Autobiography of Samuel S. Hildebrand: The Renowned Missouri Bushwhacker
Autobiography of Samuel S. Hildebrand: The Renowned Missouri Bushwhacker
Most Civil War historians now agree that the guerrilla conflict shaped the entire war in significant ways. Some of these bushwhackers Nathan Bedford Forrest, William Clarke Quantrill, John Singleton Mosby have become quite infamous. Illiterate Sam Hildebrand, one of Missouri’s most notorious guerrillas often compared to Rob Roy, and the subject of dime novels was one of the few to survive the war and have his story taken down and published. Shortly after this he was killed in a barroom brawl.
I make no apology to mankind for my acts of retaliation; I make no whining appeal to the world for sympathy. I sought revenge and I found it; the key of hell was not suffered to rust in the lock while I was on the war path.
Sam Hildebrand
Hildebrand’s reign of terror gave the Union army fits and kept much of the Trans-Mississippi, especially Missouri, roiling in the 1860s. Over seven years of fighting he and his men killed dozens of soldiers and civilians, whites and blacks; he claimed to have killed nearly one hundred himself. He was accused of many heinous acts.
The historical significance of Hildebrand’s story is substantial, but his bloody tale is eminently readable and stands quite well on its own as a cold-blooded portrait of a violent time in American history. Like the nightmarish and depraved world of the Kid in Cormac McCarthy’s novel Blood Meridian, Hildebrand’s world is truly ruthless and his story is brutally descriptive in its coolly detached rendering of one man’s personal war. Published in 1870, Hildebrand’s autobiography has long been out of print and has been a rare and highly prized acquisition among Civil War
This item is not currently in-stock. It can be ordered online and is expected to ship in approx 4 weeks
Our stock data is updated periodically, and availability may change throughout the day for in-demand items. Please call the relevant shop for the most current stock information. Prices are subject to change without notice.
Sign in or become a Readings Member to add this title to a wishlist.