This groundbreaking study chronicles the final battles in Virginia at Appomattox Station and Appomattox Court House in April 1865. Author Chris Calkins, who recently retired as the Site Manager at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park, is widely recognized as the war’s foremost authority on the battles of Appomattox and the Appomattox Campaign. “No One Wants to Be the Last to Die” leads readers through the final two days of combat in Virginia, detailing the climactic events at Appomattox Station and Appomattox Court House.

Calkins, whose knowledge of the sources and the countryside through which this drama unfolds is unsurpassed, has completely revised and updated this edition of his earlier work published decades ago as part of the H. E. Howard Virginia Battles and Leaders Series. Readers will welcome its return to print.

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• Acknowledgments : (H. E. Howard, 1987 Printing)
• Acknowledgments : (Savas Beatie, 2023 edition)
• Preface
• Chapter I April 7–8: Departure from Cumberland Church Battlefield by the Confederate Army
• Chapter II The Capture of the Trains and the Battle of Appomattox Station
• Chapter III Confederates Prepare for the Breakthrough
• Chapter IV The Army of the James Arrives on the Field
• Chapter V The Confederates Fall Back
• Chapter VI General R. L. Walker’s Artillery Disbands
• Chapter VII The Confederate Army Goes into Bivouac
• Photo Gallery
• Appendix I Southern Claims Commission: Appomattox County
• Appendix II Itineraries
• Appendix III Mileage Table: From Farmville to Appomattox
• Appendix IV Weather Reports: Southside Virginia, April–May 1865
• Appendix V Vignettes on the Last Casualties
• Appendix VI Casualties in the Battles of Appomattox Station and Court House
• Appendix VII Organization of the C.S. and Union Forces
• Bibliography
• About the Author