Irish patriot; Civil War general; frontier governor—Thomas Francis Meagher played key roles in three major historical arenas. Today he is hailed as a hero by some; condemned as a drunkard by others. Paul R. Wylie now offers a definitive biography of this nineteenth-century figure who has long remained an enigma.The Irish General first recalls Meagher’s life from his boyhood and leadership of Young Ireland in the revolution of 1848; to his exile in Tasmania and escape to New York; where he found fame as an orator and as editor of the Irish News. He served in the Civil War—viewing the Union Army as training for a future Irish revolutionary force—and rose to the rank of brigadier general leading the famous Irish Brigade. Wylie traces Meagher’s military career in detail through the Seven Days battles; Antietam; Fredericksburg; and Chancellorsville.Wylie then recounts Meagher’s final years as acting governor of Montana Territory; sorting historical truth from false claims made against him regarding the militia he formed to combat attacking American Indians; and plumbing the mystery surrounding his death.Even as Meagher is lauded in most Irish histories; his statue in front of Montana’s capitol is viewed by some with contempt. The Irish General brings this multi-talented but seriously flawed individual to life; offering a balanced picture of the man and a captivating reading experience.
#1682973 in Books University of Oklahoma Press 1998-06-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 2 8.50 x 2.77 x 5.50l; 3.47 #File Name: 0806130288994 pages
Review
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful. A Special Book About the CheyenneBy William J. O'ConnorFather Peter J. Powell's work with the Cheyenne is in a class by itself. His telling of stories in the mythic past of the Cheyenne have a depth of understanding worthy of Campbell; Zimmer and Eliade. So many books on the Native Americans are not satisfying because the authors do not know enough to ask the right questions and they merely repeat what other authors have written. Father Powell lived among the Cheyenne; became a very trusted informant and tells the stories with an uncommon grasp of the subject. His list of primary sources is impressive; more so as we learn who many of these people are and who their fathers; mothers and grandparents were. The way he moves from present to near past to distant past to mythic past and back to present reinforces Cheyenne belief that the distance between them is much shorter than our culture thinks. A wonderful source book; it fills in so many gaps between Grinnell; Hyde; Bent and Lavender--and takes us deeper than any of them.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. What a wonderful book for anyone interested in a deep study of ...By Jim PetersonWhat a wonderful book for anyone interested in a deep study of Cheyenne culture! Written with great skill and with impeccable documentation; the book describes the deep meaning of the Sacred Hat; Arrows Bundle and the Sundance. I recommend it without reservation to anyone interested in a real understanding of the Cheyenne people.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great Book about the Cheyenne!By Valerie LovejoyVery good condition; thank you. If you want to know about the beauty way of the Cheyenne Indian; this is a really good read!
