Brian Steel Wills: Bacon or Bust, Kartoniert / Broschiert

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Robert E. Lee's army needed supplies, and as the early months of 1863 wore on, the need grew more and more urgent. To address the problem, Lee sent his trusted "Old Warhorse," Lt. Gen. James Longstreet, on a mission to collect food, forage, and other necessities. The target: southeast Virginia, near the North Carolina border.

A Federal garrison in Suffolk, Virginia, guarded the area, which served as a back door to the key Federal position in Norfolk. Control of Hampton Roads and the entrance of Chesapeake Bay depended on control of Norfolk.

Federals manned the works with 25, 000 men, commanded by the relatively unknown Maj. Gen. John J. Peck. Rear Admiral Samuel P. Lee provided necessary naval support, but could he and Peck successfully cooperate? Could this army-navy tandem hold up against 20, 000 of Lee's most battle-hardened troops, commanded by one of his most trusted commanders?

From April 11 through May 4, Longstreet and Peck sparred, even as Confederates roamed the bountiful countryside, collecting vital supplies. Would combat between the forces erupt into full-blown conflict, or could Longstreet stay focused on his primary foraging mission? And what impact did Union Maj. Gen. "Fighting Joe" Hooker have on the operations, particularly once he launched his Chancellorsville Campaign against Lee?

The stakes for Longstreet--to keep the Army of Northern Virginia supplied--could not have been higher.

Renowned historian Brian Steel Wills returns to his hometown to tell the oft-overlooked and underappreciated tale of James Longstreet's foray to Suffolk. Drawing on abundant sources left behind by the 45, 000 soldiers involved, Wills tells the tale of the campaign from the perspective of the men who served. Bacon or Bust is packed with their amazing accounts.