THE BEST GENERAL IN THE CIVIL WAR
by Conrad Bibens
Historical Fiction
Publisher: Stoney Creek Publishing
Pages: 256
Publication Date: November 6, 2024
SYNOPSIS
United States and his opposition to slavery, Thomas faced distrust and delayed promotions from Union leaders like Lincoln and Grant. Disowned by his family and resented in the South, Thomas nonetheless achieved pivotal victories, earning the titles “Rock of Chickamauga” and “Sledge of Nashville.”
Thomas recounts his friendship with Lee, rivalry with Grant and Sherman, and his deep love for his Northern wife, who may have influenced his resolve to honor his oath to the Constitution. After the war, he fought both the Ku Klux Klan and the lingering hostility of President Grant, whose suspicions blocked Thomas from the presidency many believed he deserved as The Best General in the Civil War.
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“In the end, we must all choose sides or be trampled.”
The Best General in the Civil War by Conrad Bibens is an interesting and informative account of one general’s life and military service during the Civil War. The name of General George Thomas might not always be top of mind when contemplating such a deadly war, but this man was definitely an important military leader in the Union army.
George Thomas hailed from Virginia, which became a Confederate state; however, Thomas chose to follow his conscience and join the Union army in the fight between the states. As a southerner, Thomas’s allegiance to the Union was often in question, but he quickly proved his worth and his loyalty with each battle against the Confederacy. In fact, his courage and ability to remain clearheaded, calm, and strategic allowed him to steadily (albeit often too slowly for his detractors and admirers alike) push the Union toward victory.
Conrad Bibens delivers this alluring historical fiction with a mix of data from the general’s memoirs (found in 2020) and his authorial discretion to fill in some gaps and round out the novel with dialogue and other compelling prose. The fact remains, General George Thomas has earned a prominent place in US military history based on his honor and courage.
A word of caution: While slavery and accompanying rhetoric are naturally present in this novel about the Civil War, the author portrays only what is necessary to the story and events and prevalent beliefs of the time.
George Thomas was often overlooked for promotion, perhaps (as the novel suggests) because of his southern birthplace, but remained true to the Union even in the face of doubt and betrayal. What also shines brightly in this novel is the general’s love and respect for his wife, Frances Kellogg Thomas, whom he was often separated from during the war. His devotion and affection never wavered, and his untimely death at age 53, a mere five years after the end of the Civil War, was a sure blow to Frances, who was no doubt looking forward to spending more time with her husband.
“If at the end of my life the Almighty asks me what I did to end injustice, I shall be proud of my answer.”
Many key players during the Civil War are well-known and recognizable, such as Lee and Grant; however, others demand just as much attention. Conrad Bibens has done a remarkable job bringing General George Thomas and his dedicated role in securing a Union victory to the forefront of US history. Whether you are a Civil War aficionado or a history buff in general or simply enjoy learning more about interesting historical figures, The Best General in the Civil War offers plenty of action and insights about a man who bravely fought for the freedom of all and for the enduring future of the United States.
“The object of any battle is to win it and survive to enjoy the victory.”
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