ebooks Triumph and Defeat: The Vicksburg Campaign by Terrence J. Winschel in History

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Triumphant!By James D. MillerAre you a Civil War enthusiast who would like to learn about the Vicksburg Campaign; but lack the time to read Edwin C. Bearss' excellent three volume study? Do you find yourself conversing with people about the Siege of Vicksburg and its surrender and suddenly find you have nothing to say? Or all you a wallflower Civil War Roundtable meetings only listening to what other's have to say about Grant; Pemberton and Grierson? Then "Triumph and Defeat: The Vicksburg Campaign" is just the book for you.Written by Terrence J. Winschel; Chief Historian of Vicksburg National Military Park and the author and editor of several books and dozens of articles on the Civil War; "Triumph and Defeat: The Vicksburg Campaign" offers between its covers not one; not two; but ten; yes; that's right ten essays covering every major aspect of the Vicksburg Campaign; the Siege of Vicksburg and its surrender to Union forces led by Ulysses S. Grant.Each essay stands alone on its own right and therefore the book lends itself well to those readers who don't have time to spend on a detail oriented; or multivolume history of the campaign. That said however; some of the introductory material in each essay does become a bit repetitive; especially if you are reading large chunks of this book in one sitting.It is not; and was not meant to be; a book on the full Vicksburg Campaign. Though mentioned; Chickasaw Bayou; Raymond and Jackson are not discussed in detail. Winschel focuses on Grant's southward movement along the west bank of the Mississippi River; Grierson's Raid; the Battles of Port Gibson and Champion Hill; and of course the siege of Vicksburg.Among the many informative essays in this book are:* "Unvexed to the Sea;" in which Mr. Winschel explains Grant's options for capturing the fortress city on the bluffs of the Mississippi River; and why his previous attempts failed.* "Playing Smash with the Railroads" is an essay dealing with Union Colonel Benjamin Grierson's raid from La Grange; Mississippi to Baton Rouge; Louisiana; after which Grierson was appointed Brigadier General. If your only knowledge of Grierson's Raid comes from watching "The Horse Soldiers;" directed by John Ford and staring John Wayne William Holden; then this essay is for you.* "Spades are Trump" is a look at the siege operations around Vicksburg which foreshadows the fate to befall the Confederate Army at Petersburg; Virginia a year later.And also...* "Shut Up as in a Trap;" a view of life inside the besieged city.Well researched and simply written; Mr. Winschel's slim volume on the Vicksburg Campaign with illustrations; photographs and maps throughout is easy to read and understand. This book is equally useful to the Civil War expert and novice alike. Get yours today!13 of 13 people found the following review helpful. And now there are two.By Frank CrawfordTriumph Defeat And now there are two. It has been well established that the historian of the all important Vicksburg Campaign in the Civil War was none other than Ed Bearss. His fame and knowledge is uncontested; or was; until now. Terrence Winschel may; proudly; take his well deserved and hard earned place beside the legend. With Bearss and Winchel as impetus; it would well serve the Civil War community to have a quarterly publication concerning Vicksburg that would rival if not surpass its counterpart of the battle that took place at that small village in Pennsylvania. Terrence Winchel; Chief Historian at the Vicksburg National Military Park has put together ten great essays regarding ten different aspects of the Vicksburg Campaign. Some of the strength of the ten essays lies with a fresh and different handling of some of the same events of that campaign. Each essay retains the accuracy of the information with a freshness of the writing. Triumph Defeat; published by Savas Publishing Company; begins with a concise explanation of U. S. Grant's options in taking the river town and explains fully why each of these efforts failed. He shows us Pemberton's abilities or lack of abilities and also presents often overlooked critical problems that Pemberton suffered in his defenses of the Gibraltar of the Mississippi. Winchel points out the place of birth of General Sherman's well know ability to destroy the land in his marches. Not on the Meridian Campaign but on the Louisiana side of the Mississippi River; west of Vicksburg; from Lake Providence to Hard Times first saw Sherman's destructive abilities. Essay #3; concerning the celebrated Grierson Raid; does a splendid service in the brief but accurate explanation of what the raid meant to both Grant and Pemberton. It was here that this reviewer found that "one error" that perhaps places a hint of shadow over the entire presentation. Lt. Colonel Reuben Loomis; 6th Illinois Cavalry; was not "killed in action later that year" but was indeed murdered by a fellow officer of the 6th Cavalry; Major Thomas G. S. Herod who was sentenced to 10 years in prison but was released in 1866 by President Andrew Johnson.Winchel does; however; give credit to Major General Charles Hamilton who made the first suggestion to Major General Stephan Hurlbut regarding the celebrated raid. Neither is known for other major contributions to the war effort. The expansion of the initial idea was; however; instigated by Generals Grant and Sooy Smith and thus the raid was a total success and a great hindrance to Pemberton at Vicksburg. Following with essays on Port Gibson; Champion Hill and the Assaults on the Vicksburg works; the author continued to demonstrate his vast knowledge on the subject. Port Gibson; a small relative "unimportant" battle in the big picture was indeed hard fought and brutal to the utmost. The Champion Hill essay explained some of Pemberton's problems; such as defending the area with poor staff; mediocre subordinates; and late messages from staff; supply train mishaps and other mishaps. It well may have been an impossible assignment. Of course Joe Johnston should receive his fair share of the blame; if there is blame to be shared. The remaining essays; all of different aspects of the complicated campaign all contribute well to an overall understanding of the event. In the "Spades are Trump" essay may be the key to explaining Grant's actions and philosophy which seemed to be a large factor in his failure to support the tunneling endeavor later in the war near Petersburg; Virginia. Some may read this as Grant learned from his previous mistake while others may see it as he was a slow learner. Whichever; the Vicksburg action did indeed influence grant when he was placed in command in the east. Rescuing Vicksburg; by the Trans-Mississippi troops; is yet another fine example of the many untold stories of the Vicksburg Campaign. Other such stories; effort of new research; are undoubtedly present and "Western Theater historians" almost have an obligation to reveal them. Anyone interested in the Vicksburg Campaign or anyone wishing to know more detailed information concerning the Vicksburg Campaign must make "Triumph Defeat" a part of their Civil War library.Submitted by Frank Crawford6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. TriumphBy James W. DurneyThis very impressive slim book proves the old adage that good things can come in small packages. This is not Ed Bearss three volume 1;800+ page detailed history of the Vicksburg Campaign and no one should mistake it for a substitute to that work. It is not a one-volume history of the campaign either; being to small for that. My first statement was this is an impressive book but then I told you what it is not. You might now ask what is this book and why should I part with my money to own it?You are buying ten articles on the Vicksburg Campaign; an introduction; Epilogue; endnotes and index contained in 220 pages. Interspersed are maps and photographs of the participants. Even with the reasonable price; this will not sound impressive to many people. The physical characteristic of the book hide some very interesting and sometimes startling articles dealing with a person or aspect of the Vicksburg Campaign. Together; they form a very coherent picture of the campaign that is both captivating and informative.Highly recommended is "Playing Smash with the Railroads"; "Spades are Trump" and "First Honor at Vicksburg". The first covers the Grierson Raid from La Grange to Baton Rouge. This is the story of fast movement and misdirection as Grierson moving south cuts the railroads and upsets Pemberton. An excellent map complements the article; making it easy to follow the path of the raiders and their pursuers. "Spades are Trump" provides a look at siege operations and the progress Grant's army was making toward reduction of the defensive works. Scheduled was a major assault for July 6. The closeness of siege lines to the defensive works; the several mines in place; forced Vicksburg to surrendered rather than be stormed. The story of the 1st Battalion; 13th U.S. Infantry both explains the desperate initial attacks; the decision for a siege and ties the Civil War to the present day. This unit attacked the Stockade Redan on May 19 and today wears "First at Vicksburg" with pride.The city and the citizens have full coverage with a quick history of the city and life was like under siege. Both are well done and convey the carnage and disruption of war. Unlike many books; the surrender and events leading up to it are covered. Grant finds himself forced to give more "generous terms" by the realities of transport capacity and not wanting to deal with thousands of half starved POWs.This is a strong book that does not require the second volume; however; the two volumes provide a more complete history of the campaign and siege. Each book complements the other providing a better picture of the campaign and siege.