At the Virginia Library Association conference, I went to a presentation by Mark Leepson about his book Desperate Engagement: The Story of Little-Known but Crucial Civil War Battle of Monocacy and Jubal Early's March of Washington, D.C.
In 1864, Robert E. Lee was surrounded in Richmond. Instead of consolidation his forces, Lee instructed Early to threatened D.C. Because Early was threatening D.C., Grant sent forces from around Richmond to defend D.C. and by doing so reducing the threat to Richmond.
I have read Leepson's book Saving Monticello, a fascinating account of how Jefferson's house was saved from ruin. Leepson has also written another book entitled Flag, an American Biography. Check back in for future installments about the VLA conference.
-Alan
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