Unit: 39th Virginia Cavalry Battalion
Unit Affiliation: Provost, ANV
Title: Lee’s Body Guards: The 39th Battalion Virginia Cavalry
Author: Michael C. Hardy
SOPO’s Take: Michael C. Hardy adds another volume to his already impressive list of Civil War books, and yet another volume to his collection of Confederate unit histories. The 39th Virginia Cavalry Battalion was part of the Army of Northern Virginia’s provost guard during the Siege of Petersburg, and as such it does not have a typical unit history. The unit was formed specifically “to serve as scouts, couriers, and guides for General Robert E. Lee.” Often, they also escorted Union prisoners to the rear. There doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of material out there on this rather unique unit, but Michael Hardy found most of it judging by the bibliography. The unit history takes up about 93 pages, while a roster makes up the last half of the book.
Book Summary/Review:
SOPO Siege of Petersburg Book Notes:
Publisher: The History Press
Publication Date: 2019
ISBN-13: 978-1-4671-4150-5
Links to Read/Buy:
Can you tell me their activities during the siege of Petersburg and the appomattox campaign?
bryce
Bryce,
They were never in a pitched battle. Typically they ran messages for General Lee, collected and guarded prisoners, and performed the usual duties of a provost guard. Some men were detached to the Valley too to serve with Early and perform the same duties.
Brett