The Extraordinary Life of Daniel Sickles: A Civil War Hero, Politician, and Murderer

Daniel Sickles was a man of contradictions. He was a brilliant military strategist who fought with distinction in the Civil War, rising to the rank of major general. He was also a ruthless politician who used his power to enrich himself and his cronies. And he was a cold-blooded murderer who killed his wife's lover in broad daylight.

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

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Sickles was born in 1819 in New York City. He studied law and began his political career as a Democrat. In 1853, he was elected to the New York State Assembly. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a powerful figure in Tammany Hall, the notorious political machine that controlled New York City politics.

When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Sickles joined the Union Army. He quickly distinguished himself as a skilled commander. He fought in several major battles, including Antietam and Fredericksburg. At the Battle of Gettysburg, he led a daring charge that helped to turn the tide of the battle.

After the war, Sickles returned to politics. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1868. He served for two terms, but his political career was cut short by his involvement in a murder trial.

In 1871, Sickles shot and killed Philip Barton Key, a prominent Washington, D.C. lawyer. Key was having an affair with Sickles's wife, Teresa. Sickles was charged with murder, but he was acquitted after arguing that he had killed Key in the heat of passion.

The murder trial was a sensation. It made Sickles a national celebrity. He was lionized by some as a defender of honor, but others condemned him as a cold-blooded killer. The trial also cast a shadow over his political career. He was never again elected to public office.

Sickles lived for another 20 years after the murder trial. He retired from politics and devoted himself to writing. He wrote several books on military history and politics. He also became a wealthy businessman. He died in 1914 at the age of 94.

A Complex and Controversial Figure

Daniel Sickles was a complex and controversial figure. He was a brilliant military strategist, a ruthless politician, and a cold-blooded murderer. He was a man of contradictions, capable of great heroism and great evil.

Sickles's life is a fascinating study in human nature. He was a man of contradictions, capable of great heroism and great evil. He was a brilliant military strategist who helped to win the Civil War. He was also a ruthless politician who used his power to enrich himself and his cronies. And he was a cold-blooded murderer who killed his wife's lover in broad daylight.

Sickles's story is a reminder that there is no such thing as a simple hero or villain. We are all capable of both good and evil. It is up to us to choose which path we will take.

Image Gallery

Daniel Sickles in uniform during the Civil War.

Daniel Sickles as a politician.

Daniel Sickles in later life.

Further Reading

• The Notorious Life of General Daniel Sickles by Thomas Keneally
• Daniel Sickles by History.com
• Daniel Edgar Sickles by Encyclopedia Britannica

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