A Fine Introduction to Battle: Hood's Texas Brigade at the Battle of Eltham's Landing May 7 1862

The Battle of Elthams Landing on May 7 1862 was the baptism by fire for the Texas Brigade of Gen. John Bell Hood. The Texans distinguished themselves throughout the war as members of Robert E. Lees Army of Northern Virginia. The Battle of Elthams Landing was considered small compared to the battles the brigade fought soon afterwards: Gaines Mill Second Manassas/Second Bull Run Sharpsburg/Antietam Gettysburg and Chickamauga. However the brunt of the fighting at Elthams Landing was done by the Texans. Hoods Texas Brigades first combat experience proved they were a force to be reckoned with. In these accounts the soldiers wrote how bravely the brigade fought in its first battle. Newspapers throughout Texas Georgia and the whole south expressed their pride about the gallantry and aggressiveness of Hoods Brigade in their first battle and began building the reputation of Hoods Texans becoming Robert E. Lees Grenadier Guard. Confederate General Gustavus Smith wrote the brunt of the contest was borne by the Texans and to them is due the largest share of the honors. This collection of source material and photographs provide a valuable view of this overlooked early battle through the eyes of the Texans that reflected pride not only in themselves but in fellow brigade members of the 18th Georgia and Hamptons Legion.