Grant's Cavalryman: The Life and Wars of General James H. Wilson

by Edward G. Longacre

11 b/w photos 3 drawings 4 maps 6 x 9 "Edward Longacre marshals his facts, both for and against General Wilson, in a well-researched and well-written book." -Jay Monaghan, American Historical Review At the start of the Civil War, the cavalry of the Union army seemed habitually to lag behind its Confederate opponents. It was not for want of brave men or good animals. The fault, rather, laid in the least glorious aspect of all military branches-organization and administration. Once Union authorities applied some system to their cavalry service, telling results rewarded their efforts. More than anyone else, the man responsible for that success was Grant's cavalryman, Gen. James H. Wilson. Drawing from a host of sources unused by previous historians and marked by a dramatic narrative, Edward G. Longacre's Grant's Cavalryman is the only modern biography of the man who revolutionized the Union cavalry.

Genres: Civil War

320 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1996

Reviews

[Braxton Bird]

This was a great read!

Edward G. Longacre did a great job describing the life of James H. Wilson. Unlike some history books, it did not drag. There was a lot of interesting facts about this unspoken hero and about the Civil War that I could not find anywhere online. The best part was that the author did not idolize the character. He showed that General Wilson had his faults, but also that he shouldn't be defined by them. For anyone who wants to learn more about the hardships of the managing a war, of the complexities of mid to late 1800's, and several amazing moments of bravery and integrity, I highly recommend this book to you.

[William Keyser]

James H. Wilson proud member of the "Get There Gang"

This was a remarkable book about a man, his driven passion, unbridled courage, and extreme patriotism. He was the only man that Nathan Bedford Forrest said bested him. That says a great deal. Outspoken, quick to make enemies, but history shows that he was right much more than he was wrong. He worked under many great men and they trusted him. At 27 years old he was a Major General and had earned his stripes the hard way.