Joseph Warren Keifer

This is a reprint of a short paper delivered to a Civil War veterans group by Major General J. Warren Keifer, U.S.V., containing his reminiscences of the Battle of Rich Mountain (West Virginia). The style is conversational and good-humored. The narrative is anecdotal, lively, and contains intriguing details not found in more general accounts, particularly the entertaining story of how the Confederates got wind of Brigadier General Rosecrans's sneak attack on their left flank. The talk contains some veiled sardonic criticism of Major General George B. McClellan's conduct of operations. This account talks only about the southern line of this battle, commanded by General McClellan. There was another, northern Union front a few miles away commanded by General Thomas A. Morris that is not much discussed here. Recommended for Civil War buffs and West Virginia history fans. Scholars might be wary of the accuracy of the General's recollections after such a lapse of years.… (mehr)