I have seen some comments about the possibility of me writing a book about the valley fight, so here is an update.
After several requests for delays, the publisher and I have agreed to a February 29 due date for two new books, one about the valley fighting, the other a day-by-day, bullet narrative about the campaign, culminating in a timeline narrative of the battle.
The valley book is 106,000 words so far and nearing an end. Need to work on maps.
The book has surprised me rather a lot. I have done more detailed work on participant accounts and have studied the ebb and flow of the battle to some surprising-- for me-- conclusions and discoveries. I am more critical of Reno than I had been... in some areas... and less so in others. The books digresses frequently and constantly and like the
Strategy book, is more an analysis than a recitation of events: much of that was done already in
Strategy. It uses a fair amount of current military doctrine as a comparative tool, as well as other historical comparisons. There is also a fair amount of work, once again, on Custer's orders from Terry; the lone tepee; Reno's orders from Custer, etc.
There are also some new twists in topography which have never been used before, and after a month-long breaking down of movements, some fair criticism of Reno's tactics, things I believe have never been touched on before.
Questions and discussions from Will "Montrose"; Steve Andrews; our old friend "Jodak," whoever he may be; Beth Collins; Tom Tubman; Gerry Schultz; and Paul Sewell, should all be answered, as promised... a long, long time ago. It will also contain a brief timeline, probably some 10 pages, with a couple new entries fitting in perfectly with the original data published in
Strategy, none of which I have had any inkling or occasion to change or alter.
So we shall see.
In the meantime, I hope all old friends have had a very Merry and joyous Christmas and hopefully a Happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.
Best wishes,
Fred.