Autobiography of Samuel S. Hildebrand (Civil War in the West)
Editorial Reviews
Book Description
"An exciting 'read' combined with the truth behind Hildebrand's story."--Robert W. Mackey, author of The Uncivil War: Irregular Warfare in the Upper South, 1861-1865
"This is a must book for all interested in separating the fact from fiction regarding Civil War guerrilla warfare and those who waged it."--Albert Castel, author of William Clarke Quantrill: His Life and Times
"A superb modern edition of a rare 1870 imprint . . . a vivid impression of a boastfully murderous mentality unique in Civil War historiography."--Michael Fellman, author of Inside War: The Guerrilla Conflict in Missouri During the American Civil War
From the Publisher
Most Civil War historians now agree that the guerrilla conflict shaped the entire war in significant ways. Some of these "bushwhackers"--Forrest, Quantrill, Mosby--have become quite famous. Illiterate Sam Hildebrand, one of Missouri's most notorious guerrillas--often compared to "Rob Roy" and the subject of dime novels--was one of the few to survive the war and have his story taken down and published. Shortly after this he was killed in a barroom brawl.
Hildebrand's reign of terror gave the Union army fits and kept much of Trans-Mississippi, especially Missouri, roiling in the 1860s. Over seven years of fighting he and his men killed dozens of soldiers and civilians, whites and blacks; he claimed to have killed nearly one hundred himself. He was accused of many heinous acts.
The historical significance of Hildebrand's story is substantial, but his bloody tale is eminently readable and stands quite well on its own as a cold-blooded portrait of a violent time in American history. Hildebrand's world is truly ruthless and his story brutally descriptive in its cooly detached rendering of one man's personal war.
Published in 1870, Hildebrand's autobiography has long been out of print and has been a rare and highly prized acquisition among Civil War historians and enthusiasts.
Autobiography of Samuel S. Hildebrand (Civil War in the West)
Autobiography of Samuel S. Hildebrand (Civil War in the West),Kirby Ross,James W. Evans,A. Wendell Keith,Samuel S. Hildebrand,University of Arkansas Press,1557287996,Biography,Biography & Autobiography,Biography / Autobiography,Biography/Autobiography,Civil War, 1861-1865,Confederate States of America,Guerrillas,Historical - General,Historical - U.S.,History,Military,Missouri,Saint Francois County,U.S. History - Civil War And Reconstruction (1860-1877),Underground movements,United States,United States - Civil War
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