A Notable Bully : Colonel Billy Wilson, Masculinity, and the Pursuit of Violence in the Civil War Era.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Cray, Robert E.

Series:

Interpreting the Civil War: Text and Contexts

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Wilson, William, 1823-1874.

Wilson, William.

United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 6th (1861-1863)--Biography.

United States.

Politicians--New York (State)--New York--Biography.

Politicians.

Boxers (Sports)--New York (State)--New York--Biography.

Boxers (Sports).

Political corruption--New York (State)--New York--History--19th century.

Political corruption.

New York (N.Y.)--Politics and government--To 1898.

New York (N.Y.).

United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Regimental histories.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (322 pages)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Ashland : The Kent State University Press, 2021.

Summary:

"Largely forgotten by historians, Billy Wilson (1822-1874) was a giant in his time, a man well known throughout New York City, a man shaped by the city's immigrant culture, its harsh voting practices, and its efforts to participate in the War for the Union. For decades, Wilson's name made headlines-for many different reasons-in the city's major newspapers. An immigrant who settled in New York in 1842, Wilson found work as a prizefighter, a shoulder hitter, an immigrant runner, and a pawnbroker, before finally entering politics and being elected an alderman. He harnessed his tough persona to good advantage, in 1861 becoming a colonel in command of a regiment of alleged toughs and ex-convicts known as the "Wilson Zouaves." A poor disciplinarian, however, Wilson exercised little control over his soldiers, and in 1863, unable to maintain order, he was jailed for a number of weeks. Nonetheless, Wilson returned home to a hero's welcome that year. Wilson left behind no personal papers, journals, or correspondences, yet Robert E. Cray has masterfully woven together a record of Wilson's life using the only available records: newspaper stories. These accounts present Wilson as a fascinating but highly unlikable man. As Cray demonstrates, Wilson bullied his way into New York, bullied his way into fame and politics, and attempted to bully his way into military greatness. His story depicts the New York City and Civil War experience in bolder, darker hues. As Cray shows us, it was not always a pretty tale"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Cover

Copyright

Dedication

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

1. Immigrant Fighter

2. Wilson Campaigning

3. Defeat and Uncertainty

4. Colonel Billy Wilson and the Zouaves Take Shape

5. Colonel Billy Wilson and the Zouaves at War

6. Colonel Billy Wilson and the Zouaves at Home

Conclusion

Notes

Index.

Notes:

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

ISBN:

9781606354247

1606354248

9781631014543

OCLC:

1281980469