Conquering the Valley: Stonewall Jackson at Port Republic

by Robert K. Krick

Using accurate background information as well as anecdotal material, eyewitness accounts, and new primary sources, a historic narrative outlines the events surrounding the Civil War battles at Port Republic and Cross Keys.

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

594 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1996

Reviews

['Aussie Rick' · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be well written, extensively researched and very well presented. It took me some time to get into the book but after the first few chapters I was hooked. The depth of information is excellent, the maps well presented, well placed and easy to read.

I had no problems in reading this book and understanding the flow of the battle. The stories of the individuals involved in the fighting were interesting and did not distract you from the narrative. At first I thought the author may have had a Southern bias but I was wrong, he presented both sides well and he highlighted acts of bravery on both sides.

I am still reading this book with but a few chapters to go and I have enjoyed it very much. In fact I have enjoyed it so much that I intend to order the author's Stonewall Jackson at Cedar Mountain as soon as I can. This book is well worth the time to read.

[Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very interesting nonfiction work that focuses on an 1862 battle in the American Civil War. This was the final battle and crowning victory in what has become known as Confederate General Stonewall Jackson’s Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1862. The locations of Cross Keys, Virginia and Port Republic, Virginia were the locations of the conclusive battle. After the Confederate victory there, the Union forces withdrew from the Shenandoah Valley. What makes this book so interesting is that it is told by the soldiers themselves. While tactical matters and even strategic matters are incorporated by the author into this book, the primary emphasis is on the individual soldiers who fought here. The author has done extensive research into the letters, journals, diaries, official reports and memoirs written by the participants. As you probably know, most of these people only knew what was right in front if them. They discuss how they felt about the duties they were assigned and how they carried out those duties. They focus on their particular situations; were they tired, were they thirsty, were they hungry, were they scared, were they well supported, why did they fight and so on and so forth. Those topics and insights made this book very interesting to read.

[Iain · Rating 2 out of 5]

I find this campaign fascinating, particularly the "close run thing" on Sunday morning in Port Republic. While I like what Krick sets out to do here; the result is simply too repetitive, too slow paced to hold the reader.

Krick makes the valid point that other, more involved battles would be too long if covered in this manner. I suspect that even this small battle is too large to be covered in this fashion.

[Bob Green]

This book provides the backstory on Jackson’s physical exhaustion during the Seven Days Battle outside Richmond.

One critique I have is the lack of quality maps within the book.

[Matthew Ericson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to have seen more discussion about the Union forces

[Monte Lamb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book on the Valley battles of Cross Keys and Port Republic which ended Jackson's 1862 campaign. It has well-researched detail and still keeps the story moving without falling into a trap of being too detailed and boring. In the section on the Louisiana Tigers' attack on the coaling, the author did fantastic job where I could see and feel the emotions of the soldiers and having been to the battlefield, I could visualize all the events and it made for a thorough understanding of the events of these two days. The book is easy to read and presents the information in a very clear manner. I heartily recommend this book to anyone.

[Avis Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fine book by Krick, and an excellent overview of the Valley campaigns.

[Art · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written history of the action at Port Republic. Detailed but not dry, a solid book.

[Hartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

New York Ninth walked into a storm.