Greetings!

Thanks, Ash, for your nice words about "Shades of Gray."

Bryce has a question about the 7th's movements once in Virginia--Col. Joseph Longworth McAllister's regiment went from Clarkesville, VA to Christiansville to Keysville to Burkesville (May 30, 1864), and then to Amelia Courthouse on May 31, 1864. On June 3, 1864, the regiment was camped at Richmond. There are just a few letters written in June, but they tell with great excitement about the doings of Lee and Hampton. On June 11, he was killed at Trevillian's Station.

Eric Wittenberg's book, "Glory Enough for All," gives an excellent description of the battle at Trevillian's Station. In fact, he cooperated with the National Park Service to create a driving tour of the area. The battle was significant because it was the only "all cavalry" battle of the Civil War--although both sides were unmounted during the fight. I had no idea that Custer was there. I had no idea that FitzHugh Lee needed so much prodding to get into the fight. I had an idea that the Georgians fought very bravely and extremely hard. The southern victory at Trevillian's postponed the north's winning the war for about 6 months--whether that delay was ultimately good or not belongs to the opinion of the reader.

These days, the battlefield is threatened by development, but the Trevillian's Station Battlefield Preservation Society (they have a website) has worked very hard (and is still working hard!!) to buy more acreage to preserve the site. Trevillian's used to be way out in the boondocks--but these days, it is about a 30 minute drive off the interstate running between Richmond and Charlottesville. It's interesting to drive around (with Eric's book under your nose) and see this important place.