In a message dated 4/27/07 12:05:19 PM, [log in to unmask] writes:


> At the risk of setting off another round of battleflagia . . . has 
> the forum discussed this book at all?
> 
> I noted it on sale at Virginia Forum 2007
> 
> Dan
> 

Dear Dan:

I have used this book as a reference many times when doing talks on blacks in 
Va during the war at various living histories I participate in.   Of all the 
different books related to the subject, I feel this is the best balanced and 
researched book out there.   He has an extensive bibliography and footnotes 
which seems to be hit or miss with some folks out there publishing books about 
the Civil War.   That is a real sore point with me.   Leaving out footnotes and 
having a cursory bibliography raises a red flag IMHO.    Also, he talks about 
the entire population both military and civilian and whether they were pro 
union or pro confederate.   So the book is not entirely about those sympathetic 
to the confederate cause.    I have a special interest in the book as my quest 
to find Maria Lewis the black female trooper who rode with the 8th NY cavalry 
for 18 months is documented there.   Dr. Jordan has been quite open and 
helpful in my search for her.

Anita L. Henderson


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