William C. Davis's biography of Robert Barnwell Rhett provides a definitive picture of South Carolina's most prominent secessionist and arguably the best known in the nation during the two decades leading up to the Civil War. Dubbed the Father of Secession; Rhett attached himself to South Carolina statesman John C. Calhoun; but grew more zealous than his mentor on the secession issue. Rhett first raised the possibility of secession in 1826; well before Calhoun adopted the notion; and would ever after hold fast to his one great idea. In this examination of Rhett's personal and political endeavors; Davis draws upon many newly found sources to reveal the extremism that would make and mar Rhett's adult life. Davis traces the statesman's obsession with a separation from the union; which he initially associated with a protective tariff and internal improvements but by the 1840s had unabashedly connected with slavery. Davis details Rhett's seven terms in Congress; his short-lived stint as a United States Senator; and his leading role in the South's newly energized movement toward secession after the 1860 election. Davis reveals Rhett's ambition to be rewarded with the presidency of the
#4825834 in Books 1997-06Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .64 x 10.28 x 10.31l; #File Name: 1567994253128 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. An Interesting Civil War BookBy Paul ClappisonThis is a well written book - part of the Civil War Chroniclesseries. It is based on letters written by Major Isaac N Smithof the 22nd Virginia Infantry; who was involved in fighting theUnion forces in Western Virginia. He makes very scathing comments on General John B Floyd and suggests that the efforts of Robert E Lee to get Floyd and General Wise to co-operatecaused his (Lee's) hair to go grey!I found all this very interesting as actions in W Virginia seemto receive liitle mention in general histories I have read.The final chapter deals with his work in the Confederate SecretService after he resigned from the army.The book has some good photos and paintings and also detailedmaps covering the battles mentioned.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy L OSBORNthis was a gift and is being enjoyed
