“Lockett and the Devil’s Path” is the fourth in a series of historical fiction by author T.J. Johnston, but it’s certainly readable as a standalone work. And fans of the series will not be disappointed as Mr. Johnston’s main character, James Lockett, is back, handily immersing himself in the day-to-day drama of the Civil War.
Mr. Johnston brings to light a significant campaign during the Civil War that has garnered less attention than larger battles. The work opens in March 1863 and focuses on the events leading to Tennessee’s Tullahoma Campaign in June of the same year. This successful campaign marked a turn in the Civil War: In less than two weeks, the Army of the Cumberland brilliantly outmaneuvered the Confederate Army of Tennessee, driving them out of Middle Tennessee. The Union secured a region rich in agriculture, which set up the Union Army strategically for major battles around Chattanooga, as well as the eventual struggle for Atlanta.
Maj. Gen. William S. Rosecrans led the Union forces. President Abraham Lincoln encouraged him to move faster against the Confederates led by Gen. Braxton Bragg. Rosecrans would not budge until he felt his forces were ready, but when he did strike out, it was with a masterful plan leading to their victory.
Christopher Spencer’s Invention
Mr. Johnston has done his scholarly homework, and Civil War buffs will appreciate these authentic details that are interwoven into his historical fiction. A key factor contributing to Rosecrans’s successful maneuverings was the Spencer rifle. Invented by Christopher Spencer, it was the world’s first military metallic-cartridge repeating rifle.Lockett, ever enterprising, encourages his superior officers to consider arming the troops with this innovative firearm. He arranges a demonstration clearly showing the advantages over the muzzle-loading rifle, which can only fire one shot at a time compared with the rapid-firing, seven-shot Spencer. His ardent support has an effect, and the Union Army adopts its use. So keen is the enthusiasm that many of the soldiers pay for the firearm out of their wages. At that time, a muzzle-loading Springfield rifle cost about $15. The Spencer cost about $40.
Tough Terrain
When the two armies eventually clash, they don’t have the luxury of an open field. A range of hills separates them. Does Rosecrans take his troops around or over? Does he divide them and send them in different directions? Readers will be drawn into the decision-making process told from the perspective of Capt. Lockett, who has his own views about the situation. He knows that his unit is at the forefront of the battle and will fire the first shots at the enemy.
Mr. Johnston has a host of fictional characters that emerge from the pages; some are friendly, and others are hostile. Anna Tucker plays prominently, as there are times when Lockett doesn’t know if she has been arrested as a spy or has cleverly eluded capture. There are interesting historical figures like James Garfield, who serves as chief of staff to Rosecrans. The two are able communicators, and Garfield has a hand in the management of the Army of the Cumberland and serves as an architect of the Tullahoma Campaign in 1863. Eighteen years later, in 1881, he will become the 20th president of the United States.
Pulled from historical regimental rosters, the fictional characters bear names that are accurate for the period. A new character introduced in the series is young Lt. Thomas Marian. He’s nervous and not quite sure how it will be serving under Capt. Lockett. There’s also a beguiling deception revealed in the character of Charlie—or is it Clarissa?—the young drummer who has secrets that unfold in intriguing ways through the narrative.
Mr. Johnston’s weaving of fact and fiction during this Civil War saga is enhanced with his poignant plots and subplots, vivid descriptions of his characters, colorful dialogue, and moral and ethical struggles. Readers will learn much about this military campaign fought in Tennessee during the Civil War and how it was orchestrated. Perhaps more importantly, the novel gives readers an appreciation for the hardships endured and the strength of character and courage to persevere during this era.
