Rebels at the Gates

Robert P. Watson, Distinguished Professor of History at Lynn University is the author of many books on American politics and history including, most recently, America’s First Plague: The 1793 Epidemic that Crippled a Young Nation (R&L, 2023): Escape! The Story of the Confederacy's Infamous Libby Prison and the Civil War's Largest Jail Break (R&L, 2021),George Washington’s Final Battle: The Epic Struggle to Build a Capital City and Nation (Georgetown University Press, 2021), The Ghost Ship of Brooklyn: An Untold Story of the American Revolution (Da Capo Press, 2017, and The Nazi Titanic: The Incredible Untold Story of a Doomed Ship in World War II (Da Capo Press, 2016), which is currently being made into a motion picture. He resides in Boca Raton, Florida.

• PrefaceImagesPrologue: Target WashingtonIntroduction: An Uncivil WarPART I. CAPITALS1. The Long "Siege" of Washington2. A Tale of Two Cities3. To Washington, to Richmond4. Capital Defenses5. Tightening the Noose6. Lee's Final GamblePART II. CAMPAIGN7. The "Bad Old Man"8. The Valley Campaign9. Invasion10. Chaos and Panic11. Crossroads of History12. The Race to Save WashingtonPART III. CRUCIBLE13. Skirmish14. Attack!15. The Incident16. Victory17. A Bitter End18. LegacyEpilogue: The Lost CauseAppendix A: Timeline of EventsAppendix B: Map of Early's March to WashingtonAppendix C: Map of Washington's DefensesSourcesNotesAbout the Author

Many are familiar with the United States army battle cry, "On to Richmond!" during the American Civil War. However fewer likely know about Confederate efforts to attack Washington, DC. Dr. Watson expertly weaves a compelling narrative in Rebels at the Gates which traces military movements, political responses, audacious ambitions, and public sentiment from more than the usual players. A terrific read!