Major General Joseph King Fenno Mansfield: A Soldier From Beginning To End is the first biography of this life-long U.S. Regular Army officer, who was mortally wounded at the Battle of Antietam while leading his XII Corps from the front. I can only say to you that I am here in obedience to orders, and not to receive the plaudits of my fellow-citizens, but simply to perform my duty, and fight for that Constitution which has been handed down to us from our sires.

Written by the author of Boots and Saddles: Cavalry During the Maryland Campaign of 1862, this detailed biography covers General Mansfield’s life, most of which was spent in the service of the U.S. Army as an engineer. After spending many years in the construction of Fort Pulaski, Savannah, Georgia, he served in the Mexican-America War, where he was severely wounded. He was one of a few officers to receive three brevet promotions from captain to colonel for meritorious conduct. His tour as an inspector general highlighted his intrepid desire to ensure military preparedness on the new American frontier after the Mexican-American War. This biography is profusely illustrated with period maps and images, which aid in understanding Mansfield’s world.