General Wadsworth: The Life And Wars Of Brevet General James S. Wadsworth

by Wayne Mahood

James S. Wadsworth was a successful lawyer and influential New York politician when the Civil War broke out. His wealth, strong anti-slavery views, and active support of President Lincoln made him a controversial public figure in the early war years. In 1863, he was given a field command and proved himself to be one of the Union's most able and daring commanders, although he died before the war ended. His battlefield boldness and righteous resolve to end slavery is, as former U.S. Congressman James W. Symington says, "a vivid reminder that our Civil War was, indeed, fought on moral grounds."

Genres: Civil War, Biography

368 pages, Hardcover

First published July 30, 2003

Reviews

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well-written detailed biography of the New York born General James S Wadsworth.

This book is largely forgettable because other Generals have had more memorable moments in the War and in later life. Wadsworth's biography is worth reading for those who have ties to New York and Geneseo in particular.

Wadsworth's family dates back to the founding of the country, and his family was the first to settle the Geneseo area in New York. He was a businessman with political influence and was granted a commission from Lincoln.

Despite being a "Political General", he had few errors on the field of battle rising through the ranks from Brigade to Division command until his death in the Wilderness. This book was not as dry a read as I expected about a little remembered political general, and was more interesting than I expected. His major commands were in the First Corps at Gettysburg and the Fifth Corps in the Wilderness.

There was a wealth of information about his early life in Geneseo and his entry into the Civil War, even at his advanced age. The author has done a great job detailing Wadsworth's life while not putting you to sleep. The author provides a nicely balanced and fair biography of a "Political General" who showed skill commanding men and bravery in combat leading his men from the front lines.

As a New Yorker, I found this a very interesting worthwhile read for New Yorkers in the Civil War!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wayne Mahood had done an exceptional job of bringing General Wadsworth out of the obscurity of Civil War history and into the light. The research was difficult because the General himself wasn't inclined to write lengthy reports or letters and prefered to share his accomplishments with his soldiers and subordinates. A volunteer who refused to accept payment for his services he joined the Union effort almost immediately. He was a candidate for Governor of New York in 1862 without, as was the custom of the day, making any speeches or campaigning for himself. He continued to perform his military duties and was not elected. His sons, also served. This remarkable man deserves to be better known than he is. He helped stem the Confederate advance on the first day at Gettysburg and was in the midst of every battle in which he was engaged.

[Sean McClintock · Rating 4 out of 5]

According to the author, this is one of the only biographies about General Wadsworth. This book goes into his life before the war and his family history. Wadsworth is definitely an example of a political general like many others throughout the war. But he worked out better than others and quickly learned to become a courageous and competent Union General. He participated in the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. He also was involved in the Battle of the Wilderness, where he was severely wounded and soon after died. Although this book isn't the most exciting read it does a lot to paint a complete picture of Wadsworth as a man as well as a general. Anyone interested in Civil War history should give this book a chance.

[David Mahood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the definitive biography of a mostly unknown Union General who had a number of meaningful roles within the Union Army. This book is meticulously researched with an understanding of the lineage of the NY Wadsworth family. A scion of rich landowners of Western New York, James S. Wadsworth donated money, time, and ultimately his life to serving in the Civil War. His role on the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg should be better appreciated by scholars of the war. This book by seasoned Civil War writer, Wayne Mahood, is a must for anyone who has a deep or even casual interest in the Civil War.