Thomas L. Snead, The Fight for Missouri, 1st edition

Description

Thomas L. Snead’s The Fight for Missouri has been called “indispensable” by historian Allan Nevins.

This is, indeed, the case, as Snead was an aide to Governor Claiborne Jackson and General Sterling Price during the struggle over the fate of Missouri during the summer of 1861. All histories of the first summer of the war, from the Camp Jackson Affair to the battle of Wilson’s Creek lean heavily on it.

This copy bears the presentation inscription “Gen. Andrew J. Alexander / From J. H. Blair / Apl 86” and was given to Union Brevet Brigadier General Andrew J. Alexander. Alexander spent most of the war as a staff officer supporting General Francis P. Blair, jr., although he finished the war serving under General James Harrison Wilson. Under Wilson, Alexander won a brevet for “distinguished skill and gallantry in the cavalry engagements at Ebenezer Church, Alabama, and Columbus, Georgia…” Alexander’s sister, Appoline, was married to General Frank Blair. This unusual presentation copy gives an association to General Alexander and to the powerful Blair family.

The book is cocked with mottling on the boards. Light foxing and expected toning for a book of this period; light bumps and light chipping of extremities; else good with bright gilt lettering on boards.

Snead, Thomas L. THE FIGHT FOR MISSOURI. FROM THE ELECTION OF LINCOLN TO THE DEATH OF LYON. NY: Charles Scribers Sons, 1886. 1st edition, 322(vi)p., Frontispiece (folding map).