In the predawn hours of March 7, 1868, four prisoners aided by a guard escaped from Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas and headed a small, open fishing boat into a violent storm in the Gulf of Mexico. The men were never seen again.

One of them, Colonel George St. Leger Grenfell, was a British soldier of fortune who had come to America in 1862 and earned himself a unique place in the Confederate Valhalla. In this biography Stephen Z. Starr recounts the fascinating story of this romantic and neglected character.

Grenfell was a talented cavalry officer who served with John H. Morgan, Braxton Bragg, and J. E. B. Stuart. Yet his congenital restlessness hampered his effectiveness. In one of his most fantastic adventures, Grenfell plotted to help northern Copperheads take over the governments of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois and establish a Northwestern Confederacy. When the plan―the “Chicago Conspiracy” as it became known―to attack Camp Douglas, free Confederate prisoners, and capture Chicago was discovered, Grenfell, along with 150 cohorts, was arrested. He and six of the principal collaborators were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. Grenfell and three fellow prisoners planned the escape that apparently ended in tragedy, although rumors that the legendary soldier of fortune was still alive persisted for many years.

About the Author

Stephen Z. Starr's definitive trilogy on the history of the Union cavalry includes The Union Cavalry in the Civil War, Volume I: From Fort Sumter to Gettysburg, 1861-1863, The Union Cavalry in the Civil War, Volume II: The War in the East from Gettysburg to Appomattox, 1863–1865 and The Union Cavalry in the Civil War, Volume III: The War in the West,1861–1865, completed shortly before his death in 1985. His other books are Colonel Grenfell's Wars: The Life of a Soldier of Fortune and Jennison's Jayhawkers: A Civil War Cavalry Regiment and Its Commander.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

We are PENNSYLVANIA'S LARGEST USED BOOKSTORE specializing in second-hand and out- of-print scholarly books in all fields! We offer the finest selection of art books between New York and Chicago. We invite you to email us with any questions or concerns about any of our books. We are always interested in buying academic libraries and are willing to travel to collect your books!!

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

The Midtown Scholar Bookstore, Inc.
3401 North Sixth Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17110, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

We guarantee the condition of every book as it is described on the Abebooks website. If you are dissatisfied with your purchase (Incorrect Book/Not as Described/Damaged) or if the order has not arrived, you may be eligible for a refund within 30 days of the estimated delivery date. If you have changed your mind about a book that you have ordered, please use the Ask bookseller a question link to contact us and our customer service team will typically respond within 2 business days.

Shipping Terms

* * * All books are packed with great care! * * * DOMESTIC SHIPPING OPTIONS for standard-sized books: USPS PRIORITY MAIL (takes business 3-7 days to arrive in the continental U.S.) - $9.00 for the 1st book and $6.00 for a 2nd book. ... BOOK RATE SHIPPING ("media mail", takes 1-4 weeks to arrive in the continental U.S.; please note that media mail delivery to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, APO/FPO addresses, and US territories can take 6-8 weeks) - $6.00 for the 1st book and $3.00 for each additional book. MEDIA MAIL BOOKS ARE TYPICALLY SEALED IN A HIGH-QUALITY PLASTIC BAG AND THEN PACKAGED IN A STRONG CARDBOARD BOX. Some extremely small, very light items receive a First-Class upgrade and may ship in a First-Class bubblewrap-lined mailer. ... AIRMAIL SHIPPING TO CANADA: Price varies based on rate. Please contact us for details. Oversized or heavy items may require additional postage.... OTHER INTERNATIONAL AIRMAIL SHIPPING: Shipping by DHL service whenever possible with typical delivery in 5-14 business days. Oversized or heavy items may require additional postage.... If your book is HEAVY or OVERSIZED, we will contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	7 to 21 business days	3 to 7 business days
First item	US$ 6.00	US$ 9.00

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.