In this Book
- Breckinridge: Statesman, Soldier, Symbol
- Book
- 2014
- Published by: The University Press of Kentucky
John C. Breckinridge rose to prominence during one of the most turbulent times in our nation's history. Widely respected, even by his enemies, for his dedication to moderate liberalism, Breckinridge's charisma and integrity led to his election as Vice President at age 35, the youngest ever in America's history.
After a decade of being out-of-print, Breckinridge: Statesman, Soldier, Symbol returns as the quintessential biography of one of Kentucky's great moderates. Historian William C. Davis sheds light on Breckinridge's life throughout three key periods, spanning his career as a celebrated statesman, heroic soldier, and proponent of the reconciliation.
A true Kentucky hero, "Old Breck's" bravery in battle, dedication to the pursuit of truth, and unique ability to win the loyalty of others rank him alongside Henry Clay and Simon Kenton. Drawing from a remarkable collection of sources, including previously unknown documents and letters, as well as the papers of his associates and extensive aid from the Breckinridge family, Davis presents the legacy of a man often overlooked.
Table of Contents
- Acknowledgements
- pp. xix-xxii
- Introduction to the 2010 Edition
- pp. xxiii-xxviii
- BOOK I
- 1 Your Brother Has a Fine Son
- pp. 3-20
- 2 You Are a Glorious Democrat
- pp. 21-40
- 3 My Eloquent Young Friend
- pp. 41-57
- 4 Go On, You Cannot Fail
- pp. 58-77
- 5 Beat Breckinridge, D__n Him
- pp. 78-94
- 6 I Thought It Had to Be Met
- pp. 95-119
- 7 The Power Behind the Throne
- pp. 120-146
- 9 I Like Him God Damn Him
- pp. 165-185
- 10 Let Justice Be Done
- pp. 186-205
- 11 I Trust I Have the Courage
- pp. 206-227
- 12 Pour On, I Can Endure
- pp. 228-247
- 13 Iron Beneath the Glove
- pp. 248-267
- 14 I Intend to Rest
- pp. 268-290
- BOOK II
- 1 The Musket of a Soldier
- pp. 293-314
- 2 I Will Lead You on to Victory
- pp. 315-333
- 3 When a Man Is Right
- pp. 334-362
- 5 I Never Felt More Like Fighting
- pp. 380-399
- 6 A Worthy Successor of Jackson
- pp. 400-432
- 7 We Will Soon Drive the Enemy Out
- pp. 433-455
- 8 It Does Seem Incredible
- pp. 456-478
- 9 This Has Been A Magnificent Epic
- pp. 479-501
- 10 Nothing Can Be Done
- pp. 502-524
- 11 Should My Friends Ever Know My Part
- pp. 525-540
- BOOK III
- 1 You Have a Mission to Perform
- pp. 543-557
- 3 Thank God You Are Free
- pp. 572-592
- 5 There Is Now No North and No South
- pp. 616-639
- Bibliography
- pp. 641-667