Clingman's Brigade in the Confederacy, 1862-1865

by Frances H. Casstevens

From the publisher:
On November 11, 1862, Brigadier General Thomas Lanier Clingman, despite a lack of formal military training, was named commander of four regiments sent to the eastern counties of North Carolina to prevent Federal troops from making further inroads into the state. Clingman has been called one of North Carolina's most colorful and controversial statesmen. Like Clingman, the brigade, composed of the 8th, 31st, 51st, and 61st regiments of North Carolina Infantry, has been both praised and condemned for its performance in battle. This work determines the effect Clingman's Brigade had on various battles and in various defensive positions. It also corrects falsehoods by providing a more accurate portrayal of Clingman, the brigade, and the problems it faced.

"Nicely done...the book should be of interest to anyone interested in Clingman and his troops or North Carolina and the war" --The Civil War Courier

"One of North Carolina's more enigmatic but ignored commanders...dispels myths and provides a more thorough account of the leader and his unit than ever before" --Civil War Book Review

Retired from Wake Forest University, Frances H. Casstevens has written frequently about the American Civil War and North Carolina history. She lives in Yadkinville, North Carolina. --Our State