Book Review: Kill Jeff Davis: The Union Raid on Richmond, 1864

O' Be Joyful

ohio hillbilly
Joined
May 12, 2019
Messages
3,491
Reaction score
3,136


Judson Kilpatrick’s 1864 raid on Richmond is often overlooked by those who study the war in the East. Through his deep research and lively prose, Bruce Venter has gone a long way to remedy this.

Venter builds the action slowly, providing in-depth background views of Kilpatrick and his wing commander, Col. Ulric Dahlgren. He also discusses George Armstrong Custer’s diversionary raid towards Charlottesville, Ben Butler’s failure to cooperate, and a look at the tragic fate of Dahlgren’s guide. The author goes into depth about the stated goals of the mission, as well as more insidious ones.

(snip)

Was the 1864 raid more than an attempt to free Federal prisoners and cause havoc in Richmond? Did it have a more sinister design: the capture and murder of Jeff Davis and members of his cabinet? If so, who was really behind the plot? You’ll have to read Bruce Venter’s book to form your own opinion…

 

5fish

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 28, 2019
Messages
10,625
Reaction score
4,544
I argue it lead to the death of Lincoln...

 
Top