JJRiecke

One more week until The Hunt Is On will be live on Amazon!!

In my second book, The Battle Becomes Real, my primary protagonist, George Groff, finds himself at the Battle of Fredericksburg with the 132nd PA Infantry. What he saw and experienced caused him great physical and emotional pain. Many young men in 1862, experienced the same battle for their soul during the civil war.

162 YEARS AGO
Battle of Fredericksburg (Virginia)
December 13, 1862

This is the original section of the stone wall below Marye's Heights. The small, white Innis House still retains visible battle damage. From the times I’ve visited the battlefield and walked along this Sunken Road, I’ve paused at various locations and attempted to imagine hundreds of Southern riflemen firing and reloading their rifles behind the protection of this wall.

Additionally, I’ve tried to visualize my Great-Great-Grandfather advancing across the then open plain and toward this position with the 123rd Pennsylvania Infantry from hundreds of yards beyond. Very fortunately, he survived this charge — his true combat test of the war. Along with thousands of other Union soldiers from other scattered and beaten back units, he would have been forced to take cover on the cold, sloping ground. You can’t help but appreciate and learn from this history… especially when it’s personal…

📸 Photo by Matthew Holzman

Did you know that women made a huge difference in the civil war? I’ve been doing some historical research this morning. More to come in Book 4!!