ePub Lee's Maverick General: Daniel Harvey Hill by Hal Bridges in History

Review

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. ONE OF THE SOUTH'S MOST INSPIRING COURAGEOUS COMMANDERSBy Truth SeekerIt amazes me how historians still treat this man--either by shunning him completely as though he never existed; or by throwing out one-line epithets on his less-than magnanimous side; as though he were some one-dimensional cardboard cutout. Thankfully; the powers that be in the publishing world reissued this book; originally written in 1961; by Hal Bridges. It is well written researched. I read it through once am now studying it chapter by chapter.As a student of the American Civil War; I've been inexplicably drawn to D.H. Hill. Mr. Bridges' book is not a biography; but a "study" with biographical elements. Clearly; he likes his subject; yet remains objective throughout the book. Harvey Hill was a complex; somewhat conflicted; man--harsh at times yet incredibly gentle kind toward children; especially his own "babies" whom he adored. I find his sarcasm amusing; his superiors did not. He was a scholar who taught college; championed better agricultural practices southern education after the war. His many friends stood by him when Confederate egos prevailed he was singled out as the "scapegoat". Detailed accounts of these injustices; the mysterious "Lost Orders 191"; as well as the machinations blatant lies told by James Longstreet Leonidas Polk; and how he spent the rest of his life trying to clear his name; left this reader emotionally involved. Anecdotal evidence detail on individual battles--7 Pines; Chickamauga; Antietam etc.--show Harvey Hill to be one of the most inspiring courageous commanders in the Confederate Army.The hardships suffered by these men who fought gallantly for what they believed in--regardless of whether you agree with their cause--are inspiring. Hill had a twisted spine from a childhood illness causing incredible pain from the time he was a boy. He endured this all hardships of middle 19thc battle with incredible faith willpower. When he passed on from stomach cancer in 1889; his faith got him through to the end like it had everything else in his life.The description of a night in Chickamauga I find particularly haunting:"Accompanied by his aide...he wearily guided his horse along the rutted country road that meandered beside the stream (Chickamauga). Since dawn he had been in the saddle; and fatigue weighed heavily upon him..."Bridges goes on to describe a "frosty night" that sounds like something out of Lord of the Rings in its mystical imagery; leading to events still shrouded in mystery. If you're interested in the ACW; especially unsung heroes of either side of the conflict; you will love this book.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. A Differentn PerspectiveBy Robert L. PiepenbrinkDH Hill is an important figure in the American Civil War. He commanded a Confederate Division from the Peninsular Campaign through Antietam; was responsibel for the defense of the Virginia and North Carolina coasts; and was with the Army of Tennessee for the Chickamauga Campaign. This biography covers all of that; plus his pre- and post-war careers as regulary army officer; author and educator.I would have liked more tactical detail; but it's also the only book covering the subject. It's also helpful to see the Virginia fighting from the perspective of a Confederate who didn't think Robert E. Lee walked on water. For the Civil War buff; keep in mind that this book is Hill's perspective only. You'll need a good history of the individual battles; and decent maps.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good but causticBy William M. ColeAn interesting insight into a general who is little known. Apparently a great leader; but a caustic man.