Demobilization in Virginia post-Appomattox

I’ve been asked by James I. Robertson and William Davis of Virginia Tech to contribute a chapter to one of their forthcoming books in their series on Virginia’s Civil War.  Most of you have no doubt seen one of the first two volumes which cover 1861 and 1862; the next volume is scheduled for publication next summer.  The series is published by the University Press of Kentucky.  My subject is demobilization in Virginia post-Appomattox and is slated to appear in the final volume.  Not much has been written on the subject, although I do have a copy of Homeward Bound: The Demobilization of the Union and Confederate Armies, 1865-1866 (Stackpole Books, 2001).  I’ve looked through this book before, but it is very weak in places.  Interesting enough it turns out that Ida Tarbell wrote something on this subject.  The editors are looking for a 5,000 word essay that covers the scope of demobilization in Virginia.  While I assume that my main focus will be on Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia other areas of the state will no doubt need to be explored.  The very scope of the subject needs to be analyzed.

So here is where you come in.  Admittedly my familiarity with this subject is limited.  I plan to attack the various repositories around the state, but please feel free to offer suggestions on additional secondary sources, including books and/or articles.  The more the better.

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2 comments… add one
  • Kevin Levin Nov 8, 2007 @ 10:26

    Hi John, — As might be expected the essays run the spectrum in terms of quality. From what I can tell the editors are looking for tightly argued essays that cover various aspects of Virginia’s war years including politics, home front, military, etc. I think Gallagher’s volumes are a bit more analytical or geared towards breaking new ground compared to this series. Of course, that’s not to say that they are not valuable sources. It is useful to have a wide range of topics covered for each year in one series.

  • John Maass Nov 8, 2007 @ 10:19

    Kevin:

    How are the books in this series, the first 2 I mean? Any good? JM

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