David E. Roth

Somewhat disappointing. I paid retail for this issue at Petersburg National Park and should have looked more closely, because this is not strictlly about the Petersburg campaign, but only about the side actions of the Beefsteak Raid, Confederates steeling Union cattle, and the Apple Jack Raid, Union troops tearing up the Weldon Railroad and getting drunk on the local moonshine. The worst part is the maps are not that good, and do not allow you to follow the action, the best part of other show more Blue & Gray issues. The writing was, at least, detailed. Several book reviews, contemporary news items, the CW letter, abd the driving tour make up the rest of the isssue. show less

Another excellent example of the best Civil War magazine ever produced, but no longer being printed. The Attack on Fort Stedman, Lee's last offensive, is covered thoroughly with 9 detailed maps, a detailed order of battle, and a long article. A first-rate driving tour is included for those luckiy enough to visit the Virginian battle site. Some balanced book reviews and an original letter which covers the failed assault on Fort Wagner complete the issue.

Petersburg Campaign issue, this features anoher Weldon Railroad (Blobe Tavern) battle and The Reams' Station battle. These battles were fought for control of the Weldon Railroad, the shortest north/south for the Confederates to supply Richmond. the end result, the North controlled the supple line and one step closer on the way to surrounding Petersburg/Richmond. The maps, except the the overall campaign map, whose key seems to be missing, are up to the usual excellent standards so that the show more action can be followed easily from narrative to map. Several reviews and a 2 page treatment of a number of prominent Confederates at the Trinity Church 'new' Cemetery in Swedesboro, NJ. The discussion on Hancock's performance at Reams' Station is handled thoroughly and even-handledly. show less