The Irish General: Thomas Francis Meagher

Irish patriot Civil War general frontier governor - Thomas Francis Meagher played key roles in three major historical arenas. Today he is hailed as a hero by some condemned as a drunkard by others. Paul R. Wylie now offers a definitive biography of this nineteenth-century figure who has long remained an enigma.. The Irish General first recalls Meaghers life from his boyhood and leadership of Young Ireland in the revolution of 1848 to his exile in Tasmania and escape to New York where he found fame as an orator and as editor of the Irish News. He served in the Civil War - viewing the Union Army as training for a future Irish revolutionary force - and rose to the rank of brigadier general leading the famous Irish Brigade. Wylie traces Meaghers military career in detail through the Seven Days battles Antietam Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.. Wylie then recounts Meaghers final years as acting governor of Montana Territory sorting historical truth from false claims made against him regarding the militia he formed to combat attacking American Indians and plumbing the mystery surrounding his death.. Even as Meagher is lauded in most Irish histories his statue in front of Montanas capitol is viewed by some with contempt. The Irish General brings this multi-talented but seriously flawed individual to life offering a balanced picture of the man and a captivating reading experience.