Heroes of the Great Conflict; Life and Services of William Farrar Smith, Major General, United States Volunteer in the Civil War

"Heroes of the Great Conflict; Life and Services of William Farrar Smith, Major General, United States Volunteer in the Civil War" by Wilson is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book centers around the life and military career of Major General William Farrar Smith, detailing his significant contributions during the American Civil War and the challenges he faced within the military hierarchy. The opening of the book introduces William Farrar Smith, charting his early life, education at West Point, and his rise through the military ranks. It highlights his friendships with prominent Civil War figures and sets the stage for the examination of his military career during the war. The author emphasizes the importance of personal accounts and documentation, suggesting that a more nuanced understanding of Smith’s character, motivations, and the complexities of military command is crucial, as opposed to relying solely on official reports. Through this lens, the narrative aims to shed light on not only Smith’s achievements but also the political intricacies and interpersonal dynamics that affected his career trajectory. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

James Harrison Wilson was an American military officer, topographic engineer and a Major General in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He initially served as an aide to Major General George B. McClellan during the Maryland Campaign before joining Major General Ulysses S. Grant's army in the Western Theater, where he was promoted to brigadier general. In 1864, he transferred from engineering to the cavalry, where he displayed notable leadership in many engagements of the Overland Campaign. However, his attempt to destroy Lee’s supply lines failed when he was routed by a much smaller force of Confederate irregulars.