James Hessler

What a story! First, he shoots his wife's boyfriend, is the first to use the temporary insanity defense, takes his wife back and loses credibility with the public, recruits an army, so gets a generalship. Then he fights in one battle, and then almost loses the next (and his leg), but declares himself the savior of the victory, but loses his command. Is in South America on official US business when Lincoln is shot. Gets into a pissing contest with his superior, Gen Meade, for the rest of his show more life. Loses his first wife, becomes ambassador to Spain, marries again and has two more kids, fights with his first daughter and never talks to her again. Fights with his second wife and doesn't live with her again. Helps create the first national battlefields. Inherits a fortune, loses it. Becomes fast friends with the opposing general at Gettysburg and his wife after that. Gets a new girlfriend in his old age, but his second wife has to bail him out of debt. Spends all his children's inheritance. Dies with $200. show less

Biography of the colourful 19th century "Congressman Who Got Away With Murder", focusing on his inadvisable command of the 3rd Corps during the American Civil War at Gettysburg and his postwar attempts at self mythologizing.