Back Door to Richmond

[Tyler Underwood]

I light of the upcoming 150th Bermuda Hundred event this April; I think it would be appropriate to share with you all a great read that helps to understand this obscure campaign. The book is titled Back Door to Richmond by William G. Robertson. The book follows the movements of Butlers Army of the James on their approach towards Bermuda Hundred and the frantic George Pickett trying his best to hold off the Federals. It includes several official correspondences between General Bragg, Beauregard and Pickett. Plus does an excellent job of showing the break down in the Federal chain of command that led to the ultimate failure of Butler combining his forces with General Grants. This is a must read for anyone planning on attending the event as it paints a wonderful picture of what both armies endured and gives the reader good insight into future action during the Petersburg Campaign.

[Coatsy]

Re: Back Door to Richmond

Yes! I used this book as a secondary source for a college paper, and then finally purchased it just because I had wanted re read it last year. The chapters regarding the red tape train wreck between Pickett, Beauregard, Cooper, and Bragg is mind boggling. The chapters describing Chase Whiting's "Issues" at Port Walthall Junction was an eye opener too. I know a little about the campaign, but this book helped place everything together. I know it is dated to a degree, but the information is solid, and the maps are great (map snob here).

Tyler is correct. This is a must read for the Bermuda Hundred event. You can find it on Amazon for a decent price. I actually netted a used first edition for under $10.

[Stewart-Gray]

Re: Back Door to Richmond

Thanks Tyler and Herb.

Kim, I see that this is your first post since you have joined over two years ago. Although I am happy to see that you have decided to start joining in on a discussion, I must also let you know that you forgot Rule #1, which is to sign your full name (first and last) to every post. To keep this from happening again you can go into your settings and create an automatic signature. Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to your continued participation.

- Tyler Underwood