Prolific and distinguished author Cameron Judd (whose books
tend to focus on the early frontier and Tennessee history) couldn’t pick an
absolute favourite of his books (I know it’s a tough question!) but does have a
particular fondness for his American Civil War/ Mountain War trilogy. His
favourite character is Ben Scarlett, the town drunk of Knoxville, Tennessee,
who is central to the trilogy.
The final part, SEASON OF RECKONING, takes us to 1864. As the Civil War is ending,
the mountains of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina see even more
destructive violence and terror; a wounded nation has to start healing after
the wreckage of war.
Together, Amy Deacon, Ben Scarlett,
and Greely Brown have to face the bitter reality that the Mountain War will
carry on after the Civil War has ended.
Nurse Ann Bell tends wounded soldiers
in a Nashville Hospital 1864
In late 1864 the Confederacy suffered two major
defeats in Tennessee. At the Battle
of Franklin Confederate LT. GENERAL JOHN BELL HOOD's attacks on fortified Union positions, held by GENERAL JOHN SCHOFIELD, were repulsed with heavy loss. 6 Confederate generals were killed, 7 wounded
and 1 captured, in what is sometimes called the 'Pickett's Charge of the West.'
Artist’s impression of the Battle of Franklin
Troops at the scene of the Battle of Franklin 1864
A few weeks later MAJOR GENERAL GEORGE H. THOMAS routed
Hood's army at the Battle of Nashville. The Confederate Army of Tennessee was
effectively destroyed as a fighting force for the remainder of the war.
Soldiers’ camp at the site of the Battle of
Nashville 1864
Although Tennessee was a Confederate state, a
significant minority – particularly in the east of the state – supported the
Union. These divisions are reflected in the fact that ANDREW JOHNSON, from
Tennessee, was elected Vice President under Abraham Lincoln in 1864. He became
President after Lincoln's assassination in 1865.
Andrew Johnson
The difficult aftermath of the war in
the defeated Confederacy is touched on in movies like ‘The Undefeated’ and ‘Run of
the Arrow’ – as well as ‘Gone with
the Wind’ of course.
The Undefeated
Gone with the Wind - images of the ruined South:
Reviews of SEASON OF RECKONING:
‘I hated for it to end. Totally
engrossing series.’
‘Awesome.’
‘Great read.’
‘An outstanding
trilogy.’
'Great book. Superb author.'
‘I can’t
say enough about this trilogy. I couldn’t put it down – even though I read this
book on my honeymoon!’
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