Sickles at Gettysburg: The Controversial Civil War General Who Committed Murder, Abandoned Little Round Top, and Declared Himself the Hero of Gettysburg

by James A. Hessler

Finalist, 2009, Army Historical Foundation Distinguished Book Award
Winner, 2009, The Bachelder-Coddington Literary Award, given by the Robert E. Lee Civil War Round Table of Central New Jersey.
Winner, 2009, Gettysburg Round Table's Distinguished Book Award.

Sickles at Gettysburg: The Controversial Civil War General Who Committed Murder, Abandoned Little Round Top, and Declared Himself the Hero of Gettysburg, by licensed battlefield guide James Hessler, is the most deeply-researched, full-length biography to appear on this remarkable American icon. And it is long overdue.

No individual who fought at Gettysburg was more controversial, both personally and professionally, than Major General Daniel E. Sickles. By 1863, Sickles was notorious as a disgraced former Congressman who murdered his wife's lover on the streets of Washington and used America's first temporary insanity defense to escape justice. With his political career in ruins, Sickles used his connections with President Lincoln to obtain a prominent command in the Army of the Potomac's Third Corps--despite having no military experience. At Gettysburg, he openly disobeyed orders in one of the most controversial decisions in military history.

No single action dictated the battlefield strategies of George Meade and Robert E. Lee more than Sickles' unauthorized advance to the Peach Orchard, and the mythic defense of Little Round Top might have occurred quite differently were it not for General Sickles. Fighting heroically, Sickles lost his leg on the field and thereafter worked to remove General Meade from command of the army. Sickles spent the remainder of his checkered life declaring himself the true hero of Gettysburg.

Although he nearly lost the battle, Sickles was one of the earliest guardians of the battlefield when he returned to Congress, created Gettysburg National Military Park, and helped preserve the field for future generations. But Dan Sickles was never far from scandal. He was eventually removed from the New York Monument Commission and nearly went to jail for misappropriation of funds.

Hessler's book is a balanced and entertaining account of Sickles' colorful life. Civil War enthusiasts who want to understand General Sickles' scandalous life, Gettysburg's battlefield strategies, the in-fighting within the Army of the Potomac, and the development of today's National Park will find Sickles at Gettysburg a must-read.

About the Author: James A. Hessler works in the financial services industry and is a Licensed Battlefield Guide at Gettysburg National Military Park. He has taught Sickles and Gettysburg-related courses for Harrisburg Area Community College and the Gettysburg Foundation. In addition to writing articles for publication, Hessler speaks regularly at Civil War Round Tables. A native of Buffalo, NY, he resides in Gettysburg with his wife and children.

Genres: Civil War, History, Biography, Nonfiction, American Civil War, War, American History

432 pages, Hardcover

First published June 25, 2009

About the author

James Hessler is a Licensed Battlefield Guide at Gettysburg National Military Park. His 2009 book, Sickles at Gettysburg, was awarded the R.E. Lee Civil War Round Table’s Bachelder Coddington Award and the Gettysburg Civil War Round Table's Distinguished Book Award as the most outstanding work on the Gettysburg Campaign. His most recent book, Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg, was co-authored with Wayne Motts and released in 2015. Jim has been a guest on NPR, Travel Channel, PCN-TV, Breitbart News, and Civil War Radio. He is a popular author and speaker at civil war round tables who has taught courses for the Gettysburg Foundation and Harrisburg (PA) Area Community College. He lives in Gettysburg with his wife and children. --American Battlefield Trust

Reviews

[Sweetwilliam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended by licensed Gettysburg battlefield tour guide Bob Radtke. Shortly after I announced my intention of reading James A. Hessler’s book “Sickles at Gettysburg,” I received this anonymous note from some curious character claiming to be the Great Grandson of Historicus.

Hessler’s book attempts to set the record straight. Why would the 3rd Corp commander, whom Hessler refers to as “the amateur of amateurs,” march the 3rd Corp out in advance of the rest of the army leaving both flanks dangling in the air and Little Round Top undefended? There were several reasons. First, Sickles was a political General with no formal military training. Second, Meade ignored Sickles when Sickles made several inquiries as where to deploy his corps because Meade believed the real threat was on the union right around Culp’s Hill. 3rd, the ground along the Union left where Meade had intended that the 3rd corps deploy was low and swampy without a good area to deploy artillery. 4th the Peach Orchard in front of the left end of cemetery ridge was higher ground and an excellent natural platform for the deployment of artillery. Sickles had just survived Chancellorsville where he was ordered to consolidate the Union lines by evacuating Hazel Grove. This was the only good position on the battlefield to deploy artillery in the Wilderness. This was a position from which the Union Army was pummeled by Confederate artillery for the remainder of the battle. Sickles did not want to see this happen a second time on his watch.

Sincerely

The Great Grandson of Historicus (GGH)

This was a compelling letter from GGH so I could not wait to read the book. What GGH did not explain was what a character Sickles was. His movement into the Peach Orchard at Gettysburg was only half of the story. After Gettysburg when Sickles anticipated criticism for his actions on the Union left, he took the offensive again and criticized Meade claiming that without his movement into the Peach Orchard, the Union Army under Meade intended to retreat. Sickles claimed his actions forced the Union Army to stay and fight. This battle of words which included a court of inquire (The Committee on the Conduct of the War) in Washington DC., was considered the second battle of Gettysburg. Sickles spent the next 50 years trying to convince the world that he was the real hero of Gettysburg. Due to his loss of a leg and his unquestioned bravery, and the fact that he was the longest living corps commander of either side to survive the battle, He was very successful in this regard.

In my mind Sickles is the real hero of Gettysburg for another reason. Sickles did more to preserve the Gettysburg battlefield than anyone else in American History. Sickles may have been an amateur soldier, a womanizer, a poor father and husband, a murderer and an unjust critic of Meade for purely political gain and his movement into the Peach Orchard may have been folly, this is true. However, After the war, Sickles efforts to preserve the battlefield for generations to come should be appreciated and recognized by all. This is one thing that no person can deny. His one redeeming virtue.

Like the men of the 3rd Corps who loved their commander, I have a new found respect for Major General Sickles. Why is there no monument to the commander of the 3rd Corps? Was it the 26,000 USD missing from the New York monument fund or was it the fact the entire battlefield was Sickles monument? I think it was the latter.

This is great reading. Like the old saying, you can’t make this stuff up! Enjoy the book!

[James Durney · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this were fiction, I would say the author’s main character is not credible. It would be impossible for one man to have so many escapades and not be publically ruined. However, this is not a work of fiction but the biography of a very unique and controversial individual. Daniel E. Sickles managed to pack more into his long lifetime than most people could in two or three lifetimes. His exploits and views make for hot debates on the Internet and at Round Tables, over eighty years after his death. These debates show no signs of ending, as Sickles is an integral part of the American Civil War having a direct influence over the Battle of Gettysburg and the history of the battle.
James A. Hessler brings a wealth of information and a quite authority to the subject. He is a Licensed Battlefield Guide at Gettysburg, teaches college courses on Sickles and Gettysburg and speaks on the subject. This shows in his informative readable text and the impressive footnotes supporting his statements. While a very serious history, this is not a dull overwritten book. Sickles is a lively character and the author maintains this level of energy throughout the book. This is a Savas Beatie book, as expected it contains a series of excellent illustrations and maps in the right places. It is a quality book with excellent paper that is a joy to hold and can be given with pride.
What is in the book? The author concentrates on the murder of Key, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Second Battle of Gettysburg and Sickles’ role in the establishment of the National Military Park. While a full biography, including his many affairs, estrangement from his children, financial ups & downs, elections and offices, the concentration produces both a biography and a history making a much stronger book.
In 1859, Congressman Sickles murdered Philip Barton Key. Key and Sickles wife were having an affair that they made little effort to hide. Sickles publicly hunted down the unarmed Key and shot him several times. The resulting trial and scandal are part of American lore. The author examines the trial showing where and why what we think is right and wrong. The result is a look at the 19th Century double standard and what we call “stand your ground” laws. Sickles political carrier is shattered and his social standing ruined.
In 1863, Major General Daniel Sickles commands the Third Corps Army of the Potomac. How that happens gives the reader a look at the system of “Political Generals” and the need for “War Democrats”. A detailed examination of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg cover about 200 pages, the majority being Gettysburg. Both battles have excellent maps, allowing the reader to easily follow the battles. This is some of the best work on Sickles’ actions I have read. The author considers all the questions providing intelligent answers, well supported with excellent footnotes. I found this slow going, not because it was boring but because the footnotes became required reading.
The Second Battle of Gettysburg and the establishment of the National Military Park consumed the balance of Sickles active life. He attacked General Meade over a number of points, magnified his contribution to victory and defended his advance for 50 years. During that time, he had a number of allies and detractors. While the details change, with time, the theme is consistent. This battle, the establishment of the National Battle Park and the New York State Monument Commission scandal cover about 175 pages. Again, the author presents all sides of the questions supporting his conclusions with solid footnotes that are required reading. While his public life generally is going well, his private life is falling apart. This is not the main story but the author never forgets that Sickles is a person with a family. “The Civil War is Only a Memory” is a 30-page essay on America’s view of the war as it entered the 20th Century. The 20-page Epilogue is required reading for anyone interested in Sickles or Gettysburg.
If this book is not a finalist for or winner of Civil War book prizes in 2010, I will be surprised. While I dislike using definitive or saying this is the final word on a subject. This book is very close to deserving those words

[Steven Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Hessler's "Sickles at Gettysburg" is a nicely detailed biography of one of the interesting characters of the Civil War, General Dan Sickles. E was one of those "political generals" who drove West Pointers batty. He was notorious for his lavish spending and his womanizing and his deep political involvement. He was also someone who murdered his first wife's lover, got off on temporary insanity (with future War Department Secretary, Edwin Stanton, as one of his legal team), and then scandalized all by reuniting with his disgraced wife. So, Sickles was pretty flamboyant before the Civil War even began.
He recruited many troops to what came to be known as the Excelsior Brigade, which he commanded. As a "War Democrat," Abraham Lincoln was supportive of him (as with others such as Ben Butler). Sickles had little military background, but he was courageous and his troops tended to like that. After a series of promotions, this untrained soldier became commander if the Third Corps of the Army of the Potomac--to the disdain of many West Point officers.
At Chancellorsville, he withdrew from a position that had some height and commanded the local terrain. Once the Confederate troops seized it, they used it as an artillery platform to punish Union forces. Some say that this experience affected Sickles' decision-making at Gettysburg. And, of course, Gettysburg is the heart of this book. On the second day (Sickles made a bizarre point that the first day was not really a part of the battle of Gettysburg), Meade wanted Sickles' corps to extend the line of Hancock's Second Corps to Little Round Top. Sickles was nervous about some higher ground ½ to ¾ of a mile in front of the position that Meade wanted him to hold. Sickles rashly moved his forces to that new position, thinning his line, creating a salient that was less defensible than his originally more compact line, and--to make matters worse--he had too few troops available to hold Little Round Top. Thus, when Longstreet's attack began, Sickles Corps found itself in great difficult. He was wounded, losing a leg in the process, and he never served as a battle commander after that.

The book examines the extent to which Sickles' movement was worthy or not (the final judgment is, as I think it should be, negative). But there is more. The book discusses his involvement with Gettysburg after his injury and after the war's end. He used his position to attack Meade after the battle, trying to vindicate his decision. And he caused Meade a considerable amount of heartburn. Later, he became involved in the effort to create a Military Park at the battlefield.

His life was long, full, and controversial. Want to get introduced to Dan Sickles? This is the place to start.

[Rebecca]

I've never had a good opinion of Sickles. I doubt this book will change my poor opinion of him. That opinion was formed by working with the diary of at least one young man who died of wounds sustained because of his orders on day 2 of the Battle of Gettysburg. And yet I can't help but be curious about this man whom his men had so little respect for as an officer and man. I remember one journal entry from the private I was reading about and writing educational programming around was very upset when his regiment was transferred to Sickles. Not sure when I'll get to this one, but it looks interesting if nothing else.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sauers was mercifully short in treating the same subject, with much the same conclusions.

This book was at least partially a biography of Sickles and was fascinating in its description of his murder of his wife's paramour and in his last days. The missing bust of Sickles in the Excelsior monument is worth the reading.

But one has to really love to read about the Civil War in exquisite detail to read all of this book.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good biography of a man famous (and infamous) in his time and whose influence and reputation are still present today, though many may not immediately recognize his name. General Dan Sickles is noteworthy on many levels: he was the first to successfully use the “temporary insanity” defense, he single handedly raised more troops for Lincoln than any other recruiter, he was the only non West Point senior commander at the Battle of Gettysburg, his actions there still being debated today, and he was the instrumental force behind not just the Gettysburg National Military Park, but most of the other major Civil War battlefields we visit today. This book kluges all of those events and accomplishments into a well crafted work. The author explains Sickles’ great fame prior to and during the Civil War (think OJ Simpson level national recognition and division) due to his murder of a man in broad daylight across the street from the White House and his later exoneration at trial. The story of his rapid climb up the military hierarchy of the Army of the Potomac despite having no experience or military education is presented within the environment and understandings of that era. The author does a great job covering the multiple facets of his actions at Gettysburg, providing technical aspects and the many commentaries by contemporary experts. Finally, the author walks through Sickles’ long campaign to ensure the memory of the Civil War conflict was maintained for future generations, including very early actions which saved vast portions of the Gettysburg battlefield from commercial development. Parts of the book do get very ‘weedsy’, the long chapter on the manner in which a severely wounded Sickles left the battlefield is particularly tedious. But they do show the author’s attention to detail and, taken together, give the whole book a reputation for high standards of research and analysis. A great book for those wanting to know more about Sickles’ actions at Gettysburg. Highly recommended as a means of better understanding the mindset and culture of the Civil War era.

[Robert Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not a fan of history books, I am not a fan of military history books. This book did not change my mind, but I will say that Dan Sickles is as interesting and engaging a character as any fiction author could hope to invent.

[Matthew Bartlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the name Dan Sickles is mentioned anywhere in Civil War writing, there is either scorn or praise from those around. He is one of the most interesting characters in all Civil War history and yet he brings a sense of modernization to the whole thing. James A. Hessler has brought a new study into the realm of Dan Sickles by looking at his actions during the Gettysburg Campaign but not without looking at what his past had brought him.
James A. Hessler is a Licensed Battlefield Guide at Gettysburg National Military Park and has taught some Gettysburg related courses at the local community college, Harrisburg Area Community College and has also spoken for the Gettysburg Foundation. He has also published articles for both Gettysburg Magazine and American Civil War. He is a favorite of Civil War Roundtables and has a new book coming out soon about Pickett’s Charge which he wrote with Wayne Motts.
I am very grateful that my first real exposure to Dan Sickles was through Hessler’s book back when I first became interested in the Civil War. While researching the many other biographies on the man, I found that the older ones tended to hail him as a hero. But Hessler’s work does not demonize the man, but paints a clear picture as to what happened with this man’s life and what he did during the Battle of Gettysburg. I do not support what Dan Sickles did during the battle and I know that the debate still rages on today as to whether Sickles Salient was necessary or not. But Hessler takes us on a journey through the life of Dan Sickles opening with the most famous story about the man before the war began. It was considered the crime of the century when Sickles killed Philip Barton Key, the son of Francis Scott Key, for having an affair with his wife. The amazing connections with the War of 1812 and Dan Sickles made me feel that this country has one history instead of just periods of time defined by the war the country was fighting. Dan Sickles had breached that divide and then placed himself into the political realm of the American Civil War when he had Edwin Stanton defend him at his trial. The constant connections of Sickles and the world is truly amazing. As the narrative, which is quite excellent, moves on, there are moments when you wonder how large this man’s ego was. I’m sure he could have given George McClellan a good fight over who’s ego was larger.
For those of you wondering, I did not get the impression that Hessler was a supporter of Sickles in this book. On the contrary; I felt as though Hessler wrote an evenly supported narrative and presented the facts without any sort of spin in any of the writing. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the high command at Gettysburg or anyone interested in great reading of the Civil War. I’m sure that many Sickles biographies will come and go, but this one is going to stand throughout all of time as the answer to the age old question about the character and actions of Sickles at Gettysburg.

Matthew Bartlett - Gettysburg Chronicle

[Tim Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this quite skeptical because I feared it was going to be pro-Sickles at the expense of other commanders in the Army of the Potomac (especially General Meade). I walk away from this book pleasantly surprised a the fair and balanced account of Dan Sickle's life and career.

The main focus of the book is on Sickle's activities on July 2, 1863 at the Battle of Gettysburg. I found it a fascinating narrative of Sickles and the III Corps activities that day and I was very glad to find the author was not a Sickles sycophant. I loath Dan Sickles and his actions to discredit George Meade following Meade's great victory at Gettysburg but I found this book to be incredibly interesting. I appreciated the quick overview of his pre-Civil War life and particularly found the chapters on his post-Gettysburg life to be interesting.

Overall this was a great book, engaging, interesting and it taught me a thing or two. Highly recommend to any Civil War buffs.

[Bill S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intelligent, well-written overview of Dan Sickles controversial actions as commander of the Union 3rd Corps at Gettysburg. Touched upon equally as well are Sickles numerous indiscretions both personally and militarily. Highly recommended.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new book about one of my "favorite" Americans: How could I resist? A very well done miltary bio of Sickles. My favorite bio is still "American Scoudrel.

[Gene Ledesma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew Sickles was a hack political General, but this is a bit much. Very good read.

[Matt Hoover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dan Sickles was notoriously corrupt, ruined and estranged nearly every relationship he was ever in with a wife or family member, and was happily and disdainfully ejected by his professional colleagues from every military, diplomatic, and political post in which he managed to position himself. Hessler, therefore, writes of him lovingly, flatteringly, and as a war hero.

Speaking generally, this biography is written very nearly as a subjective apology for Sickles rather than an objective study. Take, for instance, the following: "Dan Sickles' most admirable quality was his ability to conquer adversity, and the loss of his leg merely became one more career obstacle to overcome." (p. 246); the writing could have been much more objective and, in addition, more polished at times. Hessler gives every appearance of truly knowing and understanding Sickles' temperament and personality, yet all the more seems to revel in the thieving, scheming, backstabbing, lying, philandering, disobedient Sickles, while most errors Sickles made can be explained away or excused.

I have known "Devil Dan" for two-thirds of my life (since my first Gettysburg trip at age 7) and I have the sense that he is so often cast as Gettysburg's blundering comic relief, yet I somehow walked away from this book with a view of Sickles as more reprehensible than how I perceived him before. He is unquestionably entertaining, yes, but he was also a downright bad person. (Good on him for murdering the man who carried on an affair with his wife, though, and then taking his contrite wife back). Hessler seems to have the view that history loathes Sickles (which may have been true at the time of publication, when I was too young to understand the Gettysburg historiography), but I cannot help but feel that Hessler wants to move the pendulum too far in the direction of Sickles as the hero.

However, just because I disagree with Hessler's treatment of his "Dan" doesn't mean I didn't like the book. It is a page turner, no doubt, and caused me to laugh, seethe, question, and dig deeper. Hessler's work is also very well researched and footnoted. His contentions generally are supported by evidence and utilize an exhaustive amount of primary and secondary sources. One can never say Hessler is not well read. If one were considering reading this, I could not discourage them; it is an entertaining and informative treatment on a memorable scoundrel, however, I would also have to caution them that this very favorable take on Sickles must be taken with a grain of salt and an open and questioning mind.

[Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent biography of the controversial, political Union General Daniel E. Sickles. The book is extremely well researched and very readable history. Sickles was a political general because he owed his officer’s commission to his Tammany Hall connections rather than any military training or experience. Sickles was controversial because as a sitting congressman he was acquitted of the murder of his wife’s lover, Barton Key, the son of Francis Scott Key, and Sickles was at the epicenter of the controversy at the Battle of Gettysburg. At Gettysburg, without orders he moved his Third Corp troops up about three quarters of a mile beyond the Union’s main line into the Peach Orchard where they could not be easily supported by other Union troops and both of his flanks were “in the air”. Sickles was wounded at Gettysburg and had to have his right leg amputated due to the injury. He spent the rest of his life denigrating the performance of Union’s Commander in Chief at Gettysburg, General George G. Meade, and blaming him for nearly losing that battle. Sickles always defended his move into the Peach Orchard as the reason the Union won that battle and that he, Dan Sickles, was the real hero at Gettysburg. These are other controversies surrounding Sickles long life are detailed in this biography. It is quite a story and Sickles had a very interesting life with his figures in many pies.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan Sickles, the man turned commander, lived his life in an air of controversy. He was his own worst enemy and yet his own best self-promoter.
This book’s content was extensively researched and well written! The information presented was brilliantly chosen to inform as well as captivate the reader. You will not want to put the book down until you have finished it!
The author, James Hessler, wrote an in-depth, thoroughly researched biography with military history. Strong organization of the material made it easy to understand. He included a variety of text features to support the text. J. Hessler wrote a balanced overview giving both sides of the story. He included plenty of evidence to support the multitude of people who believe Sickles to be a scoundrel but brought forward the evidence to support that many people believed Dan Sickles to be a war hero who accomplished heroic achievements. After reading all the evidence, James Hessler allows the reader to decide for themselves the legacy of Dan Sickles.
A man and a book to be remembered! A first rate book that I highly recommend to read on your own or with a book club! It provides lively discussions and thought provoking questions.

[noreast_bookreviewsnh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sickles at Gettysburg by James Hessler
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Reading about history does not have to be dull; enter Major General Dan Sickles. This guy is seriously entertaining to read about, he was an American democrat politician from New York City before the Civil War, he murdered Philip Barton Key for sleeping with his wife and got off free by pleading the first successful case of temporary insanity, he was a key factor in making Gettysburg a National Military Battlefield and had an affair with the deposed Queen of Spain while ambassador to that nation. He was made a Major General in the Union army appointed by president Lincoln because he was one of the few loyal democrats in favor of prosecuting the war against the south. Dan Sickles is most infamously remembered for his decision to move his troops forward into the peach orchard on the second day of battle at Gettysburg to great loss of his troops (and his leg). This book covers one of the most eclectic and interesting Generals on either side of the Civil war. Worth the read!
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#civilwar #unionarmy #dansickles #newyork #tammanyhall #general #gettysburg #majorgeneral #sickles #bookstagram #readersgonnaread #books #democrat #civilwarhistory

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first it was hard to get into the book but after a bit of elementary background, I got totally into it. After Dan Sickles started moving his troops out of line and forward on the second day, the story grabbed me and then it went fast. He was a conniver for sure. I guess I've never really liked the man and can't say after reading this I like him any better but it turned into an interesting read with matter I didn't know before. His men (corps) really loved him and never blamed him for their tremendous losses at Gettysburg. Amazing this didn't happen but Sickles was a politician and he could maneuver his way around Washington and Lincoln pretty well. He made it look like it was General Meade's failure to manage the fight well. Good read

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is quite thorough, and one of the most fair assessments I've read of General Dan Sickles, and because Sickles was such a scumbag, it's really hard to be fair to him. Still, it doesn't change the conclusion that Sickles erred gravely on July 2 by moving his troops out of his assigned position. When reading about the hearings before the Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War, it's hard not to be sympathetic toward Meade. Thanks to the hearings (which Hessler calls the "Second Battle of Gettysburg"), we've largely forgotten Sickles' most important contributions in the post-Civil War era for veterans and his role in creating Gettysburg National Military Park.

[Tom Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent bio of Sickles. Outstanding narration of Day 2 as fought by the Union Third Corps

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this biography of Dan Sickles. He puts the pluses and many minuses of an egotistic and energetic individual as a politician, military commander, statesman and murderer. While many vilify Sickles out of hand, Hessler attempts to balance the accomplishments with the failings and offers great perspective on the post war activities of Sickles. His narration of the Union Third Corps fight on the second day is really excellent.

[Diane Depew · Rating 4 out of 5]

The strength of this book is the its second half, where the author does a thorough job of depicting General Daniel Sickles post Gettysburg years - the good, the bad and the ugly. Sickles, for all his controversy, is a fascinating man and his role in establishing Gettysburg National Military Park should not be overlooked. A definite read for students of the Battle of Gettysburg.

[JEROME J KARWACKI · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, concise bio of the "goat of Gettysburg".
It does a good job of describing his political-social-military position in the lead-up to Gettysburg. In a completely, non-apologetic way, it lays out his thoughts and observations that lead him to shift his Corps into the salient that so disrupted Lee-Longstreet's plan for the flank attack on Day 2 at Gettysburg.

[Maria Rodriguez3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating read on a somewhat notorious and odd character! This an in depth biography on Sickles throughout his life. It is will researched, and with a certain zest of drama (murder anyone?). Hessler does a fantastic job of bringing the historical facts into his books clear but without the “dry textbook feel.” I would recommend this to any student of the ACW or Gettysburg!

[John Foley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, Well Written and Researched History of the Life of a Very Controversial Man

The book is very informative and a well balanced account of the life of its subject, including its various pluses and minuses. It is clearly written and very readable. The blow by blow, detailed account of the Gettysburg battle is excellent.

[Ben Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heavy Read Worthy of Study

The research was thorough which made for a difficult read but was well worth the effort. My conclusion is that the author treated Sickles' history fairly, and was well balanced in the negatives and the positives of his life. I recommend this book if you are unfamiliar or vaguely familiar with Sickles like I was. The author left no stones unturned.

[W Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent biography of Dan Sickles. Hessler provides an in depth look at Sickles and a detailed investigation of the Meade-Sickles controversy. His presentation and analysis is well balanced. He expertly analyzes the evidence and draws well reasoned conclusions.

[Jim Greene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very dense. Unless you have a degree in American History (like me) or have done deep studies into the Civil War, this book may be too ponderous. Sickles was one of the most colorful characters not only of the Civil War but of the nineteenth century.

[Phillip Mclaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never been a fan of Sickles. After reading this very well done work, my opinion is still skeptical of Sickles ever being more than a dangerous political hack.
Thank you for a solid recitation of the actions of a true scalawag..

[William Olenick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sickles as no other can be described

The author has done a fine job of describing Sickies and all his accomplishments and failures. Book is great addition to which ever sides of the July 2nd fights controversy you may ascribe to. It is a very interesting read.

[Eric Norment · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engrossing history. Sickles, with all his talents, warts and complexities, comes alive! Battle descriptions and maps unusually clean and clear. Arguments carefully, patiently, fairly made without snagging storyline. Pleasure to read while you learn plenty. Highly recommend!

[Linda & Mike Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sickles and Gettysburg

I thought the author did a good job describing the events of July 2. 1863. His descriptions were helpful in understanding the overall narrative.