1862 Plot to Kidnap Jefferson Davis, The [Hardcover]

Victor Vifquain (Author), Jean-Baptiste Victor Vifquain (Author), Jeffrey H. Smith (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1998

& 15 b/w illustrations & 6 x 9 . Never-before-known plot to kidnap Jefferson Davis & A fresh perspective on Richmond during the Civil War In early 1862, three Frenchmen, formerly of d'Epineuil's Zouaves, hatched a plot to ride into Richmond and capture Jefferson Davis. Using the pseudonyms Athos, Porthos, and Aramis from Alexandre Dumas' The Three Musketeers, the young adventurers slipped into Richmond but were captured and thrown into Libby Prison. Victor Vifquain, later awarded the Medal of Honor for his valiant action at Fort Blakely, was one of the brash threesome, and he kept copious notes during the escapade. His memoir written from those notes, recently unearthed from the Nebraska Historical Society and thoroughly edited and annotated, is a stunning tale of intrigue and daring. Jeffrey Smith, a descendent of Victor Vifquain, is a history professor at Bellevue University, Nebraska. Phillip Thomas Tucker, currently the chief historian at Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D. C., is the author of several books on the Civil War, including the Douglas Southall Freeman Award-winning The Confederacy's Fighting Chaplain.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"[The] story amazes, engages, and provides rare insight into a momentarily lighter side of the Civil War."—Kliatt

(Kliatt )

"Vifquain’s memoir needed little editing, according to the editors, and indeed it flows very well."—Curled Up With A Good Book

(Curled Up With A Good Book )

"Recounting an uncelebrated but singular part of American history, The 1862 Plot to Kidnap Jefferson Davis deserves a place in the library of Civil War literature."—International Social Science Review

(International Social Science Review )

"Taking cues from fellow Frenchmen Alexandre Dumas and Victor Hugo, Vifquain tells his story with an air of daring-do that inspires a sense of awe in the reader. . . . Though the plot itself failed, the story is worth telling."—Daily Nebraskan

(Daily Nebraskan )

"An important addition to the already rich selection of Civil War literature."—Nebraska History

(Nebraska History )

"[A] lively account . . . .Worth reading for anyone with more than a passing interest in the Civil War."—New York Military Affairs Symposium Newsletter

(New York Military Affairs Symposium (NYMAS Newsletter) ) --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Victor Vifquain (1836–1904) was born in Belgium. His family was among the first European settlers in the Nebraska Territory. Vifquain was awarded the nation’s highest military honor for his valor in the Civil War. Jeffrey H. Smith is a professor of history at Bellevue University in Bellevue, Nebraska, and is the author of A Frenchman Fights for the Union: Victor Vifquain and the 97th Illinois. Phillip Thomas Tucker is a historian at the Air Force History Office in Washington DC. He is the author of several books on the Civil War, including The Confederacy’s Fighting Chaplain, winner of the Douglas Southall Freeman Award.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Stackpole Books; 1st edition (December 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811712710
• ISBN-13: 978-0811712712
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,032,694 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very interesting book, January 19, 2000

By 

Brian (Utah) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 1862 Plot to Kidnap Jefferson Davis, The (Hardcover)

This book is very interesting, and an easy book to read for those who do not know much about the Civil War. It tells the story that very few people know about three brave frenchmen and their plot to capture the president of the confederates, Jefferson Davis.. Including the adventures they have a few weeks before and after their plot. I would recommend this book for anyone, especially those interested in Civial War History. This book was hard to put down.

I am definately not "into" Civial War history, but I found this to be a great book. I would make the same decision in buying it again.