. Worse to my mind is the author's overuse, or misuse if you prefer, of quotations. Simply put, there are too many quotations. They are not well integrated into the prose, and they frequently repeat the same point.
I find Buford and his troops stand a fascinating vignette in the Gettysburg story. I think Wittenberg tells that story but it's been lost by inflating the tale fit a 200+ page book.
I find Buford and his troops stand a fascinating vignette in the Gettysburg story. I think Wittenberg tells that story but it's been lost by inflating the tale fit a 200+ page book.
October 26, 2025
Of all the cavalry action during the Gettysburg Campaign, Buford's delaying action on July 1 is the best known, thanks in no small part to his portrayal by Sam Elliott in the Gettysburg movie. Ironically, this is the last to be written of cavalry historian Eric Wittenberg's series about those actions, joining works about East Cavalry Field, South Cavalry Field, Stuart's Raid, and the post-battle action north of the Potomac (nearly all the fighting involved cavalry). The author considered this book his magnum opus, and with good reason.
The Devil's To Pay certainly covers the basic story any Civil War buff knows: dismounted cavalry trading space for time on the ridges west of Gettysburg. That story is fleshed out as never before with a wealth of primary source research. Additionally, there is the rest of the story that was unfamiliar to me: Buford's organization of his videttes to cover west and north of Gettysburg overnight and into the morning, a critical flank charge by a Union regiment against a Confederate brigade to save the Iron Brigade, the delaying actions north of town against the lead elements of Ewell's corps, Buford's men further stalling the Confederates during the retreat to Cemetery Hill, Buford's overnight deployment in front of the Round Tops, and his skirmishing on the morning of July 2 before being withdrawn from the field (the circumstances of which are covered).
In addition to all that is perhaps the most comprehensive biography of Buford's life, albeit omitting the details of his other engagements during the Civil War. Buford did not leave behind a collection of personal papers that would be needed for a proper full biography.
As with the other books mentioned at the beginning, must-read for Gettysburg buffs.
The Devil's To Pay certainly covers the basic story any Civil War buff knows: dismounted cavalry trading space for time on the ridges west of Gettysburg. That story is fleshed out as never before with a wealth of primary source research. Additionally, there is the rest of the story that was unfamiliar to me: Buford's organization of his videttes to cover west and north of Gettysburg overnight and into the morning, a critical flank charge by a Union regiment against a Confederate brigade to save the Iron Brigade, the delaying actions north of town against the lead elements of Ewell's corps, Buford's men further stalling the Confederates during the retreat to Cemetery Hill, Buford's overnight deployment in front of the Round Tops, and his skirmishing on the morning of July 2 before being withdrawn from the field (the circumstances of which are covered).
In addition to all that is perhaps the most comprehensive biography of Buford's life, albeit omitting the details of his other engagements during the Civil War. Buford did not leave behind a collection of personal papers that would be needed for a proper full biography.
As with the other books mentioned at the beginning, must-read for Gettysburg buffs.
October 31, 2021
This is a superb book that focuses exclusively on Cavalry General John Buford and his men at the battle of Gettysburg. These troopers were the only Northern men at Gettysburg when the battle opened and had to hold off the Southern infantry until their own infantry could arrive. Buford saw that the area south of town was ideal for defensive purposes and set up his perimeter west and north of town to delay the southern troops and allow a defensive line to be established. It is written with great detail with maps and very clear descriptions of what took place. It gives a great example of how someone can influence a battle even though they only fought in it for the first day. Finally, there is a tour of the battlefield that encompasses where these men fought and one can see for themselves where the action of the book took place. It is a very readable book and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
June 15, 2024
As noted throughout this monograph, Buford demonstrated the appropriateness of his nickname “Old Steadfast” by his calm and courageous stand in the face of heavy odds throughout his short stay in Pennsylvania, and especially for fighting where and how he did on July 1. Once he decided to stay and fight at Gettysburg, he did so with grim determination until the infantry arrived. Utterly fearless, despite intense pain from crippling arthritis, he rode his lines on his mount Grey Eagle, rallying his troops and encouraging them to stand tall and keep fighting. He designed and fought a classic delaying action in textbook fashion. Alert to his surroundings, Buford held the commanding high ground and interior lines of communication, forcing the Confederates to adopt longer, less advantageous lines.
August 4, 2024
Meticulous Research
The finest detailed account I’ve seen of the actions of Gen. John Buford on the opening day of Gettysburg. Buford’s decision to fight a delaying action west of town, slowing the advancing Army of Northern Virginia, saved the hills south of town, a position critical to the Union victory. Buford was a living legend in the U.S. cavalry and was adulated by his troops. The author also dispels the myth that Buford’s troops were able to delay an overwhelming Confederate force because they were armed with the seven-shot Spencer carbine. Many of the cavalryman were equipped with the breech-loading Sharps rifle and the rest used the traditional muzzle-loading cavalry rifle. It was the tactical skill and the tenacity of the soldiers that stopped the Confederate infantry.
The finest detailed account I’ve seen of the actions of Gen. John Buford on the opening day of Gettysburg. Buford’s decision to fight a delaying action west of town, slowing the advancing Army of Northern Virginia, saved the hills south of town, a position critical to the Union victory. Buford was a living legend in the U.S. cavalry and was adulated by his troops. The author also dispels the myth that Buford’s troops were able to delay an overwhelming Confederate force because they were armed with the seven-shot Spencer carbine. Many of the cavalryman were equipped with the breech-loading Sharps rifle and the rest used the traditional muzzle-loading cavalry rifle. It was the tactical skill and the tenacity of the soldiers that stopped the Confederate infantry.
September 27, 2025
Author Wittenberg has done it again, Buford at Gettysburg is an excellent book. A great teller of cavalry battles and tactics, Wittenberg gives us the story of General Buford. Starting with the movement to Pennsylvania, he describes the key figures. He dives into the tactics and positions of each brigade as Buford moves into town and sees the best area to defend it.
The battle of July 1 is the meat of the story, while the next day and his withdraw are the dessert. There are plenty of photos and illustrations to view along with maps to guide the read.
Included in the appendices are an order of battle, discussion on Spencer rifles, Lanes Brigade and description of Buford tactics. Ending the book is a walking tour of his positions west of town.
The battle of July 1 is the meat of the story, while the next day and his withdraw are the dessert. There are plenty of photos and illustrations to view along with maps to guide the read.
Included in the appendices are an order of battle, discussion on Spencer rifles, Lanes Brigade and description of Buford tactics. Ending the book is a walking tour of his positions west of town.
August 4, 2022
There are a lot of dates, locations, and individuals to keep track of in this because it is history.the book wasn't necessary my favorite, but I LOVED the material!!! The evidence, the respect, and the insight into John Buford's leadership style and decision making, is inspiring. It really is amazing what he saw and the conclusions he drew and how he stuck to his guns. I believe he was one of, if not the most, influential figures for how the events at Gettysburg played out and we have him to thank for our world today, as we know it.
August 11, 2017
Excellent details of that fateful first day.
My great-grandfather, Alexander J. Swaney, was a permanent orderly for Buford and I will use this book as a reference for the second volume of a trilogy (Children of the Storm) I am writing. This book provides excellent details of both sides of the first day. I only wish it had more details on Buford's staff.
My great-grandfather, Alexander J. Swaney, was a permanent orderly for Buford and I will use this book as a reference for the second volume of a trilogy (Children of the Storm) I am writing. This book provides excellent details of both sides of the first day. I only wish it had more details on Buford's staff.
March 8, 2023
well done
Up to date, well researched and documented history of the volunteer regiments under Buford seizing the ground and holding it until the infantry and Army of the Potomac could arrive.
Good maps, well done photographs of important people.
The driving tour is a keeper.
Highly recommend
Up to date, well researched and documented history of the volunteer regiments under Buford seizing the ground and holding it until the infantry and Army of the Potomac could arrive.
Good maps, well done photographs of important people.
The driving tour is a keeper.
Highly recommend
March 30, 2025
Very good two volume set that follows the Union and Confederate armies as they maneuver from Fredericksburg to Pennsylvania and ultimately Gettysburg. It is fascinating to follow the Confederate army as it travels north and see how skirmishes ensued with Union forces as the South moved toward Pennsylvania.
September 11, 2017
The most detailed account of General Buford's tremendous accomplishments June 30, July 1 and July 2, 1863 at Gettysburg I have ever read. John Buford never received the credit he richly deserved for his generalship before, during and after the Battle of Gettysburg. This book does him justice.
March 14, 2023
Worthy Recognition for Buford
A well-researched detailed account, and informative analysis, of Burford’s generally under-appreciated role in the Union victory at Gettysburg. Fine monograph.
A well-researched detailed account, and informative analysis, of Burford’s generally under-appreciated role in the Union victory at Gettysburg. Fine monograph.
October 6, 2023
A very educational read. I always have believed that the battle was won on day one due to where the armies ended at the end of the first day. Digging into the first day was truly fascinating. And finding out why Buford's name disappears after the fist day was quite fascinating and enlightening
August 15, 2024
While the actions of Buford may not have been as dramatic as portrayed in the Killer Angels and the movie but they were still essential to the success of the Union Army at Gettysburg. Even more amazing since he was riddled with rheumatism and arthritis during the campaign.
January 27, 2020
Good Civil War History... how those who fought did so... a good read.
September 27, 2021
This is a good brief story. The resources our outstanding. This is a great reference book !
November 18, 2022
Great maps.
Really fine maps that sync up with the narrative so it's easy to follow the action. Concise narrative that adds many interesting facts to the battle.
Really fine maps that sync up with the narrative so it's easy to follow the action. Concise narrative that adds many interesting facts to the battle.
August 19, 2025
Good coverage of a great topic, if a little repetitive in a few places
September 4, 2025
Excellent review of Gen Buford and the 1st Calvary Divison in the Gettysburg Campaign.
November 6, 2014
In his career, Eric J. Wittenberg has tackled many of the aspects of the cavalry in the Gettysburg Campaign. From the conflict at East Cavalry Field to the infamous Farnsworth’s Charge, Wittenberg gives us another outlook to the cavalry during the battle. It was only a matter of time before he took on the subject of John Buford and his involvement during the months of June and July of 1863. In his book, The Devil’s to Pay John Buford at Gettysburg, Wittenberg details the work of John Buford and his men in an excellent fashion and brings some new and interesting details to this famous commander.
Eric J. Wittenberg is the winner of the 1998 Bachelder-Coddington Literary Award for his work Gettysburg’s Forgotten Cavalry Actions and is the author of many other works including Protecting the Flank at Gettysburg, and The Battle of Brandy Station. He is also the co-author of Plenty of Blame to Go Around: Jeb Stuart’s Controversial Ride to Gettysburg and One Continuous Fight with J. David Petruzzi and Michael F. Nugent.
To many people, General John Buford is one of the pivotal characters of the Battle of Gettysburg and while there have been biographies of the man, there is no major work which is devoted to his actions at Gettysburg. Not only does Wittenberg pay attention to the action of Buford during the battle, but he gives us an insight into the lives of his brigade commanders and their actions as well. In the opening chapter, Wittenberg details the life of Buford up to the point of the Civil War and also talks of his family who were greatly divided, some of them going to fight for the Confederacy. There is great detail also put into the few days before the battle and the night before as well. Accompanied by maps, which are well crafted, the narrative which he offers of Buford and his men during the battle is one of the best narratives of the first day of combat I have yet read. After his actions at Gettysburg, the book details his life and even the reunions of his men after the war. While most books would have ended the subject with the end of the battle, Wittenberg takes it one step farther and goes all the way to the end of the story. As it is with the Protecting the Flank at Gettysburg and Gettysburg’s Forgotten Cavalry Actions, one of the highlights of this work is the walking tour which accompanies this work. With pictures taken by the author himself, he gives the readers an easy to follow tour which makes the actions of Buford and his men much easier to follow. I applaud Wittenberg and his tours which he places in these books.
I highly recommend this book not only to the Civil War enthusiast and student, but to the Gettysburg students as well. This book will stand out as the major study of Buford and his men at Gettysburg along with a major study of the first few hours of the Battle of Gettysburg. I think this book not only will become the essential study, but a classic in the realm of Gettysburg and cavalry study. Highly recommended!
Matthew Bartlett - Gettysburg Chronicle
Eric J. Wittenberg is the winner of the 1998 Bachelder-Coddington Literary Award for his work Gettysburg’s Forgotten Cavalry Actions and is the author of many other works including Protecting the Flank at Gettysburg, and The Battle of Brandy Station. He is also the co-author of Plenty of Blame to Go Around: Jeb Stuart’s Controversial Ride to Gettysburg and One Continuous Fight with J. David Petruzzi and Michael F. Nugent.
To many people, General John Buford is one of the pivotal characters of the Battle of Gettysburg and while there have been biographies of the man, there is no major work which is devoted to his actions at Gettysburg. Not only does Wittenberg pay attention to the action of Buford during the battle, but he gives us an insight into the lives of his brigade commanders and their actions as well. In the opening chapter, Wittenberg details the life of Buford up to the point of the Civil War and also talks of his family who were greatly divided, some of them going to fight for the Confederacy. There is great detail also put into the few days before the battle and the night before as well. Accompanied by maps, which are well crafted, the narrative which he offers of Buford and his men during the battle is one of the best narratives of the first day of combat I have yet read. After his actions at Gettysburg, the book details his life and even the reunions of his men after the war. While most books would have ended the subject with the end of the battle, Wittenberg takes it one step farther and goes all the way to the end of the story. As it is with the Protecting the Flank at Gettysburg and Gettysburg’s Forgotten Cavalry Actions, one of the highlights of this work is the walking tour which accompanies this work. With pictures taken by the author himself, he gives the readers an easy to follow tour which makes the actions of Buford and his men much easier to follow. I applaud Wittenberg and his tours which he places in these books.
I highly recommend this book not only to the Civil War enthusiast and student, but to the Gettysburg students as well. This book will stand out as the major study of Buford and his men at Gettysburg along with a major study of the first few hours of the Battle of Gettysburg. I think this book not only will become the essential study, but a classic in the realm of Gettysburg and cavalry study. Highly recommended!
Matthew Bartlett - Gettysburg Chronicle
November 6, 2014
"The Devil's to Pay" takes a small portion of the battle of Gettysburg and fleshes it out in detail, helping readers to better understand the depth of the action that took place there. This book specifically recounts John Buford's cavalry actions leading up to the initial conflict on July 1, and the incredible stand that they took to hole back the Confederate army while the Union forces hurried to the scene. The author also gives background information on Buford and some of the major players of the battle. The narrative closes with the story of Buford's death and the erection of the monument on the Chambersburg Pike that is dedicated to him and cast in his likeness.
Wittenberg also closes up the book with a number of valuable appendices on the Order of Battle, the use of carbines in action, a dissertation on the character of Buford, a tackling of the discussion on whether Lane's brigade formed squares and a driving tour of the battlefield.
I enjoyed the story of the Buford, but also Wittenberg's presentation of the material for a number of reasons.
1)His writing style is simple and to the point.
2)He provides not only footnotes with sources, but also additional information pertinent to the text, but might interrupt the flow of the narrative.
3) Lots of great photos - some never before published.
4) Wonderful maps that lay out the action at every level.
5) He points out controversial and alternative view points, in the text, in the footnotes and in his appendices. So readers know...well this is one of those things people disagree about. You don't often get that in works like this. The author definitely has his opinions based and backed up on research, but anyone who has studied the Civil War, knows there are gaps in the research...
6)The driving tour is especially nice, because really in any story of Gettysburg it is best understood from standing on the field and experiencing it. Wittenberg makes it easy for us to go to Gettysburg and find these places and then imagine.
This is the third book I've read by the author, hope I get time to read more of them.
Highly recommend to add to your Gettysburg reading list.
Wittenberg also closes up the book with a number of valuable appendices on the Order of Battle, the use of carbines in action, a dissertation on the character of Buford, a tackling of the discussion on whether Lane's brigade formed squares and a driving tour of the battlefield.
I enjoyed the story of the Buford, but also Wittenberg's presentation of the material for a number of reasons.
1)His writing style is simple and to the point.
2)He provides not only footnotes with sources, but also additional information pertinent to the text, but might interrupt the flow of the narrative.
3) Lots of great photos - some never before published.
4) Wonderful maps that lay out the action at every level.
5) He points out controversial and alternative view points, in the text, in the footnotes and in his appendices. So readers know...well this is one of those things people disagree about. You don't often get that in works like this. The author definitely has his opinions based and backed up on research, but anyone who has studied the Civil War, knows there are gaps in the research...
6)The driving tour is especially nice, because really in any story of Gettysburg it is best understood from standing on the field and experiencing it. Wittenberg makes it easy for us to go to Gettysburg and find these places and then imagine.
This is the third book I've read by the author, hope I get time to read more of them.
Highly recommend to add to your Gettysburg reading list.
July 23, 2021
Thorough description of the first day of battle of Gettysburg
August 5, 2023
I became interested in history due to the movie Gettysburg. As I learn more about the battle, the more I dislike that movie, but there are positives to it. One example is Sam Elliot as John Buford. I read behind the scenes he asked experts how is uniform should look. If you notice is uniform is accurate because it is dirty and faded as it should have been. His role in the movie is small but essential. I wanted to learn more about John Buford and his role in the most famous battle of the Civil War. Eric Wittenberg did an exceptional job bringing this story to life. The book is written in a way that a non-history lover could even appreciate. I know history books can be dry and boring, which is a disservice because this is important as it explains why we are here today. This book grabs your attention from the beginning. The book starts with a biographical background of Buford. Wittenberg gives enough details about him. He covers about the lead up and, of course, July 1st, 1863. There is also a tour you can do of Buford in the back of the book that marks locations of Buford and his men. I learned a lot about Buford, so kudos to Wittenberg for this superb book. It is a shame that Buford died before the war ended. I honestly think he would have done better than Sheridan in the Overland Campaign, but we will never know. If you have the seen the movie Gettysburg, this is a good read to help share the history of the battle.
November 23, 2015
Very well known. More detailed than Longacre who wrote Buford's biography.
Emphasizes not just the magnificent tactical genius of Buford in the morning of July 1 but his stayingpower in the afternoon.
The cavalry helped to avoid being flanked in the fall-back position on Seminary Ridge after being pushed back from McPherson's Ridge.
But more importantly, although I cannot recall reading this elsewhere, Buford and Gamble were responsible for helping prevent Lane from attacking Cemetery Ridge. This was a feint, I think, and there is some argument whether some of Lane's troops formed a square for defense. Wittenberg does quote Confederate reports to the effect that Lane had not received orders for a general attack and so held back. Lane's report does not credit their slowdown to Federal troops.
Emphasizes not just the magnificent tactical genius of Buford in the morning of July 1 but his stayingpower in the afternoon.
The cavalry helped to avoid being flanked in the fall-back position on Seminary Ridge after being pushed back from McPherson's Ridge.
But more importantly, although I cannot recall reading this elsewhere, Buford and Gamble were responsible for helping prevent Lane from attacking Cemetery Ridge. This was a feint, I think, and there is some argument whether some of Lane's troops formed a square for defense. Wittenberg does quote Confederate reports to the effect that Lane had not received orders for a general attack and so held back. Lane's report does not credit their slowdown to Federal troops.
February 19, 2016
I'm going to reserve judgement until I confer with my Buford experts. I know that they have some difficulties with some of the points the author is trying to make. But I think where they will agree is the importance of Buford's achievements at Gettysburg and how the disposition of his brigade played such an prominent role in shaping the battle. The book comes with a walking/driving tour that I'm looking forward to doing even though I know I've been over the ground before.
I have to give credit to my friend Mike Smith who IS John Buford here in Gettysburg and everywhere else he goes. Based on what I've read and the work Mike has done, he does the impression right.
I have to give credit to my friend Mike Smith who IS John Buford here in Gettysburg and everywhere else he goes. Based on what I've read and the work Mike has done, he does the impression right.
July 9, 2015
An informative telling of Buford and his division at Gettysburg
Fills a void about the role Buford and his command played on the first day at Gettysburg. Most books written about the first day cover this most part of the battle with just a few paragraphs, or at most a page or two, quickly moving on to the role played by the infantry. Mr. Wittenberg goes into deep detail to help us better understand this often overshadowed part of the battle. A must read for the Gettysburg enthusiast.
Fills a void about the role Buford and his command played on the first day at Gettysburg. Most books written about the first day cover this most part of the battle with just a few paragraphs, or at most a page or two, quickly moving on to the role played by the infantry. Mr. Wittenberg goes into deep detail to help us better understand this often overshadowed part of the battle. A must read for the Gettysburg enthusiast.
October 3, 2016
Until the last few years Buford seemed to be a forgotten figure. Yet you could argue that his actions at Gettysburg may have done more to save the Union and win the Civil War than any other ranking officer in the Union army. He chose the battlefield and held the ground until the rest of Meade's Army caught up with him. This book details that day. Recommended to those who enjoy Civil War history.
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