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21.13.05 Walker, Gary C., Hunter’s Fiery Raid through Virginia Valleys, published in recent times

Notes Concerning the Author

Gary C. Walker, a Wytheville native, dedicated over seven years to researching and writing books concerning the Valley and Southwest Virginia.  He is a member of the Society of Independent Southern Historians and other organizations.

Author’s Review

The glories of Stonewall Jackson and his brilliant defense of the Shenandoah Valley were only memories in 1864.  Ulysses Grant saw the opportunity to strike a deathblow against the Confederacy.  With Lee’s army pinned against Richmond, the South’s critical supply line could be cut at Lynchburg.

Grant consolidated the forces in the Shenandoah and in West Virginia and placed them under the fanatical, abolitionist general, David Hunter.  Bloody battles raged at Winchester, Covington, Clifton Forge, Staunton, Waynesboro, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Buchanan, Bedford, Lynchburg, Salem, and New Castle.  Hatred clouded “Black Dave’s” military judgment; he often rejected the advice of his generals: Crook, Averell, Sullivan, and Duffie.  A self-appointed avenger, Hunter reaped punishment on slave-holding Virginia.  Towns were burned; looting and wanton destruction was commonplace.  Washington (& Lee) College was ransacked and V. M. I. was burned.  Innocent citizens were arrested, their property stolen, and their ancestral homes were torched.  A desperate Lee sent brave men under generals like: John Breckinridge, “Grumble” Jones, “Old Jube” Early, McCausland, Rodes, Vaughn, Imboden, and Gordon- to stop Hunter’s hordes.

The only detailed account of Hunter’s campaign for the heart and blood of the Confederacy is now available!  It took three years to produce the 450 pages filled with glory, pain, heroics, and death.  Using over 120 different sources, 14 maps, and 135 pictures, the untold story now comes to life!

Availability of this book

We suggest you contact the author at walkerbooks@cox.net .

GCW