Presenting a biography of Lieutenant General John McAllister Schofield, this book examines the career of one of the leading commanders in the western theater during the Civil War. In doing so, it illuminates the role of politics in the formulation of military policy, during both war and peace, in the latter half of the nineteenth century.

Early years -- Saving Missouri -- Take care of Missouri -- If both factions shall abuse you -- Escape to the front -- The Franklin-Nashville campaign -- To the east--to the end -- Soldier-statesman -- Secretary of War -- The rocky road of reform -- The mistake of my life -- Uncertain future -- Incremental reformer -- In retirement and in retrospect.