The Wilderness Campaign

In the spring of 1864, the dense Virginia woods known as the Wilderness became the battleground where Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee faced each other for the first time. The Wilderness Campaign, occurring on May 5-6, marked the beginning of a significant clash between these Civil War leaders, culminating in Lee’s surrender at Appomattox after nearly a year.The collected essays delve into various aspects surrounding the intense battles within the Wilderness. Employing a fresh perspective, the contributors analyze topics such as the expectations civilians held for the campaign, the morale of both armies, and the leadership qualities of key figures such as Lee, Grant, Philip H. Sheridan, Richard S. Ewell, A. P. Hill, James Longstreet, and Lewis A. Grant. Collectively, these works aim to refine and expand upon previous studies of the conflict, shedding light on how military tactics and civilian life intertwined in the Wilderness.The essayists themselves bring a diverse range of insights: Peter S. Carmichael examines the efforts of Richard S. Ewell and A. P. Hill, while Gary W. Gallagher focuses on the Army of Northern Virginia’s hopes during spring 1864. John J. Hennessy discusses the Army of the Potomac’s preparations for the Overland Campaign, and both Robert E. L. Krick and Robert K. Krick provide detailed analyses of Longstreet’s maneuvers and Lee’s strategic positioning. Carol Reardon highlights Lewis A. Grant's role, while Gordon C. Rhea explores how the campaign educated Union cavalry leaders Sheridan and James H. Wilson. Finally, Brooks D. Simpson places Ulysses S. Grant's strategies in the context of Northern public opinion and media coverage as the Wilderness Campaign commenced.