Dan Masters' Civil War Chronicles

T oday, we’re sitting down with Dave Powell, noted Civil War historian and author of the soon to be released The Atlanta Campaign Volume I: Dalton to Cassville, May 1-19, 1864, via Savas Beatie, the first in a five-part series covering this seminal campaign of the Civil War.       This new book, scheduled for release on July 6, 2024, is available for pre-order directly from Savas Beatie or through Amazon at the links below: Savas Beatie direct: The Atlanta Campaign Volume 1: Dalton to Cassville   (Preferred) Amazon: The Atlanta Campaign Volume 1: Dalton to Cassville (if you must support the Empire, please be sure to leave a review)  Dave Powell's latest work The Atlanta Campaign Volume 1: Dalton to Cassville tips the scales at 624 pages and offers the most in-depth study to date of this crucial western theater campaign. "While Grant and Lee grappled like wrestlers, Sherman and Johnston parried and feinted like fencers," says Powell. "Johnston eschewed the offensiv

G eneral Paul Semmes’ brigade was among the last to charge the Federal position at Malvern Hill on the night of July 1, 1862. One officer of the 10 th Georgia observed how as Semmes line swept forward, their ranks were increased by men from other brigades that had previously tried to charge the same position. “Scattered portions of other brigades which had been previously repulsed before the same guns in the same field saw our unbroken ranks and volunteered to join the fresh charge and asked a place in line,” he remarked. “We were joined by North Carolinians, Mississippians, and a company of Georgia Regulars commanded by young Benning. As these brave men swelled the charging column, their leaders inquired “what general is in command” and I forgot for once I was walking the path of death as I shouted the name of General Paul J. Semmes. I pointed to him as Semmes literally led his men, calling them to follow.” General Paul Semmes’ brigade, part of General Lafayette McLaws’ division