For those of you that would like to read up a little on what happened here prior to the event, there are some sources out there that you should be able to tap into.
Island No. 10 and the New Madrid siege were sandwiched in between Ft. Donelson and Shiloh so they tend to get overshadowed if not downright ignored by many writers.
Of course the OR's will have plenty of good stuff on this area but you can also try the following:
Vol. 1 of Battles and Leaders
Much of this deals with the naval aspect of Island No. 10 but the Orders of Battle are there also.
The Civil War Reminiscences of General M. Jeff Thompson, by himself of course.
Thompson was a very colorful fellow and commanded MO State Guard troops throughout the war. Sometimes called 'the Swampfox of the Confederacy', his writings can be somewhat embellished but it is still good info to read.
Army Life of an Illinois Soldier by Charles Wills
Wills was in the 7th Illinois Cavalry at New Madrid. His diary entries are an excellent record of the everyday activity that was happening here. I highly recommend it.
Island No. 10, Struggle for the Mississippi Valley by Larry Daniel and Lynn Bock
This is the only book I know of that is devoted to what happened here. If you only read one thing, this should be it. It is easy to read and is only about 160 pages. Amazon and other vendors should carry it and you should be able to find it through interlibrary loan.
Island No. 10 and the New Madrid siege were sandwiched in between Ft. Donelson and Shiloh so they tend to get overshadowed if not downright ignored by many writers.
Of course the OR's will have plenty of good stuff on this area but you can also try the following:
Vol. 1 of Battles and Leaders
Much of this deals with the naval aspect of Island No. 10 but the Orders of Battle are there also.
The Civil War Reminiscences of General M. Jeff Thompson, by himself of course.
Thompson was a very colorful fellow and commanded MO State Guard troops throughout the war. Sometimes called 'the Swampfox of the Confederacy', his writings can be somewhat embellished but it is still good info to read.
Army Life of an Illinois Soldier by Charles Wills
Wills was in the 7th Illinois Cavalry at New Madrid. His diary entries are an excellent record of the everyday activity that was happening here. I highly recommend it.
Island No. 10, Struggle for the Mississippi Valley by Larry Daniel and Lynn Bock
This is the only book I know of that is devoted to what happened here. If you only read one thing, this should be it. It is easy to read and is only about 160 pages. Amazon and other vendors should carry it and you should be able to find it through interlibrary loan.
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