Maj. Gen. Joseph Wheeler served in two armies; playing a major role in the development of Confederate cavalry in the Civil War's western theater; and; more than thirty years afterwards; commanded troops in the Spanish-American War. After leaving the U.S. Army to join the Confederacy; Wheeler served in artillery and infantry units before joining the cavalry. Subsequently; he fought at Shiloh; the Battle of Murfreesboro; and other engagements. As a cavalry commander in the Army of Tennessee from mid-1862 almost to the war's end; he raided Gen. William T. Sherman's lines of communication and contested his advance in the final Carolinas campaign. In addition to detailing Wheeler's Civil War experience; Edward Longacre discusses Wheeler's youth and education at West Point; his pre-Civil War service in the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen; his postwar business; his political career as a congressman from Alabama; and his colorful service in Cuba as a major general of volunteers during the Spanish-American War. Longacre also seeks to correct errors and misconceptions about this Civil War figure that have become a part of the public record; making Joseph Wheeler's life and career accessible to a new generation of readers. A Soldier to the Last will be a valuable addition to the library of anyone interested in Civil War history and U.S. military history.
#3222581 in Books White Mane Pub 1996-05Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 6.25 x .50l; #File Name: 157249011X116 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Family BookBy BartAccounts from a journal; about a father and his sons; written during the US Civil War. Jacob was my Great-great-grandfather.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A Farmer's Account of Civil War Years in VirginiaBy ColindaThis slim volume is basically a diary with extensive footnotes. Jacob R. Hildebrand was a Mennonite farmer living in the Shenandoah Valley not far from Staunton. Unlike many Mennonites; his sons did not apply for an exemption but chose to enlist as Confederate soldiers. The eldest served in the 52d Virginia Infantry and the other two served in the 1st Virginia Cavalry.Jacob kept a journal noting matters significant to a farmer and active church member: weather changes; planting; marriages; and so on. When the Civil War came to the Shenandoah; he recorded military events that affected his family and community. Many entries are short:"Monday 5th -- planting corn; Gen. Jacksons army is in Staunton. Cloudy and some Rain."Jacob's great-grandson John Hildebrand contributed a prologue plus introductions to each section; setting the scene and enabling readers to relate the journal to military actions. He also wrote extensive footnotes for each chapter.I was surprised that Jacob often rode to the camps to see his sons and take them supplies; riding long distances. He sometimes wrote out prayers for their safety.Tragically; one of his sons was killed at the very end of the war; one week before Lee's surrender. On April 17; his father went to look for him and learned that he had died and was buried without a coffin. Eventually he brought the body home to be buried at the Mennonite Church.This book is illustrated with three photos; two maps; and copies of some military documents.3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Interesting personal account of the Civil WarBy Kim HornThis book is interesting to Civil War buffs because it talks about the battles that happen near his farm and he gives detailed accounts of taxes paid and items that were impressed from him by Confederate troups. There are some gaps in the dates. It would also be interesting for anyone doing Mennonite genealogy or research in the Shenandoah Valley because he talks about the annual conference and gives details about marriages; deaths in his congregation; etc.
