The Civil War in Maryland by Daniel Carroll Toomey. hc, dj, 170pp., index, illus.

The Civil War in Maryland

By Daniel Carroll Toomey

The Civil War is one of the most often written about subjects in the United States. Some topics such as Robert E. Lee, Abraham Lincoln, or the Battle of Gettysburg have been covered in great detail, while others have only seen the light of day through newspaper articles, the ìOfficial Recordsî or almost unattainable pamphlets published before 1920.

One topic that has received only piecemeal or superficial attention is the Civil War in Maryland. Since 1961, Harold R. Manakeeís ìMaryland in the Civil Warî, has been the only readily obtainable source for the casual reader, and a standby for the serious student of Maryland history. Its purpose was to supply a brief and impartial history in time for the Civil War Centennial.

The balance of Marylandís Civil War bibliography, for the most part, addresses single topics such as biographies, regimental histories, or the pro-Union or pro-Confederate viewpoint in a divided state; the one notable exception being the Battle of Antietam which has been covered in several excellent works.

îThe Civil War in Marylandî is a chronology of military operations and major political events within the state. Its aim is two-fold: first, to dramatize the involvement and importance of Maryland, the smalled border state, during the first year of the war. Second, to count for the first time, over 150 battles, skirmishes, and minor military operations that occurred throughout the state.

Any writer will tell you that no one person writes a book. This one is no exception. My staff consists of three very good friends, one understanding wife, and two children that doubled as cheerleaders.

My everlasting appreciation goes to Cheryl Steves who translated what no one else could have deciphered into a typed manuscript; to Erick Davis for his encouragement and contribution to accuracy; and to Bill Snavley for the unlimited use of his library and suggestions for source material. Last, but not least, a special acknowledgement to my editor, Kathleen Thomas, who made us all look good.

Daniel C. Toomey

Baltimore, Maryland

1983