"Last Chance for Victory - Scott Bowden talk at Historicon" Topic

[Scott Bowden asked me to post this for him — Matt]

Dear Forum Members,

Ever since MHGS' release of the "Preliminary Events List" at the upcoming
Historicon in Lancaster, Pa., I have received several calls and emails from
folks inquiring about the 5PM Saturday talk on Robert E. Lee and Gettysburg. As
with those individuals who contacted me about the Napoleonic talk earlier that
day, I have always enjoyed answering these calls and emails, and wanted to
post a brief summary of what I intend to cover during the hour talk.

It is my honor to be able to present "Last Chance for Victory," that, given
the time limitation, will be a synopsis and analysis of Robert E. Lee's
generalship in the pivotal Gettysburg campaign. Of the many aspects of this
talk, I
intend to cover:

1) the reasons behind Lee's summer offensive and the execution of this move;

2) the detaching of Jeb Stuart and his subsequent decision that violated
Lee's all-important restraining orders;

3) the controversy involving the orders to, and the failure of, Dick Ewell to
pursue the defeated Federals on 1 July 1863;

4) Lee's command decisions on arguably his most crucial day ever as a
soldier, that being 2 July 1863,

and much, much more.

For many of you in attendance that already have "Last Chance for Victory,"
this will be your first opportunity to discuss this book with me, and I
sincerely look forward to visiting with many of you at the Military History
Press
booth. Hardbound copies of "Last Chance for Victory: Robert E .Lee and the
Gettysburg Campaign" will be available for sale and I will be glad to sign your
copy.

See you soon.

Regards,

Scott Bowden

Is this the same person as Scotty Bowden of years ago?

dunno, I know it IS NOT the Scotty from the starship Enterprise though…

Yes, I do believe it is.

I attended one of his talks circa 1980 – "Telescoping Time Concept." Informative and accessible. Too bad it was in a college lecture room during the Summer in 80+ degree heat. Widener College I think.

Hi Guys:

The talk covers, obviously, the book (LAST CHANCE FOR VICTORY:Robert E. Lee and the Gettysburg Campaign) and some of its major themes.

At last count, I have delivered more than 320 talks on the myriad of aspects covered in this book to many ACW groups and CW round tables from Virginia to Hawaii, and Matt DeLaMater of Military History Press thought it a good idea to be sure and let members of TMP know about the talk.

Let's hope the air conditioning does not fail (yes, it was at the Widener College that the temp in that room was over 90 degrees).

Hope to see yoou there.

Regards,

S

well, i know a real TEXAN wouldn't be phased in the slightest at 90 degree temperature…in fact they might ask for a jacket..little cool in this here room..

I do recall Scott from a long ago Columbus, Ohio symposium with Dr Chandler [1981?82?], and others [Dr Rothenburg I believe also?] a neat symposium on Napoleonic topics militaire..

and of course a few years ago he gave a talk at the Napoleonic Society of America conference in Las Vegas [Paris Hotel/Casino location naturally]…quite dapper in a tux there cowboy Scot…I'll have to check my photos. oh and I'll bring my book. Scott can we bring other books for you to autograph?
thanks,

rick caras

Of course, RIck, I'll be glad to sign all of them.

And you know, just to get into "temp shape," we've been having 100+ degree days down here, so I'm ready for that cold front of only 90 degrees.

See ya there…

Scott

P.S.- So why hasn't the NSA ever gone back to Paris/Las Vegas? Too much fun there for its members? I don't get it. I'd go to the conference ever year if it was in Las Vegas.-SB

"P.S.- So why hasn't the NSA ever gone back to Paris/Las Vegas? Too much fun there for its members? I don't get it. I'd go to the conference ever year if it was in Las Vegas.-SB"

Same here Scott, I'd go every year too. See i could convince the wife easily…I'd go to the conference sessions, she'd play at the craps table and we'd get together for lunch dinner etc….

worked for us back then too….of course it would help if she could WIN at craps…but she does like to roll dice, like any good gamer.

This years NSA is in the northwest, so another i won't make.

Boy, how right you are, Rick. The last NSA conference I went to was the one at Paris/Las Vegas.

So, Rick, I will join with you in NOT going to Seattle; the last place I want to be in the Pacific NW where one is always being rained on…

And like you and Scott, I would go to Vegas every year if the convention was held there.

Me ke aloha,
MJ