No Retreat from Destiny: The Battle That Rescued Washington

Overview

The narrative unfolds during the Confederacy's final major invasion of the North in July 1864, culminating in a bold assault on Washington, D.C., which nearly crippled the Northern war effort. It traces the campaign from Richmond to Petersburg, then to Lynchburg, showcasing General Jubal Early's victories against two Union armies in the Shenandoah Valley. The Confederates then cross the Potomac River into Maryland, ransoming Frederick and Hagerstown. The crucial Battle of Monocacy on July 9, 1864, features a valiant stand by Union General Lew Wallace. Ultimately, the Confederates arrive at Washington's gates, missing their opportunity to seize the capital by mere moments, as the story highlights the experiences of those who fought and perished in Western Maryland's farmlands.