- Joined
- May 12, 2010
- Location
- Now Florida but always a Kentuckian
As stated by Dr. James A. Ramage, "Confederate General Basil W. Duke was one of the most famous Kentuckians in the Civil War". He further states he was " A military genius and tactician ahead of his time". Duke was born in Scott County, Ky. in 1838. He studied Law at Transylvania University in Lexington. He was admitted to the bar in Missouri as he had joined a cousin there to practice law. He was practicing in St. Louis when the war broke out. He returned to Ky. and married John Hunt Morgan's sister, Henrietta. In October 1861 he enlisted in Morgan's cavalry company. He began serving as second in command. After Morgan was killed he was promoted to brigadier general and became commander of Morgan's cavalry. Duke and Morgan were not only brother-in-laws but very close friends, Morgan wrote in one of his official reports that Duke was "the right man in the right place. Wise in counsel, gallant in the field, his services have ever been invaluable to me". Two years after the war Duke wrote and published "A History of Morgan's Cavalry". As Dr. Ramage states this book serves as the most valuable primary source on Morgan and his men.
At the present time I am reading, "The Civil War Reminiscenses of General Basil W. Duke, C.S.A." After i finish book, will post book report.
At the present time I am reading, "The Civil War Reminiscenses of General Basil W. Duke, C.S.A." After i finish book, will post book report.