Sheridan in the Shenandoah: Jubal Early's Nemesis

xvii, 413 pp. Includes 53 illustrations and 17 maps. "In the summer of 1864 Gen. Lee sent Early with the 2d Confederate Corps into the Shenandoah Valley to relieve a Federal threat against the line of communications and supplies; with an additional mission of advancing on Washington in order to cause Grant to divert troops from the siege of Petersburg. Early was hugely successful. He cleared the Valley of enemy forces, and came within sight of the Capital dome at Washington, badly frightening the Administration. The effect on the Federal high command was all that could have been desired. But it was unfortunate for the Confederates in the long run, because Grant selected Sheridan to neutralize Early. Sheridan took his time in getting ready, but when he struck it was with overwhelming force. He defeated Early in a series of battles, virtually destroying his command, and relieving Washington of any future threats and depriving the Confederates of one of their most important sources of supply. More important, it boosted Federal morale, badly in need of a clear victory, and together with the capture of Atlanta by Sherman,assured the reelection of Lincoln and the continued prosecution of the war."