The War for Southern Independence
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William Tecumseh Sherman, resting his troops in Savannah, declared, When I go through South Carolina, it will be one of the most horrible things in the history of the world. The devil himself couldn’t restrain my men in that state.

Sherman’s cavalry commander, Union Brigadier Hugh Judson Kilpatrick reportedly spent $5,000 in Savannah for matches for his troopers. Kilpatrick, better known as Kill Cav for his rashness in battle that got his own men killed, was obnoxious, boastful, and a notorious womanizer. At Savannah, he told his corps, In after years when travelers passing through South Carolina shall see chimney stacks without houses, and the country desolate, and shall ask who did this? Some Yankee will answer: Kilpatricks Cavalry! His men would soon leave a scorched swath across South Carolina burning homes, farms, mill, forests, and even churches. Headquarters Cavalry Command Blackville, Feb. 8, 1865

Major-General Sherman:

General: I will encamp to night at Williston and de­stroy some track; February 9 (will be) at or before Windsor, and the following day make demonstrations toward Augusta. Will, if prudent, destroy Government property at Aiken, and as much railroad as possible and return to Windsor. I will be prudent, bold, but not rash.

Very respectfully, J. Kilpatrick Brevet Major-General

After sending that message, Kilpatrick crossed into what is now Aiken County near White Pond and engaged with Col. Charles C. Crew’s regiment of Major General Joe Wheeler's Cavalry. The Battle of Aiken had begun.

The book details the battle which occurred Sunday morning, February 11th, 1865. This battle marked the last victory for the Confederacy as General Wheeler and his men save Augusta from destruction by Kilpatrick's men.

The Battle of Aiken has also been made into a feature length movie which is based on the book. The producer, Chris Forbes has also created a documentary on the battle and the annual reanctment.

The Battle of Aiken Paperback $14.95
The Battle of Aiken Movie $20.00
The Battle of Aiken Book & Movie Combo $34.95
The Battle of Aiken Documentary $15.00