ebooks Toussaint Louverture: A Revolutionary Life by Philippe Girard in History

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He was one of the most intriguing characters of the Civil War era. As famous for his courage as for his ornate uniforms and flamboyant style; he won intrepid victories on the peninsula of Virginia and successfully defended Texas during the long war's waning days. Now; in the first full-length biography of Major General John Bankhead Magruder; acclaimed historian Paul D. Casdorph has created a brilliant portrait of the Confederate general dubbed "Prince John." Born in Virginia in 1807; Magruder attended the University of Virginia; where he dined with Thomas Jefferson and his classmates included a young writer named Edgar Allan Poe. These were the first in a long line of famous acquaintances. While at West Point; Magruder met the future Confederate leaders with whom he would ultimately join forces: Jefferson Davis; Robert E. Lee; and Joseph E. Johnston. Graduating from West Point in 1830; Magruder embarked upon three action-packed decades of service in the U.S. Army; taking him from Florida during the Seminole wars to the frontiers of Maine; New York; and Texas. In 1847; his pivotal leadership of General Winfield Scott's forces was instrumental in defeating Santa Anna at the gates of Mexico City. It was in that conflict that Magruder introduced a young lieutenant named Thomas Jackson to the strategic value of deploying rapidly maneuverable artillery. Fourteen years later; at Bull Run; Jackson would earn a colorful nickname of his own: Stonewall. By the spring of 1861; Prince John Magruder had risen to the estimable position of commander of the Washington garrison. Although he knew Abraham Lincoln and several cabinet members personally; when secession and war became imminent; Magruder resigned his duties as the president's bodyguard to race home to Virginia to answer the Confederate call to arms. In the opening engagements of the Civil War; Prince John's initiative and audacity earned him both admiration and acclaim. His often outrageous behavior; spurred by heavy drinking; also brought notoriety. Magruder's larger-than-life style was in sharp contrast to the rigid standards demanded by the Confederate leadership; and Prince John was transferred to the district of Texas; New Mexico; and Arizona. Once out from under the eyes of his stern taskmasters in Virginia; the eccentric--yet unquestionably courageous--officer rallied his command. His heroic defense of the Texas coast culminated in a great victory at the Battle of Galveston on New Year's Day; 1863. When the war ended; he headed for Mexico; and yet another great adventure. Serving in the government of Emperor Maximilian; Magruder; once more; added his own unique flourish to a historic upheaval. With enemy forces closing in; he attempted to arrange an escape plot for the doomed ruler. When the plan failed; Magruder fled to Cuba. Prince John eventually returned to the United States; where he died in 1871. As befits its bold and brassy subject; Prince John Magruder is a riveting--and overdue--portrait of one of the nineteenth century's most charismatic military figures. It reveals new insights into the inner workings of the Confederacy; and sheds new light on lesser-known engagements in Texas and the American West. Daring military adventure and dazzling biography come together in this compelling chronicle of a dynamic individual who managed to create a few ripples of his own within the swirling tides of history. Critical acclaim for Paul D. Casdorph "Terrifically compelling." -- Atlanta Journal Constitution on Lee and Jackson "Engrossing . . . a superb narrative of the pair's dazzling victories. . . . An excellent account of the war." --Kirkus Reviews on Lee and Jackson "To read [this] lively run-through of the events of a cataclysmic time is to be caught up again in the enormous vitality it engendered." -- Washington Post on Let the Good Times Roll A History Book Club Selection