First Book in Schmutz’s Definitive Two-Volume Study Explores History of Legendary Texas Regiment—“The Bloody Fifth”

EL DORADO HILLS, CA: June 20, 2016 – Savas Beatie recently announced the release of the first volume of award-winning author John F. Schmutz’s magnificent two-volume work, “The Bloody Fifth”—The 5th Texas Infantry, Hood’s Texas Brigade, Army of Northern Virginia, the first full-length study to document this fabled regimental command.

Volume 1: Secession to the Suffolk Campaign opens the regiment’s rich history from the withdrawal of the Lone Star State from the Union and the organization of ten independent east and central Texas companies, through the spring of 1863 and its complex and often misunderstood mission around Suffolk, Virginia. The 5th’s battlefield prowess was demonstrated early in its inaugural fighting on the Virginia peninsula in early 1862, but the regiment earned its enduring nickname later that year at Second Manassas by attacking and crushing the New York Zouaves. Flushed with victory, the Texans pushed through the disintegrating Federal lines and outdistanced not only the remainder of the brigade but also the rest of the Confederate army. The 5th Texas, boasted Gen. John Bell Hood in his official report, had “slipped the bridle.” The undying sobriquet “The Bloody Fifth” was now part of American military history.

Schmutz’s definitive study is based upon years of archival and battlefield research that uncovered hundreds of primary sources, many never before used. The result is not only a lively account of the regiment’s marches and battles but also a personal look into the lives of these Texans as they struggled to survive a vicious war more than 1,000 miles from home. The second installment, Gettysburg to Appomattox, will complete the history.

“John F. Schmutz’s ‘The Bloody Fifth’ is, to date, the most comprehensive, thoroughly researched account of the 5th Texas Infantry and belongs in the library of every serious student of the Civil War,” said John Michael Priest, author of “Stand to It and Give Them Hell”: Gettysburg as the Soldiers Experienced it From Cemetery Ridge to Little Round Top.

The author is pleased with the end result of his efforts. “The writing process has been a richly rewarding one,” Schmutz stated, “and hopefully, its product will rightfully underscore the history of this courageous band of men whose complete story had remained untold.”

About the Author: John F. Schmutz enjoyed a successful career as a corporate attorney and has maintained a lifelong fascination with all aspects of the Civil War. When he is not researching and writing, John enjoys playing golf and traveling internationally. A veteran of the U.S. Army and a native of Oneida, New York, he lives with his wife in San Antonio, Texas. His first book was The Battle of the Crater: A Complete History (2009).

About Savas Beatie LLC: Savas Beatie LLC is a leading military and general history publishing company. Read more about “The Bloody Fifth,” Volume I, including excerpts from the book: http://tinyurl.com/z7ru674.

Contact: Renee Morehouse, Savas Beatie LLC
Email: [email protected]

Phone: 916-941-6896, Fax: 916-941-6895