My Alternate History Has Been Published

May 14, 2009 | C.L. Gray

[carton253]

THROW AWAY THE SCABBARD

What if Stonewall Jackson had survived Chancellorsville?

In this alternate history, Jackson survives Chancellorsville. With Jackson leading his Second Corps in an invasion of the North, the war shifts from the Virginia wilderness to the Pennsylvania countryside. After the Army of Northern Virginia wins a stunning victory on the banks of the Susquehanna, General Ulysses S. Grant comes east to drive the Confederates from northern soil. But when Grant fails to dislodge Lee's army, President Abraham Lincoln risks all in a desperate attempt to win the war and restore the Union.

Throw Away the Scabbard is the first book of a trilogy that provides the exciting answer to the Civil War's most enduring question: What if Stonewall Jackson had survived Chancellorsville?

[Humal]

It’s good to hear from you again, Snippy. I will look for this book. If you recommend it, it must be good. Thanks!

[NucSubs]

LOL!

I was trying to decide whether it was appropriate to post something similar. Thanks for relieving me of the obligation! I must confess I did not expect it to be the first post! That gives me hope for this place!

[lentulusgracchus]

What do you think of the other alternative history of the CW, wherein Lee goes west and relieves Vicksburg?

Someone asked Longstreet for his opinion about the 1863 campaign, and he actually championed that idea -- which I'm sure had other proponents as well.

It would be interesting to know how many times those scenarios have been war-gamed out in credible gaming systems, and what the usual outcome was.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT

[Badeye]

Congratulations, carton253! I’ll check it out later today.

[Badeye]

You and I see the Battle of Gettysburg the same way.

Its my belief had Jackson survived, he would have gotten his troops wiped out attempting to take Cemetary Ridge or Culps Hill in the late afternoon/early evening of July 1st.

Thats if he moved as he did at Chancellorsville. If he went into a lethargic mode, as he did in the Pennisula campaign....or a couple of other times our Southern friend don’t like to mention, let alone discuss....

[carton253]

If Jackson survived, and the Gettysburg campaign unfolded in the order it did, Jackson would have been on the Susquehanna, where Ewell was (almost) before being called back.

Jackson's survival would have changed history because, well, Jackson would have been alive. Ewell and Hill would have been commanding their divisions.

It's just my opinion, but I don't think you can just stick Jackson into the those three days and think they would have played out the same.

I'll be happy to discuss the Seven Days Campaign and the toll the Valley campaign played on Jackson's health and energy. I will be happy to discuss too complicated plans, brigade leaders disobeying orders, poor staff work at Lee's headquarters, poor maps, the the extreme emergency Lee found himself under when he took command from Johnston.

I don't know when the other times would be when Jackson failed, but let me know, and I'll be happy to discuss it with you too.

[carton253]

Thanks for the review.

[carton253]

Thank you!

[carton253]

You’ll have to tell me what you think.

[Corin Stormhands]

Will do. I just ordered the paperback.

Let me know what you think of Booklocker. My goal is to publish or at least submit my political fiction (that I did for Nanowrimo a couple of years back) before this year’s Nano.

[carton253]

I absolutely recommend Booklocker. Great team, great royalties. Easy to work with. And quick.

I almost went with AuthorHouse -- big mistake.

And even though they are POD, they don't take everyone. They reject over 90% of manuscripts sent to them. I had to go through a strigent submission process. To me, that speaks of their quality.

Thanks for buying the book.

[Badeye]

I think our discussion would degenerate rather quickly, carton253. Unlike many, I view Jackson’s oh so highly touted ‘Valley Campaign’ to be more a commentary about the state of the Union’s leadership at that time more than any ‘skill’ on old Blue Light as a General officer.

I think Grant summed it up best after the war when he noted ‘Jackson died too early, before he could be tested by Sheridan, or Sherman, or Meade, or Hancock’.

[Corin Stormhands]

You’re welcome. Thanks for the info re: Booklocker.

I’m on a blogging break until June 1. But I’ll post a link when I reactivate.

[carton253]

So, pretty much you think that the Southern leadership was overrated.

But, in my novel, the Northern leadership are held in high regard.

[PeaRidge]

Thanks much and congrats.

[carton253]

Thank you!

[Badeye]

‘So, pretty much you think that the Southern leadership was overrated. ‘

No, not at all. I think Jackson’s overrated, and didn’t live long enough to prove himself against a competent Union general.

Lee and Longstreet...have my highest regard. Jackson benefitted greatly from Jubal Early’s campaign to discredit and blame Longstreet for the losing of the Civil War - as I’m sure you know they despised each other til the day they died.

Jackson’s ‘legend’ is the heart and soul of the “Lost Cause’ theory, and as such his victories are magnified, and his...less stellar performances and eccentricies are ignored.

JMHO.

[carton253]

Well, of course, I hold the exact opposite view, but I always appreciate talking to you. Have a great day.

[Badeye]

Same here with you carton253. I’ll be picking up your book. And I’m having ‘one of those days’ here today, but look forward to debating/arguing with you on this topic we both hold dear.

Again, congrats on the book!