General A.P. Hill: The Story of a Confederate Warrior [Paperback]

James I. Robertson Jr. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 28, 1992

A Confederate general who ranks with Lee, Jeb Stuart, and Stonewall Jackson but whose achievements have been unfairly neglected until now, finally receives his due in this invaluable biography by a noted historian of the Civil War. Drawing extensively on newly unearthed documents, this work provides a gripping battle-by-battle assessment of Hill's role in Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, and other battles. 8 pages of photographs.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Robertson's engrossing biography of a pivotal but previously obscure Confederate general makes a major contribution to Civil War literature. Photos.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Publisher

10 1.5-hour cassettes --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Vintage; 1st Vintage Civil War library ed edition (July 28, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679738886
• ISBN-13: 978-0679738886
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.8 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #760,805 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The most objective biography of the enigmatic A. P. Hill., August 24, 1999

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Art Chance (Anchorage, AK USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: General A.P. Hill: The Story of a Confederate Warrior (Paperback)

My forebears served under Hill from his assumption of the III Corps until their end and his. This work is the best I have found, but Hill remains an enigma in the end. One must wonder why Lee promoted his most impulsive and contentious Mj.General to Corps command, and must conclude that Longstreet was right when he concluded that the three corps arrangement was "too much Virginia." Robertson aptly titles his 2nd Day at Gettysburg chapter "Bystander to Defeat," but offers no real explanation for the usually agressive Hill's uninvolvement on this pivotal day. One is left to conclude that the unfinished grudge with Longstreet and rivalry with R. H. Anderson led Hill to malicious obedience to his orders and noninvolvement in the battle. Similar accusations caused the vilification of Longstreet, yet Hill escapes unscathed. Robertson does do what few others have by showing Hill's conscientious defense of the Petersburg lines. This portion of The War, so much like WWI, is the least covered and least understood period. Robertson is very helpful here. A good read and a valuable addition, but much is left unsaid.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Coupling of Psycho-History and Battle Narrative, February 10, 2005

By 

Gregory Canellis "Student of military history... (Tuckerton, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: General A.P. Hill: The Story of a Confederate Warrior (Paperback)

Despite his meteoric rise to command troops in nearly every battle of Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, Ambrose Powell Hill was arguable the Confederacy's most underrated general. Rising from a colonel of a Virginia infantry regiment to Major General in command of the new Third Corps, Army of Northern Virginia, A.P. Hill was perhaps best known for leading his Light Division on a forced march from Harper's Ferry to arrive in the nick of time to save Lee from total defeat at the Battle of Antietam/Sharpsburg. James I Robertson Jr. has thoroughly examined the perplexities of a complex man: one who could display the virtues of righteousness and compassion one moment and become impetuous, childish and unforgiving the next. What is more, Robertson's battle narratives are enthralling, placing heavy emphasis on infantry soldiering in the foulest of weather, rugged terrain and the difficulties of communications in an age when battle communiques traveled only as fast as a man could ride a horse. How a man of Hill's temperament, racked by life-long bouts of illness, and wounds handles rapid promotion, and, at which point reaches a level of incompetence, is the theme of Robertson's compelling story. From the age of twelve, young Powell read the exploits of Napoleon Bonaparte and was inspired to become a soldier. Hill entered West Point in 1842 in the infamous class of 1846. His classmates were Thomas J. Jackson, George Pickett and George McClellan, to name a few. Hill formed an immediate dislike for Jackson that would last for the rest of his life, while forming a close friendship with his roommate McClellan. In 1844, while returning to West Point from summer furlough, Hill contracted gonorrhea in New York City. He was forced to take an extended sick leave home, requiring him to repeat a year of studies. Upon graduation, Hill was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the 2nd U.S. Artillery Regiment.                 Robertson paints Hill's military career after West Point was one of sickness and boredom. In Mexico, Hill came down with typhoid fever that left him bedridden for six weeks. In Florida he would battle disease and boredom for six long years, especially repeated prostate problems associated with the untreatable venereal disease. Because of poor health, Hill requested to be transferred to a desk job in Washington.                 Hill's gift for staff work brought him to the attention of Jefferson Davis. After Succession, Hill not only chose loyalty to Virginia but also saw war as a chance for rapid promotion.                 Hill was appointed colonel in the 13th Virginia Infantry. He drove his men hard, and trained his regiment to the peak of proficiency. This leadership style would remain a permanent characteristic of A.P. Hill and would produce substantial benefits in future campaigns. Robertson shows a compassionate side of A.P. Hill during this period. During First Battle of Bull Run/Manassas, Hill would often be seen offering a weary soldier his horse while he walked alongside. He once noticed a sergeant who was obviously sleep deprived, and allowed him to lie down for a couple hours to regain his strength. These acts of kindness did not go unnoticed by his men. Typhoid fever, measles, mumps, diarrhea, dysentery and jaundice soon ran rampant among Hill's regiment. Much to his chagrin, Hill was held in reserve during the actual battle yet, a rapid series of promotions would soon follow. Hill was promoted to Brigadier General for the Peninsula Campaign. Hill soon gained a reputation for leading from the front in battle, distinguishable by the red or calico "battle shirt" he always wore in combat. Soon afterwards, he was promoted to Major General, commanding the infamous Light Division in the Seven Days Battles. In just ninety-days, Hill went from a colonel in charge of one regiment, to major general in charge of a division. Here, the author begins to raise doubt about how well Hill handled the transition, while weaving a compelling battle narrative. Hill's independent nature soon led to clashes with his two immediate superiors. As already mentioned, Hill despised Jackson and he did not care all that much for James Longstreet either. During the Peninsula Campaign, Hill and Longstreet got into a childish squabble that almost had tragic consequences. A war correspondent had been traveling with Hill's headquarters during that campaign. He wrote a series of newspaper articles that drastically inflated Hill's accomplishments at Mechanicsville and Fraser's Farm. According to Robertson, Longstreet felt slighted after he read the articles. Longstreet then wrote a "rebuttal," via his chief of staff, Moxley Sorrel and sent the letter to be published in a rival newspaper. Sorrel routinely acted as official liaison between Hill and Longstreet. After this incident, however, Hill refused to communicate with Sorrel. Consequently, Longstreet placed Hill under arrest. Hill, accosted Lee requesting he be relieved from Longstreet's command. A series of nasty letters passed between Hill and Longstreet until Hill finally challenged Longstreet to a duel. Lee had to quickly intercede to avoid a disaster. Another episode involved Hill's nemesis, Jackson. Lee had devised a plan for Hill's division to cross the Chicahominy River and attack Union forces at Mechanicsville. Hill was to wait until Jackson, enroute from his famed Shenandoah Campaign, arrived to support Hill's attack. On the morning of the scheduled day of the attack; Hill's division was assembled early and ready for battle. Hill's men waited for hours with no sign of Jackson. Finally at 3:00 PM, General Hill crossed the Chicahominy and advanced towards Mechanicsville without "Stonewall." Hill successfully drove the Federals from Mechanicsville; however, they dug in at Beaver Dam Creek and could not be dislodged. As a result, the day ended in stalemate with Hill suffering a high butcher's bill.Naturally, Hill blamed Jackson for failing to arrive at the rendezvous on time. The relationship between Hill and Jackson worsened, until Hill was ultimately placed under arrest for a second time, and, as punishment, Lee sent Hill to act as rear guard of Lee's army. This is how the Light Division, hitherto marching at the van , would find itself in Harper's Ferry while the Battle of Antietam was under way. As we know, Hill would redeem himself by saving Lee from possible defeat, and command a corps at Gettysburg. A federal sharpshooter ended the life of Gen. A.P. Hill on April 2, 1865, killing him while Hill reconnoitered his forward positions at Petersburg. Robertson's analysis of Hill's vulnerable pride, bordering on disrespect, the childish in-fighting within Lee's command, coupled with forceful battle narrative, makes this book difficult to put down. Five-stars and highly recommended!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent bio of an often over-looked hero of the war, October 15, 2004

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Fruit Loop (Down South) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: General A.P. Hill: The Story of a Confederate Warrior (Paperback)

General A. P. Hill has been too long ignored by historians despite his pivotal role in the Army of Northern Virginia. Robertson gives us an interesting account of the general's early life and career, including his cadet years at West Point, up until his tragic death just days before Appomattox. A must-read for any serious student of the War and for those interested by the early lives and training of War Between the States heroes.