The Decision

28 December 2009 by The General Published in: General News 11 comments

Allow me to begin by thanking everyone who weighed in on the question that I posed a week ago. I got lots of feedback, which is what I was hoping for. One person, Jim Durney, was a resounding no vote, but everyone else was universally supportive, both of my desire to tackle a project on the Revolutionary War, but also to take on the 1780 Battle of Camden.

So, after some reflection, I have decided to tackle the Battle of Camden. My friend Scott Patchan, who has done some terrific work on the 1864 Shenandoah Valley Campaign, and I have been looking for a project to do together for some time. We had talked about perhaps doing a biography of William Woods Averell together, but we’re probably the only two people interested in such a book. Scott leads a lot of tours of Revolutionary War battlefields, and is very knowledgeable about the War of Independence.

So I put two and two together and decided to ask Scott if he would be interested in tackling Camden with me, and he readily agreed. Consequently, Scott and I will be teaming up to do the first detailed tactical study of the Battle of Camden, which had far-reaching consequences for the Patriot cause.

Others of you gave me some really good suggestions, including Kings Mountain and a battle study of the Battle of Brandywine. Brandywine has long interested me, as I grew up about an our from the battlefield, and it was the largest set-piece battle of the war. I intend to tackle Brandywine too.

So, here’s the plan. I have a book on Sheridan’s May 1864 Richmond Raid and the Battle of Yellow Tavern under contract, and will fulfill that contract. Then, Scott and I intend to tackle Camden. Then I will do another Civil War book (the third volume in my trilogy with J.D. Petruzzi), and then I expect to take on the Battle of Brandywine. So, fear not, Civil War readers. I will never give up on the Civil War entirely, and I will continue to write about it. I just won’t be doing it exclusively.

I need to grow as a writer and historian, and variety will only make me better.

I will have more news about the Revolutionary War to report soon. Thanks again to all who took the time to give me input on this important decision.

Scridb filter

Comments

Chris Evans

Mon 28th Dec 2009 at 10:22 pm
I look forward to any books on any military subjects that you write. It will be interesting to see your take on the Revolutionary War. The Civil War books also sound exciting.
Good Luck,
Chris
Charles Tinder

Mon 28th Dec 2009 at 11:02 pm
I also look forward to any topics you take on in relation to the Revolutionary War. As I have some interests in that war, and seeing the scholarship you bring to the Civil War, know we would be treated to only the best work possible,
However, it is also good to know you will also continue your fine work in the Civil War era,
Chuck, aka, mobile_96
Kankakee Valley RT.
Michael Aubrecht

Tue 29th Dec 2009 at 11:18 am
Welcome Aboard. 🙂
John Foskett

Tue 29th Dec 2009 at 11:57 am
This is good news. (And since you’ve got plenty of time before getting wet in Chadds Ford, keep Germantown in mind as a companion- just for the heck of it). Continuing with ACW publication is, of course, a “win-win”.
Scott Stemler

Tue 29th Dec 2009 at 1:26 pm
Eric,
Good to hear that you are going to take on the battle of Camden. Are you and J.D. still working on a book about Monocacy?

Scott
Christ Liebegott

Tue 29th Dec 2009 at 4:39 pm
Eric,
I didn’t express an opinion earliersince I figured it was really your decision. However, I’m glad that you are not foresaking the CW altogether. I think your prolific CW writings of the CW would be sorely missed.

Christ
Mike Peters

Wed 30th Dec 2009 at 11:29 am
Eric,

If I may ask, what will be the subject of your third volume with Mr. Petruzzi?

Mike Peters
The General

Wed 30th Dec 2009 at 11:35 am
Mike,

We’re going to pick up the retreat and pursuit of Lee’s army on July 15, 1863 and carry it through the cavalry fight at Brandy Station on August 1, at which time the armies were back at the spot from which they commenced the Gettysburg Campaign–along the banks of the Rappahannock River.

Eric
John Gourlie

Wed 30th Dec 2009 at 7:02 pm
Eric,

This is great news indeed concerning the battle of Camden. With both you and Scott collaborating on this title, it is sure to be a winner hands down. I look forward to it’s eventual release. Both yourself and Scott are amazing and talented authors who know your stuff when it comes to thoughtful reasearch and writing skills. The AWI will benefit greatly from this forthcoming title.
P.S. Also looking forward to your release of Brandy Station!! I cannot wait. Finally a detailed study of this battle. Cheers and good luck with your research.

Regards, John
JB Howard

Thu 31st Dec 2009 at 4:51 pm
Eric,

A friend directed me to your blog – very much impressed – just a great job. I’m the coauthor of a recent book on Guilford Courthouse with Larry Babits, and a Revolutionary War historian. Definitely look forward to a new Camden 1780 project. Babits and I are currently working on Hobkirks Hill (what some folks call and called Second Camden), but I’ve got a lot of pension data from 1780 Camden as well. If you are interested in that data feel free to contact me and I’ll send it on. All my best in your future endeavor!

Best,
Josh
J Little

Fri 08th Jan 2010 at 5:58 pm
Eric, Talked to you before on another forum. Glad to see you doing some Revolutionary War batlles. Need to get back into more of that time period myself. Met Scott Patchan in Oct. at the Mosby Heritage Foundation seminar. Can’t wait for your books to come out.