I received a new editorial review for my nonfiction book, Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses. As the title gives away, the book is about famous horses that served for the Confederacy, including Traveller, Little Sorrel, King Philip, and more. This editorial is very flattering, and I appreciate it very much. Thank you, Elise Morgan, for your outstanding review!
“A Cinematic and Heart-Wrenching Masterwork of Equine History.”
In the vast sea of Civil War literature, rarely does a book emerge that fundamentally changes how we perceive the conflict’s most loyal participants. J.D.R. Hawkins, a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, has achieved exactly that with Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses. This isn’t just a history book; it is a vivid, breathtaking resurrection of the silent spirits that galloped through the smoke of the 1860s.
Hawkins, uniquely positioned as one of the few female voices expertly navigating the Confederate perspective, brings her award-winning narrative flair to this definitive non-fiction study. She moves beyond the cold statistics of war to explore the “second self” of the soldier—the horse. This long-awaited volume offers a staggering level of detail that will captivate historians and animal lovers alike.
Inside this comprehensive legacy, Hawkins unveils:
The Legendary Portraits: Deeply researched biographical sketches of immortalized mounts such as Lee’s Traveller, Jackson’s Little Sorrel, and the thirty horses of Nathan Bedford Forrest, bringing their individual personalities and courage to light.
The Science of the Cavalry: A fascinating deep dive into the 19th-century equine husbandry and the strategic logic behind choosing specific breeds, temperaments, and colors for the rigors of the front lines.
The Grit of the Campaign: A sobering and necessary look at the harrowing realities of wartime veterinary care, the logistics of forage, and the heartbreaking life expectancy of these noble creatures under fire.
A Cultural Immortalization: An exploration of how these horses were acquired, how they were named, and the ways in which they have been etched into the American sociopolitical landscape.
Documented with impeccable academic rigor and written with the emotional depth of a world-class novelist, Horses in Gray is a triumph of historical preservation. Hawkins has crafted a mind-blowing, eye-catching tribute that ensures these brave animals are never forgotten. This is, without question, the gold standard for equine military history.
I’m very excited to announce that my nonfiction book, Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses, now has its own book trailer! I am so fortunate to have such talented family members who are willing to help me with the design, editing, and promotion of my books! Here is another trailer that my son, Jesse, created for me. He also did the book trailers for A Beautiful Glittering Lie:
Please check it out and let me know what you think! Thanks again, Jess, for all your help!
Horses in Gray tells the story of several famous as well as not so famous horses that served under the Confederacy during the Civil War. These include, Traveller, Little Sorrel, Black Bess, Virginia, and King Philip, to name a few. Never before has there been such a comprehensive look at Confederate military horses in the Civil War and their lives before, during, and after battle.
I don’t write about my nonfiction book as much as I should, so you probably don’t know too much about it. Several years ago, I was inspired to write about the horses that were involved in the War Between the States, and chose to specifically discuss those that served for the Confederacy. The book has been published by Arcadia Publishing (Pelican) and is available in several Civil War battlefield giftshops, including Gettysburg.
Last week, I discovered that the book received two five-star reviews, so I thought I would share them with you. Thank you so much, Emily Anne and Antoine M., for your awesome reviews!
This book offers an impressive and thorough exploration of Confederate military horses during the Civil War. Robert E. Lee’s Traveller, Stonewall Jackson’s Little Sorrel, and many others are profiled in detail, giving readers insight not only into their roles in battle but also into their lives, care, and lineages.
The author does an excellent job explaining why certain breeds and colors were preferred for specific tasks, how horses were acquired, and the factors contributing to their survival or death in wartime conditions. The inclusion of personal stories behind the horses’ names and their lasting legacy adds depth and humanity to the narrative.
What sets this work apart is its combination of meticulous research and engaging storytelling. It provides both historical context and vivid detail, making the horses’ experiences tangible and memorable. This is a must-read for Civil War enthusiasts, military historians, and anyone interested in the often-overlooked role of animals in history.
This book truly changed the way I view the Civil War. I had never considered the immense suffering endured by military horses. The sections explaining why certain breeds were chosen and why so many horses died from disease, exhaustion, or injury were heartbreaking but important. The story of Thomas J. and Little Sorrel stayed with me long after I finished reading. Hawkins does an excellent job honoring these animals while grounding the narrative in solid historical research.
Today I am being highlighted on Bizz Buzz. This is a very special honor, and I am humbled to be featured on such a prestigious website. Here is the article. Once again, thank you so much for being part of my writing journey!
The Enduring Narrative of the American Civil War: Historical Fiction Through a Southern Lens.
An in-depth look at the Renegade Series and how award-winning author J.D.R. Hawkins brings authenticity, moral complexity, and historical depth to Civil War fiction.
The American historical fiction literature is greatly enriched with the Civil War stories, which remain to be interesting and challenging the reader with their complicated moral, political and personal dilemmas. One of the most popular subgenres is the exploration of the conflict by the experiences of the front line and the home front. These novels tend to be crucial channels through which the human cost and the divergent ideologies that determined the most defining internal conflict in the nation can be comprehended. One of these niches in this genre is depicting the war as seen by the Confederate side.
This perspective, which female writers discuss less, has its own difficulties in historical study, characterization and narration, and requires a high level of sensitivity and attention to detail, in order to be able to capture the socio-political atmosphere of the middle of the 19th century.
The ability to combine an enormous amount of historical detail with the ability to tell the story through characters is the hallmark of the authors who are able to bring this turbulent period to life and provide the contemporary readers with a detailed and vivid insight into the crucial moment of American history.
The literary works that are critically and commercially successful in this genre are those that have been acclaimed by historical societies and literary institutions due to their observance of authenticity and other awards that are founded on their richness and breadth.
J.D.R. Hawkins: Chronicling the Confederate Experience in theRenegade Series
J.D.R. Hawkins was born on June 9, 1959 in the United States of America and she is a renowned American author that has well established herself in historical fiction, especially in her famous series known as the Renegade Series. It is the epic effort of novels devoted to the description of the cruel and even painful life of a Confederate soldier and his family during the Civil War and the first post-war period in the USA.
Hawkins is a unique female writer in the literary world because few other female writers have dealt with the narrative of the Civil War specifically with the Confederate or Southern perspective. She is devoted to this view, and her writing is marked by an in-depth study of history that gives her character plots a certain air of deep authenticity.
The story of Hawkins in the world of writing started in her early years when her parents supported her artistic interests and provided her with a solid education. Hawkins was born in Sioux City, Iowa and studied her academic interests by receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism at the Iowa State University. This journalistic rigor was probably the cause of the attention to detail and careful research that would characterize her subsequent historical fiction. Hawkins began her career in writing short stories, articles, and even children books before she finally settled on her main subject, the complicated period of the Civil War, by writing her first full-length novels.
The literary heritage of the author is centered on the so-called Renegade Series, which is an impressive, panoramic depiction of the lives of people involved in the war. The story is the journey of a Confederate cavalryman and his family over the years of fierce battles and social turmoil, their emotional and physical survival.
Deep Dive into the Renegade Series
The show consists of four major seasons, each of which has received considerable critical and commercial recognition:
A Beautiful Glittering Lie: A Novel of the Civil War
This novel was written in 2021 and is a good start to the series. Early critical acclaim saw Hawkins win the 2013 John Esten Cooke Fiction Award and the 2012 B.R.A.G. Medallion, as well as its historical fact and its effective story. Even the very name of the novel suggests the grimness behind the romance or ideology of war, which predetermines the cold-blooded look at the war in the series.
A Beckoning Hellfire: A Novel of the Civil War
The second sequel, also released in 2021, picks up the story, delving into the emotional and physical price paid by the war. The novel also solidified Hawkins as an author of good historical fiction, as it is considered to be an award-winning sequel and even won the 2022 B.R.A.G. Medallion. The title brings out the merciless and devastating Civil War battles that the characters are involved in.
A Rebel Among Us: A Novel of the Civil War
Published in 2021, this book continues to be of high standards as its predecessors. It won the 2017 John Esten Cooke Fiction Award and also won the 2022 B.R.A.G. Medallion, which underscores the uniformity of literary quality of the series. The story is centered on the mounting internal and external stress of people who were loyal to the confederate cause.
Double-Edged Sword: A Novel of Reconstruction
The latest volume in the series, which was published in 2022, continues the story past the end of the war to the confusing and turbulent era of Reconstruction. Entering this critical period of the postwar, Hawkins gives a full account of the long-term effects of the war on both the soldier and his family. The novel has been well-known, having won the 2022 B.R.A.G. Medallion and the 2023 John Esten Cooke Fiction Award, proving the quality and longevity of the work of the author.
Broader Literary Contributions and Acclaim
Hawkins has also made a contribution to the historical record in her nonfiction book, Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses. This is a specialized writing that examines the important and in most cases unnoticed contributions made by horses in the Civil War that describe the importance of horses in war and military activities. She has also written a short story, A Becharmed Callie Christmas, which is a festive, character-oriented interlude relating to the larger world of the Renegade Series.
Hawkins is as commercially successful as she is critically acclaimed. She has been acclaimed as a bestseller by the significant sites, such as Amazon, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal, and this fact demonstrates her wide popularity among a wide audience. She has managed to strike the right balance between historical precision and her narrative style, which has been well-received by critics and the audience.
Professional Affiliations and Personal Background
Hawkins has a close affiliation with the historical and literary circles. She has also been a part of different elite societies like the United Daughters of the Confederacy which can be attributed to be her dedication to the history and heritage of the Southern experience. Her literary associations include The International Women Writing Guild, Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, and Pikes Peak Writers, another thing that proves her interest in the art and support of other writers. She also belongs to the Historical Novel Society and this only serves to solidify her credentials in the genre.
Hawkins also lives a rich life outside of writing on a personal level. She has a family of her own, including two sons whom she has brought up together with her husband in the course of their 40 years of marriage and has a daughter-in-law and two grandsons. Her artistic talents are not limited to literature since she is also an artist and a singer/songwriter whose artistic commitment has been evident throughout her life. The work of J.D.R. Hawkins and especially the extensively researched and much-acclaimed Renegade Series is a major contribution to the genre of historical fiction, that is, telling the complex and humanized story of the American Civil War and the Reconstruction era as it happened through the lens of a Confederate family.
Four of my books, A Beautiful Glittering Lie, A Beckoning Hellfire, A Rebel Among Us, and Double-Edged Sword, are being featured in an article appearing on INSCMagazine. These are the first four books in the Renegade Series, which tell the story of a family from north Alabama and how the Civil War impacts them. Here is the link to that article:
Stay tuned for more news coming up! I’ll be working on a couple of podcasts next week, as well as more articles and features. Thank you all so very much for your ongoing support!
I’m a big fan of critters. Right now, I have downsized to two dachshunds and two kitties. I also love horses but could never own one because we lived in the city. Some of my favorite memories, though, are when my sister and I went to my aunt and uncle’s farm during the summer and went horseback riding with our cousins. In fact, I adore horses so much that I wrote a book about them, titled Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses. I felt like these magnificent beasts deserved to have their stories told rather than having them lost to history. I also love hearing about the pets that soldiers had during the Civil War. I’ll be sharing more stories about them in upcoming posts.
Meanwhile, I wanted to share this story about a mule who dutifully served with the 104 Ohio Volunteers, named May Me. She was so special that they have honored her with a statue!
Lt. Adam J. Weaver, 104th Ohio Volunteer, wrote to his wife between November 26 and the early morning of November 30, 1864, asking her to mark locations, times, and dates on a map he had sent earlier. He described the 6th Ohio placing a two-gun battery “pulled by mules, trained to lie down in action.” The lead mule, May Me, wore an old felt hat with holes cut for her ears.
In commemoration of this unique historical detail, the Battle of Franklin Trust has commissioned a life-sized bronze of May Me, the 6th Ohio Light Artillery’s leader mule.
With approval from the City of Franklin Arts Council, May Me will be placed in Carter Hill Park’s artillery display, enriching the site’s historical interpretation. Lieutenant Weaver’s account highlights the role of a single mule much like that of a soldier, offering a rare glimpse into the significance of animals in war. This documented detail from Franklin also invites exploration of battles like Stones River (December 31, 1862–January 2, 1863), where thousands of horses and mules perished.
If you would like to donate to the May Me the Mule project, gifts may be directed to The Battle of Franklin Trust, 1345 Eastern Flank Circle, Franklin, TN 37064. or online at https://boft.org/battlefield-reclamation.
(Article courtesy of Blue and Gray Education Society)
The Civil War was a time of unparalleled courage, sacrifice, and resilience. While much attention is given to the soldiers who fought bravely on the battlefield, it’s easy to overlook another group of heroes who played a crucial role in shaping history: the Confederate warhorses. These steadfast companions bore the weight of war—literally and figuratively—and their contributions were extraordinary.
More Than Just Mounts Confederate warhorses were far more than a means of transportation. They were indispensable partners in battle, carrying their riders into the chaos of war and back again. These animals endured grueling conditions, including hunger, exhaustion, and injury, while remaining loyal to their masters. The bond between soldiers and their horses was deeply personal. Many soldiers regarded their steeds as extensions of themselves, trusting them for survival and emotional support during one of the most challenging periods in American history.
“Horses in Gray”: A Legacy of Bravery The term “Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses” doesn’t just refer to their role in the Confederate army and highlights their loyalty and valor. These warhorses often demonstrated incredible intelligence and bravery, navigating battlefields filled with cannon fire and chaos.
From leading cavalry charges to carrying messages across enemy lines, these horses were integral to the success of Confederate military operations. Without their unwavering service, many key battles might have ended differently.
The Emotional Connection What set Confederate warhorses apart wasn’t just their physical endurance and the deep emotional connection they shared with their riders. Soldiers often spoke of their horses with affection, recounting tales of loyalty and trust.
These animals weren’t seen as mere tools of war; they were companions who shared in the hardship and dangers of battle. For many, losing a horse was akin to losing a comrade. This bond underscored the unique relationship between humans and animals during adversity.
Sacrifices on the Battlefield The sacrifices made by these horses were staggering. They carried soldiers through treacherous terrain, stood firm under fire, and often paid the ultimate price. Yet, despite the dangers, these animals remained steadfast, demonstrating a courage that rivaled that of the soldiers they served.
It’s no wonder that the stories of “Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses” continue to resonate. These tales remind us of the sacrifices made by humans and the animals who stood beside them.
Honoring Their Legacy Today, the contributions of Confederate warhorses serve as a poignant reminder of the unbreakable bond between humans and animals. Their stories highlight their vital role in one of the most tumultuous periods in American history.
By remembering these unsung heroes, we honor their sacrifices and the resilience and bravery that defined their legacy. Whether leading the charge or providing a moment of solace amidst the chaos, Confederate warhorses truly earned their place in history.
The next time you reflect on the Civil War, take a moment to consider the horses who gallantly carried their riders into the fray. Their loyalty, strength, and courage were as essential to the war effort as the soldiers they served, and their legacy lives on in the stories of Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses.
For more information, check out my nonfiction book, Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses, available on my website, jdrhawkins.com and amazon.com.
J.D.R. Hawkins 