"General Charles Ferguson Smith served at the U.S. Military Academy from 1829 to 1842 as Instructor of Tactics, Adjutant to the Superintendent and Commandant of Cadets. Drawing on never before published letters and journals, this long overdue biography reveals Smith as a faithful officer, excellent disciplinarian, able commander and modest gentleman"-- Provided by publisher.

Part I. West Point to Texas: 1820-1845 -- "Grant him a warrant as a cadet" -- "Thirteen years of service" -- Commandant of cadets -- "At West Point always" -- "Riot raging in Kensington" -- Part II. Corpus Christi to Mexico City: 1845-1848 -- "A tussle with the Mexicans" -- "War at last sure enough!" -- "The brilliant coup de main" -- "A political war" -- "Off for the far famed City of Mexico" -- "This glorious army hoisted the colors" -- Part III. Between wars: 1848-1861 -- "The most perfect soldier in the army" -- "Courage and fidelity" -- "A war must be waged" -- Part IV. Disunion and reunion: 1861-1862 -- "The storm will blow over" -- "The war in Kentucky has commenced" -- "Make demonstrations with your troops" -- "The old flag still waves" -- "They are false in every particular" -- Part V. Fort Henry and Fort Donelson: February 1862 -- "Take and hold Fort Henry" -- "I shall take and destroy Fort Donelson" -- "You must take Fort Donelson" -- "Unconditional and immediate surrender" -- Part VI. Triumph and turmoil: March-July 1862 -- "Take command of the expedition" -- "Hold his position" -- "Does not set easy on me yet" -- "The devils own day" -- "His great worth as a soldier and friend."