1888. · Philadelphia
by Rose, Victor M.
Philadelphia: Pictorial Bureau of the Press, 1888.. [6],[25]-260pp., including two portraits. Original cloth, boards stamped in blind, spine gilt lettered. Corners and spine ends slightly worn, small chip at head of spine, a few patches of minor discoloration on front board. Contemporary presentation inscription. Light tanning, otherwise internally clean. About very good. A scarce biography of the "most famous Texas Ranger," according to Howes. McCulloch went to Texas from Tennessee with Davy Crockett (his neighbor growing up in Dyersburg), fought in the Texas Revolution at San Jacinto, joined the Texas Rangers during the Republic, and served as Zachary Taylor's Chief of Scouts during the Mexican-American War. After a brief stint in California during the Gold Rush (during which time he was elected Sheriff of Sacramento), he was appointed U.S. Marshall for Texas in 1852, and was involved in the Utah War. He was commissioned a colonel in the Confederate Army almost immediately after Texas seceded, and slain by a Union sharpshooter at the Battle of Pea Ridge the following year. McCulloch's dramatic story is told through a mixture of traditional narrative and printed text from personal letters and military reports. The work contains numerous letters and military reports. This copy was presented by Ben's younger brother, Henry Eustace McCulloch, to "General H.P. Bee," a Texan politician and Civil War officer himself. Henry was a towering Texan in his own right, and stood side by side with his brother through nearly all of his exploits. He had somewhat more political influence than Ben, serving in both the House and Senate of Texas and as a delegate to the Texas secession convention. Unlike his brother, Henry survived his service in the Confederate States Army and became an active opponent of Reconstruction in his state. A scarce and important Texas biography, presented by the subject's equally noteworthy brother.he inscription on the front free endpaper reads: "From Henry E. McCulloch to General H.P. Bee." HOWES R443, "aa." DORNBUSCH II:2991.
(Inventory #: WRCAM52495)