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Book Reviews These are some reviews from a recent issue of
The Civil War News:
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All Afire to Fight: The Untold Tale of the Civil War’s Ninth Texas Cavalry
by Martha L. Crabb.
Illustrated, index, 423 pp., 2000. Martha Crabb, 414 Floyd Ave., Dumas TX 79029, $30 plus shipping.
The exploits of some Texas troops (like those in Hood’s Brigade) are well known to Civil War buffs, but Martha Crabb’s tribute to the horsemen of the Ninth Texas Cavalry convincingly argues that we should note the fighting prowess of that regiment as well. The Ninth Texas saw action on both sides of the Mississippi River. Organized in October 1861, the unit first fought pro-Union Native Americans in the Indian Territory (Oklahoma), then participated in the battle of Pea Ridge (March 7-8, 1862). Transferred east of the river, the Ninth joined in the failed assault on Corinth, Miss., in October but helped destroy Grant’s supply base at Holly Spring two months later. Thanks to the fact that they served under Joseph Johnston’s command, the Texans avoided the siege and surrender at Vicksburg. In December 1863, the Ninth Texas became part of the legendary brigade led by Lawrence Sullivan (“Sul”) Ross. Ross and his hard-fighting troopers served with distinction through the Atlanta Campaign and, under the leadership of Nathan Bedford Forrest, followed Hood to Franklin and Nashville. Despite some minor factual errors, Crabb has produced a lively and well-written regimental history. By using memoirs, compiled military service records, census data, and a host of other sources, Crabb has carefully reconstructed the fascinating military lives of these valiant Texans, whether in battle, on the march, or in camp. Her work joins an ever-increasing number of good modern Confederate regimental histories. If you have an interest in Confederate cavalrymen or Texas troops, you will not be disappointed in this story of a group of “rambunctious, independent young men,” who, despite great hardships, were always eager to carry the fight to their Yankee opponents.
Jeff Patrick
Jeff Patrick is an interpretive specialist with the National Park Service at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield in Republic, Mo. He holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in American history from Purdue University.
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