The Notorious Civil War General Dan Sickles: A Life of Controversy and Scandal

Daniel Edgar Sickles was born in New York City on October 20, 1819. His father was a successful merchant, and his mother was a devout Catholic. Sickles attended private schools and graduated from Columbia College in 1837. After college, he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1841.

Sickles quickly became involved in politics. He was elected to the New York State Assembly in 1846 and to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1856. Sickles was a strong supporter of President James Buchanan and the Democratic Party. He was also a vocal opponent of the abolitionist movement.

American Scoundrel: The Life of the Notorious Civil War General Dan Sickles

by Thomas Keneally

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1341 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	406 pages

FREE

When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Sickles resigned from Congress and joined the Union Army. He was appointed colonel of the 70th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Sickles quickly distinguished himself as a brave and aggressive commander. He was promoted to brigadier general in 1862 and to major general in 1863.

Sickles played a prominent role in several major battles of the Civil War, including the Battle of Gettysburg. He was wounded at Gettysburg and lost a leg. Despite his injury, Sickles continued to serve in the army until the end of the war. He was mustered out of the army in 1866.

After the war, Sickles returned to New York City and resumed his political career. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives again in 1868 and served until 1870. In 1873, he was appointed minister to Spain by President Ulysses S. Grant. Sickles served in this position until 1877.

Sickles's life was marked by controversy and scandal. In 1859, he was involved in a murder trial that made national headlines. Sickles was accused of killing his wife's lover, Philip Barton Key II. Sickles was acquitted of the charges, but the trial damaged his reputation.

Sickles was also known for his corruption. He was accused of taking bribes and using his position for personal gain. In 1874, he was impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives, but he was acquitted by the Senate.

Despite his many scandals, Sickles remained a popular figure in New York City. He was elected to the state senate in 1885 and served until 1891. Sickles died in New York City on May 3, 1914.

A Complex and Contradictory Figure

Dan Sickles was a complex and contradictory figure. He was a brave and successful military commander, but he was also a corrupt and scandalous politician. Sickles was a man of ambition and power, but he was also capable of great cruelty and violence.

Sickles's life is a cautionary tale about the dark side of human nature. He was a man who was capable of great good and great evil. Ultimately, Sickles's legacy is one of controversy and scandal.

Image Gallery

Further Reading

• Dan Sickles: The Hero, the Scoundrel, and the Civil War by Russell F. Weigley
• General Dan Sickles: The Third Man at Gettysburg by Edward G. Longacre
• The Trial of Dan Sickles: The Murder That Shocked America in the Days of the Tweed Ring by Edward Schapsmeier

American Scoundrel: The Life of the Notorious Civil War General Dan Sickles

by Thomas Keneally

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1341 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	406 pages

FREE