Gray Ghosts of the Confederacy: Guerrilla Warfare in the West, 1861–1865

by Richard S. Brownlee

Gray Ghosts of the Confederacy is a history of the Confederate guerrillas who—under the ruthless command of such men as William C. Quantrill and “Bloody Bill” Anderson—plunged Missouri into a bloody, vicious conflict of an intensity unequaled in any other theater of the Civil War. Among their numbers were Frank and Jesse James and Cole and James Younger, who would later become infamous by extending the tactic they had learned during the war into civilian life.

Genres: History, Civil War, American Civil War, Nonfiction, American History, American

296 pages, Paperback

First published December 12, 1958

Reviews

[Isidore · Rating 4 out of 5]

First published in 1958, Brownlee's very readable book is still a standard introductory study of the complete collapse of civil institutions in Missouri during the Civil War. Although most of the book is a narrative account of the guerrilla war itself, the two chapters on "Martial Law and "Control of the Populace" are particularly important. It's evident that Missouri during Federal occupation was a profoundly corrupt totalitarian state, complete with thought crimes and mass deprivation of basic human rights, all of it hugely profitable to the fortunate few.

It's harrowing reading, and, in a way, depressingly familiar: the savagery and ruthlessness of the guerrillas is perhaps understandable, but the ease with which the state's military elite (and its political backers) persuaded itself that its victims were subhuman calls to mind quite a few more recent imperialistic ventures.

Worst of all, the story has been expunged from our collective memory, except for hints contained in the celebration of former guerrilla Jesse James in folk culture.

[David Vanness · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any history buff. If you have any slanted Civil War opinions going either direction you should enjoy or become more educated by this book.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A study of irregular warfare conducted by the Confederacy in the Mississippi River watershed. Little has been written about guerrilla warfare during the Civil War. I liked this book.

[Zella Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

As good as Goodrich's Black Flag was, this is a better introduction to the Civil War in Missouri. It lacks the extensive excerpts from primary sources, but it is a highly readable and evenhanded summary of how badly civil order broke down as irregular warfare erupted across the state. It also features broader coverage of the state as a whole, whereas Black Flag largely focuses on the Western border.

[Brandon Ames · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read, if a little academically dry at times. I tend to think of the Civil War in terms of “north” and “south”, but it was interesting to see the powder keg that was Missouri as western expansion brought Union and Confederacy into close, violent proximity years before the War began. Definitely worth a read if you’re looking for greater perspective on the Civil War.

[Gary Raines · Rating 5 out of 5]

If your ancestors were in Missouri during the war, this is a must read.

[Bone2Pick · Rating 3 out of 5]

~3.5 Stars~

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I requested this from the library to use as background for a couple of things I'm currently working on. Brownlee writes clearly, making bloody history read like a well-footnoted story. Quantrill and Anderson are fully treated, as well as Union and Confederate regulars. The James Brothers' early exploits are also mentioned. Brownlee references numerous newspapers and military dispatches of the time to show how horribly violent the guerilla war in Missouri truly was. Much of this history has been glossed over, while certain events have been exaggerated. General Orders devastated central and western Missouri farmers and townspeople alike. Some counties were completely cleared of residents, who were set upon the roads or jailed for choosing the wrong side or trying not to choose at all. Gray Ghosts is a good addition to any Civil War student's library.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brownlee covered the guerrilla warfare in Missouri and Kansas - very interesting. I would find myself going back and rereading parts as the author would veer off and the reader would not quite be able to follow where the fighting was happening or where the guerrillas were coming from/going to. A very different perspective of guerrilla warfare as practiced by the Quantrill and "Bloody Bill" Anderson as opposed to Mosby's Rangers. The warfare in Missouri and Kansas was murderous outlaws answering to no one whereas Mosby's Rangers were well disciplined military fighting unit.

[Tara Lofley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know how much I loved history until I borrowed this book. It was awesome. I especially love how the author never held me in suspense--he would give the end of each part of the war, and then give the details. It held my attention to the end. It was interesting to learn about guerrilla warfare.

[Straw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this from a friend and it compliments the previous biography of Quantrill. It is not as well written as that book; however, it has more details of the overall political situation.