I’ve been asked to provide an update on my writing projects. I have been busy.

1- The Race to the Potomac: Lee’s Retreat and Meade’s Pursuit After Gettysburg is part of the Emerging Civil War Series and has been sent to the editor. It recounts the remarkable period between July 3 through the 14 when Lee desperately attempted to reach the safety of Virginia. The rising Potomac River was an major impediment. The book recounts the events during this dramatic period. I was especially interested in Brig. Gen. John Imboden’s 17-mile long “Train of Misery.” Fending off Union cavalry and civilian attacks on the train, Imboden reached Williamsport only to find the pontoon bridge over the Potomac River gone. Worse, a Union cavalry division under Brig. Gen. John Buford was bearing down on the town and his beleaguered wagon train. It is the stuff of legends. The book recounts the drama of this episode and so many others. I think most people will enjoy reading it. My wife Linda again collaborated on this project.

2- The Maps of Second Bull Run is also finished and has been sent to Ted Savas for review. It begins with Stonewall Jackson’s Wing leaving the Peninsula and heading north to confront Maj. Gen. John Pope. The book ends with the battle of Chantilly. In between I cover the Battle of Cedar Mountain, the capture of Manassas Junction, the Battle of Kettle Run, the Battle of Thoroughfare Gap, and of course the Battle of Second Bull Run. It follows the format of my other map books.

3- The Maps of the Peninsula/Seven Days is about 25% completed. I have covered Maj. Gen. George McClellan’s travels south to the Peninsula, the Siege of Yorktown, the Battle of Williamsburg, and the Battle/Skirmish at Eltham’s Landing. I am now heading toward Seven Pines. I hope to have the book finished within a year. Like all of my map books, I am learning so much. For example, I always thought the Battle of Williamsburg mainly involved Brig. Gen. Winfield Hancock against Brig. Gen. Jubal Early. WRONG. Most of the fighting was a rear-guard action involving Brig. Gen. Joseph Hooker’s division, with support from Brig. Gen. Phil Kearny’s. James Longstreet’s division help keep the Union troops at bay for most of the day through its aggressive actions.

So, that’s what’s been keeping me busy, in addition to giving Antietam battlefield tours and Gettysburg town tours.