Who Was Lew Wallace, Soldier, Statesmen and Author of Ben Hur скачать в хорошем качестве

Who Was Lew Wallace, Soldier, Statesmen and Author of Ben Hur

Lewis "Lew" Wallace was born on April 10, 1827, in Brookville, Indiana. He was the second of four sons of David Wallace and Esther French Test Wallace. His father, a graduate of West Point, later became Governor of Indiana and a U.S. Congressman, which exposed young Lew to politics and military affairs from an early age. Despite his privileged background, Wallace was not particularly fond of formal education. He attended various schools but preferred reading and outdoor activities over structured learning. At the age of 16, he left school and began working as a clerk, demonstrating an early sense of independence. His father’s military background and political career likely influenced his later decision to pursue a career in both law and military service. Wallace’s military career began during the Mexican-American War, where he served as a first lieutenant in the 1st Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Though he did not see combat, this experience prepared him for his later role in the Civil War. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Wallace was appointed Adjutant General of Indiana, responsible for organizing volunteer regiments. He soon took command of the 11th Indiana Infantry, leading them in early engagements in Virginia. His leadership earned him a promotion to Brigadier General in September 1861. Wallace played a crucial role in the Battle of Fort Donelson (February 1862), where his division helped secure a Union victory. His performance led to a promotion to Major General, making him one of the youngest generals in the Union Army. However, his reputation suffered after the Battle of Shiloh (April 1862), where confusion over orders delayed his division’s arrival on the battlefield. Although later evidence suggested he was not at fault, the incident tarnished his military career. Wallace redeemed himself at the Battle of Monocacy (July 1864), where his forces delayed Confederate General Jubal Early’s advance toward Washington, D.C.. Though the battle was a tactical defeat, his actions bought time for Union reinforcements, preventing the Confederate capture of the capital. His strategic leadership earned him renewed respect. Following the war, Wallace served on the military commission that tried the Lincoln assassination conspirators and presided over the trial of Henry Wirz, the Confederate commandant of Andersonville Prison. In 1878, he was appointed Governor of the New Mexico Territory, where he dealt with the infamous outlaw Billy the Kid. Later, he served as U.S. Minister to the Ottoman Empire (1881–1885). Wallace is best remembered today as the author of Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1880), one of the most influential Christian novels of the 19th century. The book became a bestseller, was adapted into multiple films, and solidified Wallace’s legacy as a literary figure