"Focusing on the period between mid-February and late May 1862, Newton examines in detail the high-level conferences in Richmond to set strategy and the relationship of the Peninsula campaign to operations in the Shenandoah Valley and the western Confederacy. By examining what [Joseph E.] Johnston actually accomplished rather than speculating on what he might have done, Newton shows that his overall conduct of the campaign holds up well under scrutiny". -- Jacket.

1.The General -- 2. The Department of Northern Virginia -- 3. Decision in Richmond -- 4. Withdrawal from the Frontier -- 5. Enter Lee -- 6. Should Yorktown Be Defended? -- 7. Decision in Richmond II -- 8. Isolated on the Peninsula -- 9. The Retreat from Yorktown -- 10. Defending Richmond -- 11. Seven Pines -- 12. Johnston's Campaign: An Assessment.