Tibbits' Boys

Tibbit's Boys is a new form of a combined regimental and campaign history. The 21st New York Cavalry regiment's unit history is the means by which readers may experience the Shenandoah valley campaign of the summer of 1864. As the story of this late war regiment unfolds, readers can watch the regiment's birth from a cadre of experienced officers and men. At the same time, readers will also be able to review the tactical and strategic context of the Union high command's final offensive designed to end the War Between the States. The Shenandoah Valley campaign of 1864 was a major theater of operations that contributed to the downfall of the Confederacy. Although the 21st New York Cavalry did not participate in the climatic fall battles of the campaign of 1864, the regiment returned to action during the mopping up phase of the offensive, directed at Mai John S. Mosbey's 43rd Virginia Partizan Rangers. An epilogue describing the Indian War service of the regiment has been included to make the story complete. This book has something to say to the present generation about the War Between the States that has not been said by other writers. It tells the history of a major campaign from the viewpoint of the soldier on the firing line as well as from the commander's perspective. Civil War and middle period students will be interested in this book.