The life of a Civil War general, congressman tried for murder, friend of five Presidents, diplomat, spendthrift, and libertine - one of the gaudiest of American figures.

"Autographed by the author for the members of the Civil War Book Club."

The people's choice -- Politicking on the Potomac -- After the ball -- Sir, I do assure you -- But one course left -- The dignity of a homicide -- End of a career -- Father to the man -- The colonel at court -- Target, Washington -- Man with smallpox -- The making of a general -- On to Richmond! -- Backward from Richmond -- Barroom and brothel -- The enemy must ingloriously fly -- Sickles is the man -- "This is a good battle-field" -- Never call retreat -- Tell it to Lincoln -- Certain grave dangers -- The campaign of General Historicus -- A better general -- O, captain, my captain! -- People are too pragmatical -- Letters edged in black -- The general calls on a lady -- A deep sense of propriety -- Tact and forbearance -- St. Daniel and the dragon -- The big stick -- Au revoir and goodbye -- Return of the native -- A grand old hero he -- I see him on that famous field.