The Savage Conflict: The Decisive Role of Guerrillas in the American Civil War
“This revolution is not the work of leaders or politicians. It is the spontaneous uprising and upheaving of the people. It is an irresistible as the mighty ocean.” With this quote Daniel E. Sutherland begins his journey through the most damaging aspect of the American Civil War. There are many volumes about guerrilla activity, although most are of event specific variety. This is an all-encompassing study. Using the chronological approach, the author gives us a precise explanation of the cause and effect this underground war had on the population of both nations. We are given well-documented accounts of actions taken by both sides. Included are the differences between militia units, home guards and partisan bands representing both Confederates and southern Unionists. Also presented is the dilemma that confronted both governments on the sanctioning and condemning of guerrilla activity. Sutherland does an excellent job in presenting both sides of this uniquely American style of warfare. I was, however, a bit disappointed in the sparse use of maps and participants’ photos. I find it much more helpful to follow along the routes of action and to put a face to the many unfamiliar participants. The crux of Sutherland’s presentation is that the guerrillas helped expose a weakness in the Confederate government. Although this warfare took valuable resources from the Union war effort, it forced the Confederacy to fragment its bid for national independence. It also eroded the morale of the Southern people to the point they felt that the government was incapable of protecting them. The author also states that this type of warfare caused Union leadership to change their philosophy and turn to a more severe course of action — a “total war” approach. I found this an exciting read. It is both informative and entertaining. To the author’s credit there is much to learn. You may not agree with his premise, but you will not be disappointed in the presentation. Sutherland has stripped away the veil of Hollywood’s myth of a chivalrous gentleman’s war, and presented us with a much clearer understanding of a “people’s war.” It is on these pages that we are made aware of this truly “savage conflict,” the effects of which still resonate today. Joseph A. Truglio
Joseph A. Truglio is president and business agent for a motion picture film technician’s local union and a lifelong student of the Civil War. His memberships include the Lincoln Group of New York and New Jersey Civil War Heritage Assn. He is president of the Phil Kearny Civil War Round Table in Wayne, N.J.
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Illustrated, bibliography, index, 435 pp., 2009. University of North Carolina Press, 116 S. Boundary St., Chapel Hill, NC 27514-3808, $35 plus shipping.