With Lee in Virginia by George Alfred Henty is a captivating historical novel set during the American Civil War. The story follows the experiences of a young English boy named Vincent Wingfield, who travels to America to support the Confederate cause and ends up fighting alongside General Robert E. Lee.

Henty's writing is vivid and engaging, vividly portraying the harsh realities of war and the strong sense of patriotism that drives the characters. The author's attention to historical detail is commendable, as he seamlessly weaves in real-life events and figures to create a compelling narrative.

The characters in the novel are well-developed and relatable, particularly Vincent, whose growth and development throughout the story is both believable and inspiring. The relationships between the characters are also explored in depth, adding emotional depth to the overall plot.

Overall, With Lee in Virginia is a well-written and engaging historical novel that offers a unique perspective on the American Civil War. Henty's storytelling skills and attention to detail make this book a must-read for fans of historical fiction and military history.

Book Description:
Vincent Wingfield is the son of a wealthy Virginian planter. When the country goes to war, he enlists in the cavalry, and sees action under the various generals commanding the army in and near Virginia. He has several private adventures as well, including a personal enemy, prison escape, rescue of a young lady, spying expedition, and recovery of a stolen slave. He rises in rank in the Confederate army, and after the war is over, he marries and returns home to manage his mother's plantation.

Henty in this book gives an overview of the causes of the Civil War, and follows the battles and movements of the army in Virginia and the surrounding area. The issue of slavery is discussed several times from the viewpoint of an Englishman who detested the institution, but saw that most slaves on large plantations were well treated. While not an an exhaustive work, With Lee In Virginia covers the main generals (Lee, Jackson, Stuart, Grant, McClellan, Sherman, Pope, etc.) and the most important battles of the war in an interesting and instructive format.