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Mitch, that may well have been the longest single volume for me as well, but it did not seem stretched or redundant at all. I never found myself bored or overloaded with details when reading it.
I think I am probably going to agree with Blake on that series, it seems excessive for the Vicksburg Campaign. I can see how it could end up that length, there is a lot of that took place and with extreme detail it could easily hit that size, but again I think it maybe a bit much detail for me.
A number of years ago I read the "Guide to the Vicksburg Campaign", edited by Leonard Fullenkamp, Stephen Bowman and Jay Luvaas. Including index it is 482 pages of fine (ie small) print and it is primarily the words of the participants in letters, orders, and reports organized in the book by date and command. That format comprises about 3/4 of the book total. The remainder is a very comprehensive driving tour guide, giving specifics for every location that can be visited. I used it during the days that I spent visiting Vicksburg. In that book, from the words Grant and Sherman, David Porter and every level of command on both sides of the conflict, I got a very good picture of the entire campaign and struggles they all dealt with. I would go into more detail but it has been a number of years since I read it, but suffice it to say I do not think any part of the campaign was ignored. Some of it could have been expounded upon and that has to be what takes up the difference in Timothy Smiths books. But reading it without an interpreter between me and the reports and orders forced me to form my own opinion on all that was being presented and I found that refreshing.
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Major Kent Scarbrough
5th Brigade
Swanson's 1st Division
Isgro's 1st Corp
Army of Northern Virginia
Love many, trust few, do harm to none.
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