Chancellorsville

Chancellorsville is the fourth book in a series of historical novels spanning the Civil War that features the Brannon family. Previous books in this series have been described as detailed works of historical fiction written by a gifted author. Chancellorsville opens with Cory Brannon, the son who had gone west to seek his fortune. He discovers that he may be able to help provide the South with food, weapons, and ammunition brought into the country through Texas by blockade-runners but the path is strewn with unsavoury characters. Cory’s brothers return to their units - Will to the Shenandoah with Stonewall Jackson and Mac with Jeb Stuart near Richmond - and shortly afterward Titus signs up as a sharpshooter. In December 1862 a new Union commander brings the Union army to the Rappahannock River and Fredricksburg. After the terrible bloodletting of the Federal defeat, Will and Mac learn that Titus has been lost, and they carry the news back to Culpeper. In early 1863 a fitful calm pervades the Virginia front until yet another Union commander is named. Joe Hooker leads his army into the wooded wilderness of the Rappahannock again and confidently stakes his fortunes to an encounter with Robert E. Lee near the roadside inn at Chancellorsville. As the battle rushes toward them, Will and Mac witness the boldest move a field commander can make and the greatest loss the Confederacy can struggle to bear.