Description: The American Civil War was predominantly an infantryman's war. Artillery could inflict murderous losses if they had a clear field of fire, but most Civil War battlefields were characterised by sprawling forests and broken ground. Cavalry were important for reconnaissance, raiding and rearguard actions but there was little scope for grand sabre charges when infantrymen armed with muzzle-loading rifles could face such tactics with confidence. Decision on the battlefield, therefore, rested with the foot soldiers. This book looks at the men of the South's 642 infantry regiments, on whom they ultimately relied. He investigates their training, uniform, weapons, motivation and performance in combat, showing, that in spite of their rough and ready appearance, Confederate soldiers were excellent warriors.

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