Adelbert Ames, the Civil War, and the Creation of Modern America

by Michael J. Megelsh

The remarkable life of a noteworthy―yet overlooked―Union general turned Reconstruction-era politician A central figure in Reconstruction-era politics, Adelbert Ames and his contributions during a significant and uncertain time in American history are the focus of Michael J. Megelsh’s fascinating study. As Megelsh discusses, Ames’s life took many compelling turns. Born on Maine’s rocky shore in 1835, he served as a Union general during the American Civil War and was heralded as one of the young stars whose leadership was integral in helping the Union to victory. He briefly remained in the army after the conflict, stationed in Mississippi, where he entered the political arena. During his four-year tenure as a Republican US senator representing Mississippi, Ames exhibited a growing commitment to civil rights and battled for the protection of freedmen in the halls of Congress, even when it drew ire and damnation from his colleagues. In 1874, Ames was elected governor of Mississippi and tried to create a free and prosperous state rooted in protecting civil rights and promoting economic liberty. This meant challenging the growing brutality and unruliness of the white populace and a burgeoning Democratic Party. For the first time, Ames’s confidence faded as his struggles intensified and political enemies sought to impeach him, culminating in a trial that captivated local and national media. This contentious battle led to Ames’s resignation from office and the end of Reconstruction in Mississippi. Ames’s once-promising political career, too, was over. But Ames’s later years remained thrilling. He helped the townspeople of Northfield, Minnesota, defeat Jesse James and the James-Younger Gang in a gunfight during an attempted bank robbery in 1876. When the Spanish-American War began in 1898, Ames, though now in his sixties, volunteered to join the fight and served in Cuba. While Adelbert Ames has appeared in many texts as a secondary character, Megelsh’s work unearths Ames’s important and underappreciated contributions to a transitional time in American history and politics.

314 pages, Paperback

Published February 13, 2024

Reviews

[Drew Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Union general and Mississippi Governor Adelbert Ames has long deserved a good biography. So I was excited to see that a professional historian was publishing this book. The book largely fulfilled its promise.

Megelsh led a fascinating life. He's like the Forest Gump of nineteenth century America. A Mainer, he built the 20th Maine regiment as a young colonel, and as a "boy general" heroically led his men at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg. Ames belongs among the first-rate Union battlefield generals who have not received their full due. General Grant recognized Ames' talents, and appointed him provisional military commander of Mississippi, and he went on to be elected as Senator and governor of Mississippi. Derided as a "carpetbagger" by prior historians, Megelsh properly recognizes his devotion to public service and the freedmen.

The author makes good use of the Ames Family papers to reveal the private side of Ames and his family. Though an academic work, the writing is fairly brisk and interesting. My main criticism is that the book should have devoted more two chapters to his time as governor of Mississippi during Reconstruction. Ames bravely tried to fight the Klansmen and others who were leading a bloody insurrection against his rule in Mississippi. There's more to that story that could've been told in dramatic fashion over a couple more chapters. His post-governorship's encounter with Jesse James gang and service in Cuba, were curious, but not really as historically significant. Notwithstanding that small critique, the author thoroughly researched and wrote a strong biography of a fascinating figure. If you're intrigued by Civil War and Reconstruction history, this belongs on your reading list.

[Kurt Vetters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ames is a fascinating character!

Well worth the read about a man with more than nine lives! I enjoyed Megelsh’s account and recommend it as a life worth knowing.