“If We Are Striking for Pennsylvania”: The Army of Northern Virginia and the Army of the Potomac March to Gettysburg - Volume 1: June 3–22, 1863

by Scott L. Mingus Sr., Eric J. Wittenberg

Scott L. Mingus Sr. and Eric J. Wittenberg, the authors of more than forty Civil War books, have once again teamed up to present a history of the opening moves of the Gettysburg Campaign in the two-volume study “If We Are Striking for Pennsylvania”: The Army of Northern Virginia and the Army of the Potomac March to Gettysburg. This compelling study is one of the first to integrate the military, media, political, social, economic, and civilian perspectives with rank-and-file accounts from the soldiers of both armies as they inexorably march toward their destiny at Gettysburg. This first installment covers June 3–21, 1863, while the second, spanning June 22–30, completes the march and carries the armies to the eve of the fighting. Gen. Robert E. Lee began moving part of his Army of Northern Virginia from the Old Dominion toward Pennsylvania on June 3, 1863. Lee believed his army needed to win a major victory on Northern soil if the South was to have a chance at winning the war. Transferring the fighting out of war-torn Virginia would allow the state time to heal while he supplied his army from untapped farms and stores in Maryland and the Keystone State. Lee had also convinced Pres. Jefferson Davis that his offensive would interfere with the Union effort to take Vicksburg in Mississippi. The bold movement would trigger extensive cavalry fighting and a major battle at Winchester before culminating in the bloody three-day battle at Gettysburg. As the Virginia army moved north, the Army of the Potomac responded by protecting the vital roads to Washington, D.C., in case Lee turned to threaten the capital. Opposing presidents Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis, meanwhile, kept a close watch on the latest and often conflicting military intelligence gathered in the field. Throughout northern Virginia, central Maryland, and south-central Pennsylvania, meanwhile, civilians and soldiers alike struggled with the reality of a mobile campaign and the massive logistical needs of the armies. Thousands left written accounts of the passage of the long martial columns. Mingus and Wittenberg mined hundreds of primary accounts, newspapers, and other sources to produce this powerful and gripping account. As readers will quickly learn, much of it is glossed over in other studies of the campaign, which cannot be fully understood without a firm appreciation of what the armies (and civilians) did on their way to the small crossroads town in Pennsylvania.

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

469 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2022

About the author

Scott L. Mingus, Sr. is an author, tour guide, multiple award-winning miniature wargamer, patented scientist, and history buff based near York, Pennsylvania.

Blog at http://scottmingus.wordpress.com/scot...

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

To the Civil War layman who knows only of the war’s highlights, it might appear that after the Battle of Chancellorsville, Gen. Lee simply showed up in Pennsylvania and the Battle of Gettysburg began. Of course, some time passed between the two major battles - about two months, to be exact. And this book and its followup volume aim to document exactly what happened between those marquee events, as Lee and his army made the long march north.

Together, the two books cover most of the month of June 1863, with this first volume tackling the first 2 ½ weeks. The narrative is told in a day-by-day format, with each day getting its own chapter. I’ve read other books about other subjects that use this structure, and sometimes it doesn’t quite work - inevitably there are days when not much happens, so such a book can resort to filler or background material to pad out a chapter and get to the next day. Not here, however, as there is plenty of material to sustain the day-by-day approach, and the structure both helps to focus the narrative and gives it a steady sense of progression.

I half-expected an entire book about an army’s march would contain nothing but troop movements - which division went here and which went there, with little actual story. But I was happy to be wrong in this case, as Mingus and Wittenberg tell a comprehensive social, political and military story, using firsthand accounts from soldiers and civilians alike. 

What unfolds during this first volume is a cat-and-mouse game, as Lee’s forces moved north and Union forces attempted to either stop them or follow them, straining to figure out exactly where they were headed. Communication and troop movements alike moved in slow motion then as compared to today, so the day-by-day approach allows the tense and uncertain situation to develop in real time. Not only did Union soldiers and the Lincoln administration wonder what exactly Lee was up to, so did many of the Confederate rank-and-file, who marched without knowing their ultimate destination. 

Northern civilians wondered, too, especially as Confederate forces inched ever northward, raising fears in Pennsylvania of a rebel invasion. Even after there were several small-scale raids across the Pennsylvania border, the Union was left to wonder whether that was a precursor to a larger invasion to come, or if minor raids were all there would be.

By incorporating quotes and anecdotes throughout the narrative, the book captures all of this fear and uncertainty, as well as the hardships experienced by soldiers on both sides, as they traveled great distances in the heat of early summer. There were also a number of battles along the way, which provide bursts of drama during the narrative - the first clash, the Battle of Brandy Station, about a week into the time period covered in the book, is dramatically recounted as the fight devolved into brutal hand-to-hand combat.

There are good maps throughout the book that help illustrate all of the day-by-day movements, as Confederate forces moved north, and Union forces variously pursued them, moved to defend the roads to Washington in case Lee was headed there, while reinforcements flowed into Pennsylvania to protect against the feared invasion. 

Not that anyone is likely to read volume one without also reading volume two, but the authors ensure that this book can’t stand alone, by ending the narrative rather abruptly with no conclusions, final thoughts or foreshadowing, aside from a clumsy “to be continued.” 

This is a more granular look at a Civil War campaign than I would typically prefer, one that doesn’t end with the flourish of a grand finale and an epilogue about how it represented an important turning point in the war. But in describing how the Gettysburg campaign unfolded, without any rush to get to the main event itself, this book allows the human side of the story to be told, giving the reader an appreciation of how the individuals involved thought and reacted to what was happening as it occurred. The book fills an important gap in between more well-told events, in a far more readable way than I anticipated, leaving me eager to pick up with volume two.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great; my only fault with it was the huge number of typos within the text. I mean, I've read books twice as long with way less typos. That being said, I did enjoy the narrative. The authors do a great job of incorporating eyewitness accounts into the book. While this book might seem obtuse to the neophyte reader, for seasoned readers of Civil War lore, this book hits on all cylinders. I am looking forward to volume 2.

[Bob Spangler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this view of the events leading up to Gettysburg. Lots of the action took in Va in areas in which I’m familiar. This added to the enjoyment and the PA parts are right around the corner. The levels of detail and individual stories make a real entertaining story and capture this part of the Civil War. Anyone who knows Gettysburg will be interested in this book and others that fill in the battles that lead up to it and the retreats. I’m finding them almost more exciting.

Mingus and Wittenberg have written a strong book on the topic and I look forward to Volume Two.

[robin friedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marching To Gettysburg

Civil War authors Scott Mingus and Eric Wittenberg have collaborated many times, most recently in the two-volume study "If We Are Striking for Pennsylvania: The Army of Northern Virginia and the Army of the Potomac March to Gettysburg". The study examines the Gettysburg Campaign, beginning with Robert E. Lee's fateful decision to invade Pennsylvania and concluding on June 30, 1863, on the eve of the Battle of Gettysburg (July 1 -- 3, 1863). Volume I, which I am reviewing here, covers the period June 3 -- 21, 1863, while Volume II takes the campaign from June 22 -- 30, 1863. The title of the study derives from a letter that Confederate Major General Lafayette McLaws wrote to his wife just before the beginning of the campaign. McLaws said: "If we are striking for Pennsylvania, we are actuated by a desire to visit upon the enemy some of the horrors of war, to give the northern people some idea of the excesses committed by their troops upon our houses and inhabitants". (Prologue, p. xxxv)

Gettysburg is a critical moment in American history and its study can be endlessly fascinating. Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania and the march to Gettysburg have been covered in many studies of the Gettysburg campaign, such as the books by Coddington and Sears. And crucial incidents of the campaign, such as the Battle of Winchester or the Battle of Brandy Station, also have received their own detailed individual treatment, including works by Mingus and Wittenberg. This new study is set apart by its detail and its sweep. It tells a story and offers a view of the Gettysburg Campaign that makes a whole out of many separate elements. The book enhanced my knoweldge of Gettysburg and held my attention.

The study begins with a Prologue discussing the Battle of Chancellorsville (April 30 -- May 6, 1863) and its impact in leading to the Confederate decision to invade Pennsylvania. The book proceeds with chapters on a day-by-day basis, beginning with the first Confederate movements West and North on June 3 and concluding in this volume on June 21. The chapters are of varying lengths and complexity as the course of the campaign gradually unfolds. Disussions of broad questions of politics and military strategy are interwoven with particulars of individual soldiers and civilians with life on the march. On each day, the reader sees different events in different places and gradually gets a feel for how the incidents of the Gettysburg Campaign come together.

The book explores throughout the audacity of the Gettysburg Campaign and of the decision for a full-scale invasion of the North. Overall, the book shows Lee rolling the dice with his movement North and with the difficulty the Union had in figuring out Lee's movements and his goals. During the early days, the North did not know where Lee was heading. Union General Joseph Hooker, much criticized for the Chancellorsville loss, defended cautiously because he didn't know what Lee's intentions were and because his cavalry, under General Alfred Pleasanton, gave him little help in scouting Southern movements. Later in the Campaign, the situation would be reversed when Lee lost track, in part through failures of his cavalry, of the location of the Army of the Potomac, a matter for the second volume of this study.
With the uncertainty, panic set in in many quarters of the Union, described well and in detail in this book.. Thus, while the focus of this book is on troop movements and strategic decisions, it gives a great deal of attention to matters that don't receive much attention in other studies, such as the preparations for an invasion, the rasing of militia, the fortifications and the movements of citizens for safety and shelter in Pennsylvania, in particular.

The major events of the campaign such as Brandy Station, Winchester, and the cavalry battles at the Blue Ridge Mountain passes offer focus to the study. But the value of the book lies in its detail and in its integration of activities in different places. The treatment of the early stages of the Campaign in Maryland and Pennsylvania is particularly insightful in showing the varied nature of the interactions between the frightened civilian populations and the advance units of the Confederate cavalry.

The part of this book I enjoyed most was the focus on the marching of the various units of the armies, Union and Confederate. The book follows the armies and the soldiers through long forced marches in sweltering heat, through clouds of dust, over swollen streams, through pelting rain and cold nights. As much as the battles, the marches stretched the limits of endurance, with many soldiers dying from sunstroke and otherwise falling by the wayside. The book gave me more of a sense than I have received from other studies of the harshness of these marches and of the endurance and fortitude of the men. There are also many telling indvidual details, including at least two extended scenes involving the executions of indivduals who had deserted from their units. I felt involved with the story of the marches and their hardships.

I have read a substantial amount about Gettysburg over the years, and I learned from this book. To help the reader along, the book includes brief biographical paragraphs of the primary individuals involved, Union and Confederate, in an opening section titled "Dramatis Personae". A brief concluding Appendix summarizes the daily movements of the armies. And the book includes an unusually good selection of maps, arranged by day of the Campaign, together with many photographs of the key participants. . The book might be overwhelming for a reader with only a casual interest in Gettysburg or new to the subject. But it will fascinate readers with a passion for the subject and with a good, basic knowledge of the Campaign and the Battle.

The book reminded me of why I have studied Gettysburg over the years. I am looking forward to reading the second volume. Savas Beatie, the publisher, kindly sent me a copy of the book to review.

Robin Friedman

[Stephen Morrissey · Rating 4 out of 5]

"If We Are Striking for Pennsylvania" is designed for the Gettysburg nerd: a day-by-day set-piece of the maneuvers of the Army of the Potomac and Northern Virginia between the end of the Chancellorsville Campaign and the germination of the Gettysburg one. While heavy on tactics and regimental and corps moves, the book leavens the military history with the on-the-ground experience of troops sweating and trekking across past Northern Virginia battlefields strewn with the corpses of predecessors.

Volume II awaits!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book on many levels. I liked how the authors walk you through the sequence of events leading up to pre-Gettysburg battles. I was unaware of the “cat and mouse” game between the Union and Confederates. Also, the pictures and sources are included in the main part of the book. So you don’t have to dig around for the extras. I can’t wait to read the next volume. Well done, Gentlemen!

[W Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This work, with volume two, updates the narrative of the Confederate invasion of 1863. The last work to cover the advance of the Army of Northern Virginia was Wilbur Nye’s Here Come the Rebels from the 1950’s. Mingus and Wittenberg ably bring the story up to date. The deftly wove the narrative between the armies, Washington, Harrisburg, and the common soldier on a day by day basis. I highly recommend this. It is very readable and is a major update in scholarship.

[Rick Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mingus and Wittenberg have written an incredible work on the beginning stages of the Gettysburg Campaign of 1863. The day-by-day approach is a fantastic in-depth look at what took place on the military, political and civilian fronts. I have read and studied the Gettysburg Campaign for a number of years, and their approach is unique and refreshing.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed account of Lee's movement toward Pennsylvania in June 1863 (leading up to the Battle of Gettysburg). This first volume of a multi-volume story covers the first three weeks of June 1863. It is a day-by-day account of who and what of Lee's forces were going where. Also covered is the Union's side-by-side march during the same period. Excellent coverage.

[Mike Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

felt like I was on the March

The personal stories of the soldiers drawn from rich first hand accounts and official records made the March come alive. The authors highlighted the obstacles faced by both Armies and the uncertainties feared by the citizens .

[Steven Dundas · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent account of the beginning of the Gettysburg Campaign

This is a very well done day by day account of the Confederate march towards Gettysburg and the Union response. Much material not covered in other accounts is covered here. Well worth the considered read.

[Mark Tuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, but..

Excellent coverage of a period mostly neglected. Only problem is the authors retell some of the events in multiple chapters.

[Taylor Barkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very impressive history based on primary sources. As someone familiar with the area discussed, I learned some new history.

[Tim Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was worried I was going to find this book a slog. It's such a micro topic that basically covers half of a march. I was very pleased to find my expectations were wrong. I very much enjoyed this book. The authors provide a fantastic overview of the beginning of the Gettysburg campaign from all walks of life. From the soldiers, general and civilian perspective, you are given a clear and fascinating picture of the Army of Northern Virginia's invasion of Pennsylvania in the summer of 1863.

A wonderful book.