The late Colonel Harold B. Simpson (USAF) in 1963 wrote a masterful and fascinating book on the men from Waco, Texas and surrounding McLennan County who fought in John Bell Hoods Texas Brigade CSA. Colonel Simpson begins the book with the early history of the founding of Waco and the settlers who lived in Waco and the surrounding McLennan County. These settlers had to be tough because of the primitive living back in the 1840s thru 1860s with hostile Indians, violent outlaws, and at times harsh living from the heat, insects, and sparce rain. Thus produced men who were experts with their rifles, pistols, and some who knew how to fight with knives. Colonel Simpson gives the history of how Waco became a prosperous town with southern sympathies. When the southern states seceded from the Union in early 1861, Texas seceded from the Union as well, and the men from Waco and McLennan county over 100 cast their lost with the Confederacy and joined the Confederate Army. These and other soldiers from Texas formed what would be the 4th and 5th Texas Infantry, CSA. Leading them was Colonel (later General) John Bell Hood, who before the war was a Union Officer from Kentucky, who before the war settled in Texas. Colonel Simpson gives fascinating tales of everyday camp life, picket duty, and some humorous tales the soldiers found themselves in while being stationed on the Potomac River across from the Union Army. Soon the 4th and 5th Texas would be engaging in battle. Hoods Texas Brigade fought in the Battle of Gaines Mill, and the Confederate victory at the Battle of Fredericksburg. The 4th and 5th Texas during the Battle of Gettysburg lost many men on July 2, 1863 while charging Devils Den and Little Round Top, where the 20th Maine and 16th Michigan under Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain successfully defended the Union Armys right flank. Other battles of 1863 and 1864 would have a heavy toll on Hoods Texas Brigade. In April of 1865 the 4th and 5th Texas would be sent home when General Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Court House. Colonel Simpsons fine book is a valued history of not only Hoods Texas Brigade but also of the Army of Northern Virginia. His masterful writing keeps you interested in every page as you learn of the tremendous courage of the men of Texas and the harsh conditions of the battles and everyday life as a Confederate Soldier. This is an OUTSTANDING book that is a valuable historical record of Hoods Texas Brigade and Army of Northern Virginia. I cant recommend this book highly enough to any Civil War historian, reenactor, or enthusiast and should be a part of any Civil War library. Also recommended for anyone interested in the history of Waco, Texas and McLennan County, Texas. A truly OUTSTANDING Book!
Posted on: Tue, 08 Jul 2014 14:03:46 +0000
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