WE ARE IN FOR IT - THE FIRST BATTLE OF KERNSTOWN

by Gary L. Ecelbarger

A narrative account of the first in a series of clashes that compromised Jackson's Shenandoah Valley Campaign, drawing on first-hand accounts from Kernstown soldiers. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Genres: Civil War, American Civil War, Military History, American History, Civil War Eastern Theater, Nonfiction, History

Hardcover

First published July 1, 1997

About the author

He has published more than a dozen articles and reviews for Civil War and historical periodicals and has conducted group tours and Marine Corps staff rides of the 1862 Shenandoah Valley Campaign. He is a former president of the Bull Run Civil War Round Table and a charter member of the Kernstown Battlefield Association.

Reviews

[Zella Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dense but great read about the Battle of Kernstown, a Civil War battle that is more obscure than it needs to be. Kernstown is probably best known as being the site of one of Stonewall Jackson's defeats (though it is often still regarded as a strategic victory) and for being the inciting incident between his infamous court-martial proceedings against Richard Garnett, one of his subordinates.

Ecelbarger did extensive research regarding primary sources on the battle and presents a balanced look at the battle and the personalities involved in it. There's some really great quotations and information I haven't found anywhere else, probably because so much of Ecelbarger's research was rooted in letters, diaries, and newspaper accounts from the day. He also includes numerous maps, which were a godsend when it came to trying to figure out the often confusing troop movements.

I also really liked how much attention he paid to Union forces. Most of the other material on the battle that I have read seems to forget that the battle had other soldiers on the field. It also presents the most comprehensive information I have been able to find on Garnett's court-martial, a Civil War incident that has piqued my curiosity lately.

I would definitely read more of Ecelbarger's history books.

[Jimmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book on a small battle (I've read books on similar sized battles that devoted far more to the campaign than the battle itself). While I'm not sure if it was really necessary to devote so much space to the Romney expedition, Gary Eccelburger did a fine job covering the battle itself.

As an aside, I think the battle might be interesting in the "feud" between Jackson and Longstreet partisans, considering the mistakes Stonewall made: he failed to keep subordinates informed of his plans, which would have caused problems if anything happened to him; he moved units around the battlefield without informing his brigade commanders; he failed to keep tabs on his left flank; then he tried to blame Richard Garnett for the defeat, even though Jackson never visited the left flank.

[David L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on a fascinating battle that has been overshadowed by larger and bloodier battles of the war, and unfortunately... as a result... less remembered. However, it was a very bloody battle for some of the units involved.

[W Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well balanced narrative of the First Battle of Kernstown. It is well researched and fast paced. It is definitely the best book on this battle. Gary Ecelbarger is to be commended.

[William Olenick · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the only full length telling of this battle this book is a great read. Kernstown is mentioned in many campaign books and any telling of Gen. Jackson in the Valley, but not to this degree.
This telling starts as Jackson takes command in the Valley and pushes the new troops hard during the winter months and earning no points of respect for it. Next comes the movements that lead to the battle and Jackson's misunderstanding of the Union situation in Winchester. The main portion of the book lays out the decisions of the commanders on both side as the battle unfolds.
The aftermath of the battle is covered with posturing by the Union commander, which in a way causes more problems for the Federal strategically. Jackson's Valley campaign is highlighted during the backdrop of Brig Gen Garrett's arrest. He seeks to win back his reputation in a court martial but the war is eventually more important.
This is a hard book to find but is well worth the search. Recommended to any fan of Jackson, the early years of the war, or the Valley Campaign.

[Avis Black · Rating 2 out of 5]

The main problem with this book is that it suffers from weak writing. The author is too scattershot in his approach, and he doesn't know how to draw it altogether into a seamless narrative.