Miles,
That was a good review. It is indeed an excellent book. I got a copy from Fred when he spoke at an SCV camp meeting in my area. These "shock troops" developed some very unique tactics during the war. One of particular interest was a move called "seine hauling". This was particularly effctive in the trenches in Petersburg. Major Thomes Wooten of the 18th North Carolina made the tactic famous. He would march all or a part of his command in two ranks in a flanking movement. When the terrain was favorable or a weak point in the Federal line presented itself They would charge at 90 degrees in a column of twos into the pickett line. Once the last man was inside the enemy pickett line the two columns would break right and left and wheel like two gates closing on a center post. This put his troops behind the enemy picketts where the would charge them from the rear and take them prisoner. Often without firing a shot. Wooten is credited with never losing a man killed, wounded, or missing during this move. Another interesting note about those two young men from Lynchburg. "Rodes" became General Robert E. Rodes who led Jackson's flank march at Chancellorsville. It was Rodes that Jackson was speaking to when he said "it appears that The Institute will be heard from today". I'm from Lynchburg and those Alabama boys think Rodes is one of theirs. He's resting quite peacefully back in Lynchburg now.

Keith