Breckinridge : Statesman, Soldier, Symbol

by Davis, William C.

• ISBN13: 9780813192550
• ISBN10: 0813192552
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-02-01
• Publisher: Univ Pr of Kentucky

Summary

John C. Breckinridge rose to prominence during one of the most turbulent times in our nation's history. Widely respected, even by his enemies, for his dedication to moderate liberalism, Breckinridge's charisma and integrity led to his election as Vice President at age 35, the youngest ever in America's history.After a decade of being out-of-print, Breckinridge: Statesman, Soldier, Symbol returns as the quintessential biography of one of Kentucky's great moderates. Historian William C. Davis sheds light on Breckinridge's life throughout three key periods, spanning his career as a celebrated statesman, heroic soldier, and proponent of the reconciliation.A true Kentucky hero, "Old Breck's" bravery in battle, dedication to the pursuit of truth, and unique ability to win the loyalty of others rank him alongside Henry Clay and Simon Kenton. Drawing from a remarkable collection of sources, including previously unknown documents and letters, as well as the papers of his associates and extensive aid from the Breckinridge family, Davis presents the legacy of a man often overlooked.

Author Biography

William C. Davis, director of programs at the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies and professor of history at Virginia Tech, is the author or editor of more than fifty books, including the Virginia at War series.

Table of Contents

Abbreviations Used in Footnotes	p. xv
Preface	p. xvii
Acknowledgements	p. xix
Introduction to the 2010 Edition	p. xxiii
Your Brother has a Fine Son	p. 3
You are a Glorious Democrat	p. 21
My Eloquent Young Friend	p. 41
Go On, You cannot Fail	p. 58
Beat Breckinridge, D-n him	p. 78
I Thought it had to be Met	p. 95
The Power behind the Throne	p. 120
Go It	p. 147
I Like him God Damn him	p. 165
Let Justice be Done	p. 186
I Trust I have the Courage	p. 206
Pour On, I can Endure	p. 228
Iron Beneath the Glove	p. 248
I Intend to Rest	p. 268
The Musket of a Soldier	p. 293
I will Lead you on to Victory	p. 315
When a Man is Right	p. 334
Well, Gentlemen, this is What is Left of me	p. 363
I Never Felt more Like Fighting	p. 380
A Worthy Successor of Jackson	p. 400
We Will Soon Drive the Enemy Out	p. 433
It does seem Incredible	p. 456
This has been a Magnificent Epic	p. 479
Nothing can be done	p. 502
Should my Friends ever know my Part	p. 525
You have a Mission to Perform	p. 543
On you, Sir, the Eyes of all True Southern Men are Now Fixed	p. 558
Thank God you are Free	p. 572
We Address ourselves to the Duties of the Future	p. 593
There is Now No North and No South	p. 616
Bibliography	p. 641
Index	p. 669
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.