"This innovative volume examines 14 case studies in which the tide of battle turned on written orders, including Balls Bluff, Fredericksburg, Vicksburg, Gettysburg and Chickamauga. The importance of this seemingly clerical task, this work shows, equaled that of tactics, manpower, and supplies in determining the course of the Civil War"--Provided by publisher.

Balls Bluff -- The First Battle of Winchester -- The Battles of Mechanicsville and Gaines Mill -- Malvern Hill -- The Second Battle of Bull Run -- The Maryland Campaign of September 1862 -- Perryville -- Fredericksburg -- Vicksburg -- Gettysburg -- Chickamauga -- Spring Hill -- The Battle of Five Forks.