**Finalist, 2014, Army Historical Foundation Distinguished Book Award
Winner, 2014, Gettysburg Civil War Round Table Book Award
**
Although many books on Gettysburg have addressed the role played by
Brig. Gen. John Buford and his First Cavalry Division troops, there is
not a single book-length study devoted entirely to the critical delaying
actions waged by Buford and his dismounted troopers and his horse
artillerists on the morning of July 1, 1863. Award-winning Civil War
historian Eric J. Wittenberg rectifies this glaring oversight with "The
Devil's to Pay" John Buford at Gettysburg. A History and Walking Tour.
This comprehensive tactical study examines the role Buford and his horse
soldiers played from June 29 through July 2, 1863, including the
important actions that saved the shattered remnants of the First and
Eleventh Corps. Wittenberg relies upon scores of rare primary sources,
including many that have never before been used, to paint a detailed
picture of the critical role the quiet and modest cavalryman known to
his men as "Honest John" or "Old Steadfast" played at Gettysburg.
"The Devil's to Pay" also includes a detailed walking and driving tour
of pertinent sites, complete with GPS coordinates. Three appendices
address the nature of Buford's defense at Gettysburg, whether his
troopers were armed with repeating weapons, and whether a feint by his
men late in the day caused the Confederate infantry to form "squares" (a
Napoleonic defensive tactic). Finally, 17 maps by Gettysburg
cartographer Phil Laino, together with more than 80 images, several
published for the first time, round out this study. "The Devil's to Pay"
is a must-have for Gettysburg enthusiasts.
