It is with great regret that I must announce the passing of Allan Richard, Jr. co-author (with his wife, Mary M. H.) of "The Defense of Vicksburg: A Louisiana Chronicle".

I called his house tonight to discuss a upcoming project I wanted to ask him to take part in and his daughter-in-law informed me that he was killed in a crash with an 18-wheeler this morning around 11:00am. Funeral details are sketchy at this time but she said it would probably be held on Monday. Please read the Shreveport Times for updates on this.

This is a major blow to the Louisiana Civil War historian community. I met Allan at a symposium in Alexandria not long after he published his Vicksburg book and enjoyed my time with him and was glad to be able answer some of his questions. He had a copy of his book in his trunk and graciously signed it for me on the spot. If you don't have a copy of his book, get one, it is great reading and research.

May God bless him and comfort his family and friends in this trying time.