James S. Wadsworth was a successful lawyer and influential New York politician when the Civil War broke out. His wealth, strong anti-slavery views, and active support of President Lincoln made him a controversial public figure in the early war years. In 1863, he was given a field command and proved himself to be one of the Union's most able and daring commanders, although he died before the war ended. His battlefield boldness and righteous resolve to end slavery is, as former U.S. Congressman James W. Symington says, "a vivid reminder that our Civil War was, indeed, fought on moral grounds."

This biography makes use of many primary and secondary sources to portray Wadsworth's Military Career--Analyzing his leadership capabilities. Wadsworth was one of a few politico generals who proved his worth on the field of battle. He was mortally wounded in the wilderness in 1864 while he attempted to rally his confused troops.