First Bull Run. The Seven Days Battles. Second Bull Run. Fredericksburg. Chancellorsville.
During the Civil War’s first two years, repeated Confederate military success, especially in the war’s eastern theater, helped fuel southerners’ confidence in ultimate victory. Beginning in mid-1863, however, a string of Union wins—most notably in the West at Vicksburg and Port Hudson and in the East at Gettysburg—not only halted, but reversed, the previously steady growth in Confederate morale. Among those southerners expressing a newfound pessimism was 54th Virginia Infantry soldier Christian Epperly, who sent a letter to his wife after the weight of these reverses set in. “[E]verything seems so sad and desolate here this morning,” he wrote in August 1863. “It seems like the ashes of dear friends and the present conflictions of things has brought deep reflection and sadness upon every heart.” Epperly concluded, “I don’t think the South will stand much longer and I am sorry to say it, for we will be a ruined people.”
This narrative of Confederate hopes dashed in mid-1863, never to recover, is common in Civil War studies. In this issue’s cover story, “Rebel Revival” (page 22), William Marvel has a different take, arguing that a 10-week string of Confederate victories in early 1864, spanning from Florida to Mississippi, reinvigorated Rebel morale and, in the process, put southerners on much better footing. What do you think? Send your comments about this or other articles in this issue to [email protected].
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Speaking of your feedback, regular readers will note that this issue doesn’t include our usual letters to the editor section. Not to worry—it will return with our Spring 2025 issue. So please, keep the letters and emails coming! We value your comments and suggestions.
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Finally, we’re excited to announce that the Monitor’s first-ever podcast series launched in October. The 1864 Project is a seven-part series focused on a vitally important year during the Civil War: 1864. You can listen to episodes on The 1864 Project page, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
