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.
