Alexander Fighting Elleck Hays

<p> Although he never achieved the renown of Ulysses S. Grant or Robert E. Lee General Alexander Hays was one of the great military men of the Civil War.</p><p> Born July 8 1819 in Franklin Pennsylvania Hays graduated from West Point and served with distinction during the Mexican War. When the Civil War began a few years later it was no surprise that Hays immediately volunteered and was given the initial rank of colonel with a later meritorious promotion to general. Hays was also known for his concern for his men a fact that no doubt contributed to the acclaim which he received after his death on May 5 1864 at the age of 44.</p><p> From West Point to the Civil War this biography takes a look at Hays's life concentrating--with good cause--on his military career. Personal correspondence and contemporary sources are used to complete the picture of a complex man devoted husband and father and gifted and dedicated soldier.</p>