Details

Subject(s)

• Harney, William S. (William Selby) 1800-1889 [Browse]
• Generals—United States—Biography [Browse]
• United States Army—Biography [Browse]
• United States—History, Military—19th century [Browse]
• Indigenous peoples of North America—Wars [Browse]
• Indigenous Studies [Browse]

Summary note

"Between the War of 1812 and the Civil War, General William S. Harney became one of the best-known military figures in America. In a career aided by Andrew Jackson and the concept of an expansible army, Harney saw duty in virtually every part of the country and participated in most of the key military episodes of his time. He chased remnants of Lafitte pirates in Louisiana, campaigned with Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis during the Black Hawk War, developed Vietnam-style riverine tactics that ended the Second Seminole War, and led Winfield Scott's cavalry in the Mexican War. In the 1850s Harney devised the army's largest and most successful pre-Civil War campaign against Plains Indians, commanded troops charged with upholding federal authority in Kansas and Utah, and almost provoked hostilities with Great Britain in the Pacific Northwest. Removed from command amid false charges of disloyalty during the Missouri secession crisis, he returned as a leading member of the Indian Peace Commission of 1867-68." "Harney was bold, ambitious, and innovative, but also impulsive, vindictive, and violent. His career illustrates the nineteenth oentury army's role in implementing federal policy, highlights its limited resources compared to its responsibilities, and illuminates key aspects of its organizational structure, the behavior of its officers, and its impact on personal lives."--Jacket.

Bibliographic references

Includes bibliographical references (p. 349-363) and index.

Action note

Committed to retain in perpetuity — ReCAP Shared Collection (HUL)

Contents

• 1. Son of Tennessee pioneers
• 2. A time for learning
• 3. Boatman, woodsman, Indian fighter
• 4. "That infernal pay department"
• 5. "War to the rope" in Florida
• 6. The road to Mexico City
• 7. "Prince of Dragoons" in Texas
• 8. "Great White Chief" on the plains
• 9. Return to riverine warfare in Florida
• 10. Civil unrest in Kansas and Utah
• 11. The Pacific Northwest, "no ordinary sphere"
• 12. "Loyal soldier" in Missouri
• 13. "Our old friend" as peace commissioner
• 14. A time for reflections.

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ISBN

0803210582 (cl : alk. paper)

LCCN

^^^00044737^

OCLC

44509193

RCP

H - S

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