Breckinridge: Statesman, Soldier, Symbol

by William C. Davis

Overview

John C. Breckinridge rose to prominence during one of the most turbulent times in our nation's history. Widely respected, even by his enemies, for his dedication to moderate liberalism, Breckinridge's charisma and integrity led to his election as Vice President at age 35, the youngest ever in America's history.

After a decade of being out-of-print, Breckinridge: Statesman, Soldier, Symbol returns as the quintessential biography of one of Kentucky's great moderates. Historian William C. Davis sheds light on Breckinridge's life throughout three key periods, spanning his career as a celebrated statesman, heroic soldier, and proponent of the reconciliation.

A true Kentucky hero, "Old Breck's" bravery in battle, dedication to the pursuit of truth, and unique ability to win the loyalty of others rank him alongside Henry Clay and Simon Kenton. Drawing from a remarkable collection of sources, including previously unknown documents and letters, as well as the papers of his associates and extensive aid from the Breckinridge family, Davis presents the legacy of a man often overlooked.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780813192550
Publisher:	University Press of Kentucky
Publication date:	05/31/2010
Pages:	712
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.80(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

William C. Davis, director of programs at the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies and professor at Virginia Tech, is the author or editor of more than fifty books, including the Virginia at War series. He was also the chief consultant for The History Channel's Civil War Journal.

Table of Contents

Abbreviations Used in Footnotes xv

Preface xvii

Acknowledgements xix

Introduction to the 2010 Edition xxiii

Book I

1 Your Brother has a Fine Son 3

2 You are a Glorious Democrat 21

3 My Eloquent Young Friend 41

4 Go On, You cannot Fail 58

5 Beat Breckinridge, D-n him 78

6 I Thought it had to be Met 95

7 The Power behind the Throne 120

8 Go It 147

9 I Like him God Damn him 165

10 Let Justice be Done 186

11 I Trust I have the Courage 206

12 Pour On, I can Endure 228

13 Iron Beneath the Glove 248

14 I Intend to Rest 268

Book II

1 The Musket of a Soldier 293

2 I will Lead you on to Victory 315

3 When a Man is Right 334

4 Well, Gentlemen, this is What is Left of me 363

5 I Never Felt more Like Fighting 380

6 A Worthy Successor of Jackson 400

7 We Will Soon Drive the Enemy Out 433

8 It does seem Incredible 456

9 This has been a Magnificent Epic 479

10 Nothing can be done 502

11 Should my Friends ever know my Part 525

Book III

1 You have a Mission to Perform 543

2 On you, Sir, the Eyes of all True Southern Men are Now Fixed 558

3 Thank God you are Free 572

4 We Address ourselves to the Duties of the Future 593

5 There is Now No North and No South 616

Bibliography 641

Index 669

Editorial Reviews

[Breckinridge] is the quintessential biography of one of Kentucky's most important but underappreciated figures. Davis' work is the first to delve into the life of a man who lived to serve, and it focuses on his roles as statesman, soldier and diplomat. Davis weaves a detailed narrative, pulling previously unpublished information from a variety of sources.

civilwar.com

Author Davis, considered the first to write a definitive Breckinridge biography, utilized a variety of sources, including previously unknown documents and letters and papers from associates and the Breckinridge family.

Book News Inc. - Eithne O'Leyne

Davis tells the remarkable life story of the prominent congressman, senator and vice president and noted Civil War figure.

Lexington Herald-Leader

This biography is well worth the time and investment.

H-Net Reviews

Davis explains the importance of Breckinridge's often overlooked contributions and his dedication to American politics. The book presents the story of a Kentucky hero whose life and legacy give insight into our nation's rich history.

kydirect.net

A substantial and needed contribution to the Confederate biography.

American Historical Review

This is a first-rate biography—well-written, well researched, and with a good balance.... At last John C. Breckinridge has found his biographer.

Journal of Southern History

Breckinridge came, of course, from one of Kentucky's most distinguished families. He added his own considerable luster to the lineage.

Kentucky Gazette

Winner of the Jefferson Davis Award given by The American Civil War Museum

From the Publisher