Spies, scouts, and secrets in the Gettysburg campaign : how the critical role of intelligence impacted the outcome of Lee's invasion of the North, June-July, 1863

“A fascinating book, and the most detailed account you will find about intelligence operations during the Gettysburg campaign.” —Dr. Vince Houghton, Historian/Curator, International Spy Museum, Washington, DC As intelligence experts have long asserted, “Information in regard to the enemy is the indispensable basis of all military plans.” Despite the thousands of books and articles written about Gettysburg, Tom Ryan’s groundbreaking Spies, Scouts, and Secrets in the Gettysburg Campaign is the first to offer a unique and incisive comparative study of intelligence operations during what many consider the war’s decisive campaign. Based upon years of indefatigable research, the author evaluates how Gen. Robert E. Lee used intelligence resources, including cavalry, civilians, newspapers, and spies to gather information about Union activities during his invasion of the North in June and July 1863, and how this information guided Lee’s decision-making. Simultaneously, Ryan explores the effectiveness of the Union Army of the Potomac’s intelligence and counterintelligence operations. Both Maj. Gens. Joe Hooker and George G. Meade relied upon cavalry, the Signal Corps, and an intelligence staff known as the Bureau of Military Information that employed innovative concepts to gather, collate, and report vital information from a variety of sources. Winner, The Bachelder-Coddington Literary Award, given annually by the Robert E. Lee Civil War Round Table of Central New Jersey Winner, Distinguished Book Award, given annually by the Gettysburg Civil War Round Table of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania As intelligence experts have long asserted, "Information in regard to the enemy is the indispensable basis of all military plans." Despite the thousands of books and articles written about Gettysburg, Tom Ryan's groundbreaking Spies, Scouts, and Secrets in the Gettysburg How the Critical Role of Intelligence Impacted the Outcome of Lee's Invasion of the North, June - July 1863 is the first to offer a unique and incisive comparative study of intelligence operations during what many consider the war's decisive campaign. Based upon years of indefatigable research, the author evaluates how Gen. Robert E. Lee used intelligence resources, including cavalry, civilians, newspapers, and spies to gather information about Union activities during his invasion of the North in June and July 1863, and how this intelligence influenced General Lee's decisions. Simultaneously, Ryan explores the effectiveness of the Union Army of the Potomac's intelligence and counterintelligence operations. Both Maj. Gens. Joe Hooker and George G. Meade relied upon cavalry, the Signal Corps, and an intelligence staff known as the Bureau of Military Information that employed innovative concepts to gather, collate, and report vital information from a variety of sources. The result is an eye-opening, day-by-day analysis of how and why the respective army commanders implemented their strategy and tactics, with an evaluation of their respective performance as they engaged in a battle of wits to learn the enemy's location, strength, and intentions. Spies, Scouts, and Secrets in the Gettysburg Campaign is grounded upon a broad foundation of archival research and a firm understanding of the theater of operations that specialists will especially value. Everyone will appreciate reading about a familiar historic event from a perspective that is both new and enjoyable. One thing is no one will close this book and look at the Gettysburg Campaign in the same way again. As Intelligence Experts Have Long Asserted, Information In Regard To The Enemy Is The Indispensable Basis Of All Military Plans. Despite The Thousands Of Books And Articles Written About Gettysburg, Tom Ryan S Groundbreaking Spies, Scouts, And Secrets In The Gettysburg Campaign: How The Critical Role Of Intelligence Impacted The Outcome Of Lee S Invasion Of The North, June July 1863 Is The First To Offer A Unique And Incisive Comparative Study Of Intelligence Operations During What Many Consider The War S Decisive Campaign. Prologue: Tullahoma: June 24-july 4, 1863 -- Intelligence Resources: Army Of The Potomac -- Intelligence Resources: Army Of Northern Virginia -- Intelligence Plans And Operations -- Analyzing The Enemy's Intentions: Mid-may To Early June -- Deciphering The Enemy's Movements: June 3 To 7 -- The Invasion Commences: Struggling To Outwit The Opponent, June 8-13 -- Searching For Lee: June 14-16 -- Screening The Army From Prying Eyes: June 17-21 -- Absence Of Coordination Undermines Lee's Objectives: June 22 To 25 -- Maneuvering For Advantage: June 26 To 27 -- A Spy Brings News Of The Enemy: June 28 To 29 -- All Signs Point To Gettysburg: June 30 To July 1 -- Intense Effort To Gain The Intelligence Advantage: July 2 -- Lee's Flawed Assumptions: July 3 -- Lee Retreats As Meade Deliberates: July 4 To 5 -- A Battle Of Wits And A Test Of Wills: July 6-11 -- The Controversial Escape: July 12 To 14. By Thomas J. Ryan. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 4490462) And Index. As intelligence experts have long asserted, ""Information in regard to the enemy is the indispensable basis of all military plans."" Despite the thousands of books and articles written about Gettysburg, Tom Ryan's groundbreaking Spies, Scouts, and Secrets in the Gettysburg Campaign: How the Critical Role of Intelligence Impacted the Outcome of Lee's Invasion of the North, June - July 1863 is the first to offer a unique and incisive comparative study of intelligence operations during what many consider the war's decisive campaign. Based upon years of indefatigable research, the author evaluates