Gentle Tiger: The Gallant Life of Roberdeau Wheat

by Charles L. Dufour

Chatham Roberdeau Wheat has rightly been called the grandest of Civil War heroes. Born a Virginia gentleman, this handsome giant was by turns lawyer, politician, filibusterer, wit, bon vivant, and soldier of fortune. Perhaps the most experienced soldier on either side at the outbreak of the Civil War, Wheat led the “Louisiana Tigers”―notorious as the wildest battalion in either army―in some of the war’s bloodiest battles, including Bull Run, the Valley, and the Seven Days. Idolized by his men for his courage and camaraderie, he was adored by women for his dash and gallantry.


In this comprehensive biography, originally published in 1957, Charles L. Dufour details Wheat’s life and loves―from his turbulent school days to his early and heroic end at Gaines Mill. Based largely on letters and unpublished family documents, Dufour’s work―the first in-depth study of Wheat―stands as the most vivid portrait of this fantastic young soldier.

Genres: Civil War

232 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1957

About the author

Charles L. "Pie" Dufour (1903-1996) was an American newspaper journalist, historian, humorist, and book author from New Orleans, Louisiana who served as a columnist for the New Orleans States-Item newspaper.

Reviews

[Teri Reck · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating account of a consummate soldier of whom I first heard at the Confederate Civil War Museum in New Orleans, which is also where I purchased this book. He was a mercenary who fought in Mexico, Cuba and Nicaragua as well as with Garibaldi in Italy. He led a battalion of men from Louisiana, known as the Tigers ( now I know why LSU are the Tigers, as in Geaux Tigers) during the Civil War, and he had a premonition about his own death on the battlefield. He asked his men to bury him where he lay on the battlefield. He was beloved by his men and fellow officers, and he was greatly mourned. I can't wait for Brian to read this book. Military history buffs should enjoy this book.

[Kosar7480 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read with a lot of interesting background of the officer best known for his role at First Manassas. Ample coverage of Wheat's pre-war career as a soldier of fortune throughout the world. Considering Wheat's great hour was First Bull Run, a little more depth on his role and participation in the battle would have been valuable, but the author was obviously limited by available resources.