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Gary Laine and Morris Penny have written an outstanding book about Law's Alabama Brigade. This hard fought brigade fought in some very bloody battles from First Manassas (Bull Run), Sharpsburg (Antietam), Gettysburg, Chickamauga to General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Courthouse. Organized in Alabama in 1861, this brigade made up of men from Montgomery to Mobile and every small town, farm, and corner of Alabama. Led by the brilliant yet controversial leader Evander Law, this brigade endured disease, severe weather, struggles within the brigades leadership. Yet they always answered the call of their superiors in bravery and determination. This brigade was always under the "baptism of fire" in violent and bloody battles. Every Civil War buff, historian, or enthusiast knows about Law's Brigade at Gettysburg. Especially the brave 15th Alabama Regiment (part of Law's Brigade" that fought valliently at Gettysburg on Little Round Top on July 2, 1863. This regiment fought hand to hand against General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlains 20th Maine and nearly turned the tide of the battle of Gettysburg. Controversy surrounds General Evander Law at Gettysburg and other battles due to accusations of not being at the right place at the right time, as well as his well known anomosity with General James Longstreet. It is ashame that these two excellent leaders had quarrels with each other at all since they were a vital part of the Army of Northern Virginia. After Gettysburg, Law's Brigade was transferred to the Western Theatre of the Civil War. Again, Law's Brigade was involved in bloody and violent battles such as Chickamauga, The Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, and the sieges of Richmond and Petersberg, which ultimately led the brigade back to Virginia and General Lee's surrender. The author's not only tell about the battles that Law's Brigade played a role in, they describe the "ordinary" soldiers and officers that were in the brigade. Camp life, everyday duty, and friendships and leaderships struggles are also told in a clearly written manner that make this book an interesting and important read to anyone who is interested in learning more about a Confederate Brigade. I highly recommend this book to any serious Civil War enthusiast who wants to know more about a valiant brigade who fought in many major battles of the Civil War. Even General Lee commented about the bravery of Law's Brigade, and that is high praise indeed. Highly Recommended! |
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Thoroughly researched and clearly presented, Law's Alabama Brigade is a valuable addition to the historical body of ACW unit histories. This is clearly a study that is first rate in its historical method. This work distinguishes itself with its attention to detail in describing the evolution of unit politics (which persisted throughout - and even after - the war) and the personal histories of men who served in this brigade. The descriptions of the battles engaged by these five regiments prior to their consolidation as an all-Alabama brigade under Evander Law is disappointing (especially Gaines Mill, Second Manassas and Antietam). However, the passage concerning the approach and assault on Devil's Den and Little Round Top on the second day at Gettysburg is superb. The treatment of the brigade's battles at Chickamauga and in the Wilderness is also excellent. Of great interest is the relation of events surrounding the political and personal feud between Evander Law and James Longstreet (both South Carolinians but evidently not compatriots) which was never resolved. Insight into Longstreet's political nature (foreshadowing his conduct after the war) and Lee's allegiance to Longstreet (despite his personal misgivings) is offered in convincing fashion. Penny and Laine do not possess the literary skills to make their work into a compelling story for the average reader, but for students of the ACW, this is a first rate work and a fascinating read. |
