Book description
By the early twentieth century, Basil Wilson Duke had established
himself as one of Kentucky's most popular storytellers, but unlike
many other talented raconteurs, Duke was not merely a man of words. In
Basil Wilson Duke, CSA, the first full-length biography of this
distinguished American, Gary Robert Matthews offers keen insight into
the challenges Duke faced before, during, and after the strife of the
Civil War. As first lieutenant of General John Hunt Morgan's legendary
band of Confederate raiders, Duke became Morgan's most trusted advisor
and an integral contributor to his dramatic tactical successes. Duke
was twice wounded in battle and was captured during a raid in Ohio in
1863. Held captive for over a year, Duke rejoined Morgan's cavalry in
August 1864, only days before Morgan (who was Duke's brother-in-law)
met his demise in Greeneville, Tennessee. Promoted to brigadier
general and appointed commander of Morgan's men, he helped convince
Jefferson Davis of the futility of continued resistance at the close
of the war and was assigned to the force escorting Davis in his
escape. Duke's life of action and achievement, however, did not end
with the war. He wrote A History of Morgan's Cavalry, preserving for
posterity the experiences of his fellow warriors, and covered for the
Louisville Courier-Journal an 1875 horserace that would eventually be
known as the first Kentucky Derby. He built a reputation as a skilled
historical writer, and his interests led him to help found the Filson
Historical Society in Louisville. Duke also applied his talents to
public and political life. He opened a law office and was elected as a
Democrat to the Kentucky House, where he served until 1870. Then
applying his legal expertise and political connections at the state
and national levels, Duke represented the powerful L&N Railroad as
the company's chief lobbyist in the aftermath of the war and during
the emotionally charged era of Reconstruction. Gary Robert Matthews's
comprehensive study of the life of Basil Wilson Duke allows a great
soldier and statesman to step out of the shadows of the past.
"This biography illuminates Duke's distinguished service in
the Civil War, as well as his productive postwar career as a railroad
man and historian." -- Military Trader
