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General John A. Rawlins: No Ordinary Man
No one succeeds alone, and Ulysses S. Grant was no exception. From the earliest days of the Civil War to the heights of Grant's power in the White House, John A. Rawlins was ever at Grant's side. Yet Rawlins's role in Grant's career is often overlooked, and he barely received mention in Grant's own two-volume Memoirs.
General John A. No Ordinary Man by Allen J. Ottens is the first major biography of Rawlins in over a century and traces his rise to assistant adjutant general and ultimately Grant's secretary of war. Ottens presents the portrait of a man who teamed with Grant, who submerged his needs and ambition in the service of Grant, and who at times served as the doubter who questioned whether Grant possessed the background to tackle the great responsibilities of the job. Rawlins played a pivotal role in Grant's relatively small staff, acting as administrator, counselor, and defender of Grant's burgeoning popularity.
Rawlins qualifies as a true patriot, a man devoted to the Union and devoted to Grant. His is the story of a man who persevered in wartime and during the tumultuous years of Reconstruction and who, despite a ravaging disease that would cut short his blossoming career, grew to become a proponent of the personal and citizenship rights of those formerly enslaved.
General John A. Rawlins will prove to be a fascinating and essential read for all who have an interest in leadership, the Civil War, or Ulysses S. Grant.
General John A. No Ordinary Man by Allen J. Ottens is the first major biography of Rawlins in over a century and traces his rise to assistant adjutant general and ultimately Grant's secretary of war. Ottens presents the portrait of a man who teamed with Grant, who submerged his needs and ambition in the service of Grant, and who at times served as the doubter who questioned whether Grant possessed the background to tackle the great responsibilities of the job. Rawlins played a pivotal role in Grant's relatively small staff, acting as administrator, counselor, and defender of Grant's burgeoning popularity.
Rawlins qualifies as a true patriot, a man devoted to the Union and devoted to Grant. His is the story of a man who persevered in wartime and during the tumultuous years of Reconstruction and who, despite a ravaging disease that would cut short his blossoming career, grew to become a proponent of the personal and citizenship rights of those formerly enslaved.
General John A. Rawlins will prove to be a fascinating and essential read for all who have an interest in leadership, the Civil War, or Ulysses S. Grant.
602 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 3, 2021
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November 11, 2021
This biography fills a gap in the literature of U.S. Grant's staff during the Civil War. We meet John Rawlins, Grant's assistant and moral conscience. Although the book has many details of Grant's successes during the war, it also documents one of his most controversial failures:sobriety. We come to understand that without Rawlins' oversight, Grant may not have risen as high in the military echelon as he did. That being said, this volume must have been difficult to write for another reason: the disappearance of Rawlins' personal papers after his death. It intrigues me that somewhere, in a dusty attic or warehouse may repose the papers enabling someone to write a fully even keeled tribute to Grant's greatest helpmate.
April 17, 2023
I found this book to be absolutely fascinating! I came across this one in an online book club started by the Grant Cottage State Historic Sight and National Landmark in Mt McGregor NY. I have been to Galena many times and I did not know anything about General John Rawlings Galena beginnings until I found this book! It tells the amazing story of Rawlings who was right there beside General Grant from the beginning of the civil war, to the end of Rawlings life, cut short due to illness. I learned so much from this book!
September 22, 2022
John A. Rawlins Major General United States Army was not a commander of troops during the Civil War. He served as the Adjutant to Ulysses S. Grant during most of the war and was probably the closest confidant and most loyal of Grant's entourage. He was from Galena, Illinois as was Grant and they knew each other prior to the war. Rawlins made a living making and selling charcoal until he decided to study law. Like many lawyers of the time, he studied under a practicing attorney, Issac Perrin Stevens. Rawlins passed the Bar in 1855. Rawlins was a Democrat and a supporter of Stephen Douglas. Rawlins feeling on slavery originally was that although inhumane was protected by the Constitution and therefor had to be changed by changing the Constitution. Over time his view would change. He married and he and his wife had three children. The family had terrible health problems over their lifetimes. Son James probably had tuberculosis as a child and suffered seizures and eventually went blind. His wife Emily died of tuberculosis in 1861 just as John was starting his military service. The three children were left with John's parents. Once the Southern States seceded, Rawlins saw it as his duty and that of US citizens to support the Union and he volunteered for military service.
Rawlins had known Grant prior to the war but not well. Knowing Grant had attended West Point and fought in the Mexican war, Rawlins suggested that they form a company with Grant as Captain and Rawlins or William Rowley a second in command. The Company was called the Jo Davies Guards named after the county. Grant declined the captaincy. Grant accompanied the company to Springfield though to seek higher appointment. When Grant was appointed brigadier general he wrote Rawlins inviting him to join his staff. Rawlins was commissioned captain and appointed assistant adjutant general to Grant. Thus began an intertwined relationship that lasted through the war and into Grant's presidency. Rawlins became a trusted and loyal friend of Grant.
There is a lot of the relationship between Grant and Rawlins throughout the war. Rawlins saw it as his mission to keep Grant from drinking and to protect him from people and issues that might get Grant in trouble. Rawlins seemed to be the only man on Grant's staff who could disagree with him outright. Rawlins knew almost nothing about military procedure and process but he learned fast and adapted. He issued Grants orders and was responsible for the correspondence from the command. He also had a temper and could swear like a soldier! Grant rarely showed or expressed anger so Rawlins did that for him!. Rawlins was a staunch defender and protector of Grant's reputation. He often wrote letters or addressed individuals with his praises of Grant's leadership and grasp of warfare. Rawlins frequently had to derail the conspiracies of those jealous of Grant especially Major General McClernand, a politically appointed politician who constantly tried to undermine Grant. By War's end, Rawlins was a Major General of Volunteers and a permanent Brigadier General in the Army. He accompanied Grant to Washington to serve on the staff of the Commanding General of the Army.
During the war Rawlins health degraded. A cough he acquired was tuberculosis. He remarried and his spouse, Emma, became friends with Julia Grant. Emma was also not a healthy person. Rawlins and Emma suffered the death of two children a boy and girl. Emma also contracted tuberculosis.
Rawlins' views on slavery had changed during the war. By the end he now supported the rights of the Freemen like Grant and both he and Grant were disenchanted by the policies of President Johnson. They foresaw the the persecution of Blacks by Southern whites. Eventually this disagreement with Johnson led to Grant's election as President. Rawlins served as his Secretary of War. Grant and Rawlins disagreed on the policy regarding Cuba. Rawlins wanted immediate assistance to the Cuban rebels while Grant favored diplomacy with Spain. This disagreement produced an anomaly in Rawlins character as an honest man. It appears that he may have accepted a bribe from the Cuban rebel Junta. Upon his death $28,000 in Cuban bonds were found in his safe. It is not known for sure how and why the bonds were in Rawlins possession. It may have been for his support as Secretary of War. At the time Rawlins was dying and worried about his three children and his spouse. That may have induced him to accept the bonds. The bonds were in the end worthless. Another controversy concerns the fact that Grant hardly mentioned Rawlins in his memoir. Detractors took it as a slight to Rawlins whom they believed was instrumental to Grant's success. Others believed Grant jealous of Rawlins. Grant's defenders like Mark Twain simply state that Grant got so many letters from people who asked to be put in his memoir that Grant simply resolved to put none in the book.
This is an interesting book and author Allen J. Ottens has written an very well researched and objective biography of a key member of General and President Grant's entourage. Rawlins was an interesting man!
Rawlins had known Grant prior to the war but not well. Knowing Grant had attended West Point and fought in the Mexican war, Rawlins suggested that they form a company with Grant as Captain and Rawlins or William Rowley a second in command. The Company was called the Jo Davies Guards named after the county. Grant declined the captaincy. Grant accompanied the company to Springfield though to seek higher appointment. When Grant was appointed brigadier general he wrote Rawlins inviting him to join his staff. Rawlins was commissioned captain and appointed assistant adjutant general to Grant. Thus began an intertwined relationship that lasted through the war and into Grant's presidency. Rawlins became a trusted and loyal friend of Grant.
There is a lot of the relationship between Grant and Rawlins throughout the war. Rawlins saw it as his mission to keep Grant from drinking and to protect him from people and issues that might get Grant in trouble. Rawlins seemed to be the only man on Grant's staff who could disagree with him outright. Rawlins knew almost nothing about military procedure and process but he learned fast and adapted. He issued Grants orders and was responsible for the correspondence from the command. He also had a temper and could swear like a soldier! Grant rarely showed or expressed anger so Rawlins did that for him!. Rawlins was a staunch defender and protector of Grant's reputation. He often wrote letters or addressed individuals with his praises of Grant's leadership and grasp of warfare. Rawlins frequently had to derail the conspiracies of those jealous of Grant especially Major General McClernand, a politically appointed politician who constantly tried to undermine Grant. By War's end, Rawlins was a Major General of Volunteers and a permanent Brigadier General in the Army. He accompanied Grant to Washington to serve on the staff of the Commanding General of the Army.
During the war Rawlins health degraded. A cough he acquired was tuberculosis. He remarried and his spouse, Emma, became friends with Julia Grant. Emma was also not a healthy person. Rawlins and Emma suffered the death of two children a boy and girl. Emma also contracted tuberculosis.
Rawlins' views on slavery had changed during the war. By the end he now supported the rights of the Freemen like Grant and both he and Grant were disenchanted by the policies of President Johnson. They foresaw the the persecution of Blacks by Southern whites. Eventually this disagreement with Johnson led to Grant's election as President. Rawlins served as his Secretary of War. Grant and Rawlins disagreed on the policy regarding Cuba. Rawlins wanted immediate assistance to the Cuban rebels while Grant favored diplomacy with Spain. This disagreement produced an anomaly in Rawlins character as an honest man. It appears that he may have accepted a bribe from the Cuban rebel Junta. Upon his death $28,000 in Cuban bonds were found in his safe. It is not known for sure how and why the bonds were in Rawlins possession. It may have been for his support as Secretary of War. At the time Rawlins was dying and worried about his three children and his spouse. That may have induced him to accept the bonds. The bonds were in the end worthless. Another controversy concerns the fact that Grant hardly mentioned Rawlins in his memoir. Detractors took it as a slight to Rawlins whom they believed was instrumental to Grant's success. Others believed Grant jealous of Rawlins. Grant's defenders like Mark Twain simply state that Grant got so many letters from people who asked to be put in his memoir that Grant simply resolved to put none in the book.
This is an interesting book and author Allen J. Ottens has written an very well researched and objective biography of a key member of General and President Grant's entourage. Rawlins was an interesting man!
November 12, 2021
I must admit that I had not heard of Rawlins before I purchased this new biography of the Civil War General. The author has produced a scholarly and yet highly readable biography, taking us from Rawlins's humble beginnings in Galena, Illinois to his time as Secretary of War under Grant. Rawlins's career stemmed from his acquaintance with Grant, a fellow Galenan, but Mr. Ottens makes a viable argument that Grant's career was fostered and enhanced by his trusted friend and adviser. I highly recommend this biography to anyone interested in the Civil War.
October 16, 2024
General John A. Rawlins: No Ordinary Man by Allen Ottens
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One cannot tell the story of Ulysses S Grant without telling the story of John Aaron Rawlins who would be Grant’s right hand man and protector during the civil war years and post civil war era until his tragic demise in 1869 to tuberculosis. Rawlins was a prominent democrat lawyer in Galena, Illinois at the same time that Grant was working for his fathers leather goods store just prior to the outbreak of the civil war. Rawlins was a pro union democrat and a well respected citizen of Galena who vociferously argued against secession. Both he and Grant would become associated when Grant chose Rawlins to be on his staff at the beginning of the war. Both were politically connected through congressman Elihu Washburn of Illinois who would be crucial, with the aid of Rawlins, to Grant’s rise to military leadership. Rawlins, not having any military experience, would learn on the job and excel at being a staff officer, quickly becoming Grant’s most trusted associate in both military and personal matters. Rawlins was not a self promoter and wasn’t looking for personal glory, yet he selflessly gave himself to protecting Grant from other politicking generals who were looking to do harm to Grant. The stories of Grant’s drinking problems are far overblown but there is some truth in the fact that he slipped up at moments, which is where John Rawlins came in. Rawlins kept watch for his friend Grant and made sure to eliminate the temptation altogether by keeping all alcohol out of camp and keeping away staff officers who would offer Grant alcohol. He was truly his brothers keeper and made sure he had Grant’s best interests at heart. He selflessly dedicated himself to defending against Grant’s enemies and would be much overshadowed by his friend without the proper acknowledgment that he is due. This book restores Rawlins his proper place in history and bestows the credit that has been long overdue. As the contents of this book prove, General John Rawlins was no ordinary man.
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#civilwar #usgrant #ulyssessgrant #general #army #johnrawlins #civilwarhistory #union #usa #war #civilwarveteran #bookstagram #ilovebooks #read
.
.
One cannot tell the story of Ulysses S Grant without telling the story of John Aaron Rawlins who would be Grant’s right hand man and protector during the civil war years and post civil war era until his tragic demise in 1869 to tuberculosis. Rawlins was a prominent democrat lawyer in Galena, Illinois at the same time that Grant was working for his fathers leather goods store just prior to the outbreak of the civil war. Rawlins was a pro union democrat and a well respected citizen of Galena who vociferously argued against secession. Both he and Grant would become associated when Grant chose Rawlins to be on his staff at the beginning of the war. Both were politically connected through congressman Elihu Washburn of Illinois who would be crucial, with the aid of Rawlins, to Grant’s rise to military leadership. Rawlins, not having any military experience, would learn on the job and excel at being a staff officer, quickly becoming Grant’s most trusted associate in both military and personal matters. Rawlins was not a self promoter and wasn’t looking for personal glory, yet he selflessly gave himself to protecting Grant from other politicking generals who were looking to do harm to Grant. The stories of Grant’s drinking problems are far overblown but there is some truth in the fact that he slipped up at moments, which is where John Rawlins came in. Rawlins kept watch for his friend Grant and made sure to eliminate the temptation altogether by keeping all alcohol out of camp and keeping away staff officers who would offer Grant alcohol. He was truly his brothers keeper and made sure he had Grant’s best interests at heart. He selflessly dedicated himself to defending against Grant’s enemies and would be much overshadowed by his friend without the proper acknowledgment that he is due. This book restores Rawlins his proper place in history and bestows the credit that has been long overdue. As the contents of this book prove, General John Rawlins was no ordinary man.
.
#civilwar #usgrant #ulyssessgrant #general #army #johnrawlins #civilwarhistory #union #usa #war #civilwarveteran #bookstagram #ilovebooks #read
March 1, 2023
Abraham Lincoln and U.S. Grant are icons of the American Civil War. Without them the Civil War would be of different characters. These two men are the bedrock of the period that reform the country. However, there is a supporting cast that supported the main cast, and General John A. Rawlins is one of those supporting cast. The author has done an masterful job of bringing General Rawlins back to life. His research in this book will make a lasting contribution to the relationship between Grant and Rawlins. We all have misconceptions, and in this book this writer feels some of those misconceptions will be sorted out and the readers will come to appreciate the value of Rawlins relationship with Grant. The maps in this book are outstanding. Contour lines are drawn (no elevation given), but the reader gets the feel of elevations of the land. Through these maps one get the "feel of the land" the army travel on. This writer feel that the book will be a standard for the relations between Grant the general and Grant the president for years to come,
June 3, 2025
John Rawlins deserves to be more than a footnote to the career of U.S. Grant, and this extensive biography by Allen Ottens should make sure of that. Rawlins, a self-made man, was alongside Grant nearly every step of the way, from the great Civil War battles to the White House. Because of their close friendship, he was able to say things to Grant that other associates could not. The question of whether Rawlins kept Grant from destroying himself with alcohol is addressed at length. More significantly, though, we come to view Rawlins as someone who was important in his own right, outside the shadow cast by Grant. His early death was a loss, not only to the Grant presidency, but to the nation as a whole. Incredibly well-researched, with one shortcoming: The bulk of Rawlins' personal papers disappeared in questionable circumstances after he died. All in all, Ottens' work makes the point that you can't study Grant without studying Rawlins.
May 4, 2025
This was my first read of a biography of an historical military figure and I was not sure my interest would be sustained over the entire book. However, my interest increased significantly with every ensuing chapter. I attribute this to the author's skill at weaving a myriad of precise minute details into a very compelling read. Upon completion of the read, I felt like I truly knew General Rawlins, not only through the facts of his accomplishments, but also by an insightful analysis of his personality and vivid descriptions of his relationships with others, including President Grant. This book has inspired me to continue to explore this genre of historical literature. I doubt I will find many similar books that can impress me as much as this one did.
Richard C. Williams, Ph.D.
Richard C. Williams, Ph.D.
March 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
No Ordinary Man offers an intimate look into the life of an extraordinary individual, capturing both their triumphs and struggles. Through compelling storytelling and detailed insights, it brings their story to life and leaves a lasting impression on readers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
No Ordinary Man offers an intimate look into the life of an extraordinary individual, capturing both their triumphs and struggles. Through compelling storytelling and detailed insights, it brings their story to life and leaves a lasting impression on readers.
January 8, 2025
Only a short way into the book and it's already a great read about one of the Civil War's most important, and forgotten, figures. As a distant relative of the General, it's been enlightening to learn more about what my kin believed in and fought for. Thanks to Ottens for writing it.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews