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Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly: The Short but Controversial Life of Colonel Ulric Dahlgren

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"Small time, but in that small greatly lived This star of England" Shakespeare wrote in his Epilogue of Henry V. The same can be said of Col. Ulric Dahlgren, the subject of Eric Wittenberg's most recent book, "Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly."

First, as a disclaimer, I'd suggest that it is hard for many people to provide a completely unbiased review of one of Eric Wittenberg's books in that there are many people who have benefited from his advice and scholarship...I happily count myself among that group, having received generous amounts of both. But I'll do my best.

Eric Wittenberg's "Like a Meteor..." is a tremendous story of natural qualities of daring, leadership, acumen, and other admirable qualities in a very young man: Ulric Dahlgren. He ably charts Dahlgren's life from restless youth to purpose as soldier in defense of the Union during the Civil War. He also describes the unprecedented access that Dahlgren had to the highest levels of political and military power in the country. The narrative drives towards the climax of Dahlgren's death on a raid into Richmond and the subsequent controversy surrounding papers found on his body. It may be that the casual Civil War enthusiast is not already aware of the so-called Kilptarick-Dahlgren raid, but once they are, they'll be compelled to learn more about this interesting story written by Eric Wittenberg and backed by very good research.

Some high points:

1) A good part of Dahlgren's early career as a soldier was under the command of Major General Franz Sigel. Sigel is often derided in the Civil War literature, but I find that Wittenberg treats him quite fairly.

2) The Gettysburg chapter - and Dahlgren's thrilling exploits in the campaign - are worth the price of the book. Wittenberg explains very well the importance of critical enemy intelligence that Dahlgren had a part in securing.

3) The Dahlgren Raid, of course, is well-covered. The loss and recovery of Dahlgren's body is an amazing story and is told very well by Wittenberg.

4) As if the Gettysburg chapter wasn't enough, Wittenberg "closes the deal" by providing a very honest assessment of Dahlgren's achievements, faults, vices, admirable qualities, lost promise, and more in the final chapter.

5) Excerpts from the letters and diaries of the younger and elder Dahlgren's are used to great effect throughout the book.

I have only a few critical comments, though they do not detract from my overall positive assessment of the book and a recommendation to read it:

1) I wish he would have developed a bit more the mistakes in Dahlgren's Fredericksburg Campaign exploits; he hints at them, it seems, but doesn't really develop a case for how detrimental they were.

2) I was somewhat put off by Wittenberg's quoting often from a sermon and memoir written by Dahlgren's minister and father after the death of the young hero as they are by definition hagiographic and biased; that said, it's important to note that both Rev. Sunderland, and of course the elder Dahlgren, had been acquainted with "Ully" since his birth, and when they comment on his younger days, they compliment the text pretty well.

3) I wish the book had a closer touch of a copyeditor's hand...though not intrusive, the typos, etc., (esp. in the last chapters) could become distracting.

Nevertheless, this is a very fitting - and very honest - biography of an important personality and Mr. Wittenberg is to be congratulated.

The Dahlgren Affair gets short shrift in the history of the Civil War cataclysm. The plot failed, and the guilty parties disavowed the scheme placing the onus on a poor young cavalry officer who died at the pointy edge of the plot.

President Lincoln was often guilty of bothering his military with impossible silly taskings. Trying to do something to relieve the plight of Union prisoners of war trapped in the South, whose disintegrating logistics made it that much more difficult to sustain prisoners, resulted in some silly scheming amongst cavalry adventurers for a raid on Richmond. Judson Kilpatrick, one of the norths more reprehensible excusses for a cavalrymen (so named "killcavalry" for the wreck he made of his own commands)went to Washington with a plot which won the endorsement of the President and the Secretary of war.

Kilpatrick recruited a young staff colonel to, Ulric Dahlgren, to lead the advanced brigade of the attack. Somewhere in the evolution of this plan humanitarian interests took second seat to a darker and ruthless plot to kill the CSA national command and sack the city of richmond. Papers found on the dead Colonel Dahlgren detailed the plot and caused angry exchanges between governments. It has even been suggested that the road leading to Lincolns assasination can be traced to the Dahlgren Affair.

Eric Wittenberg bio of Dahlgren draws out the character and development of a prestigious military family. The young Dahlgren is not a professional soldier but a romanticist caught up in the war and the ideology of his admired father who is a bulwark of the federal administration. The young up and coming Dahlgren makes bad choices in his infamous final campaign, tarnishing his judgement and reputation.

Wittenberg's judgement, that the plot was probably the creature of Killpatrick and Stanton is most probable based on the records of these two players.

Mr Wittenberg literary style may not be his greatest strength. He compensates with a ruthless pursuit of historical data which provides the greatest possible veracity to his case.

The Dahlgren Affair is the sort of thing people never tire of debating, so achieving a final solution isn't likely. Kudos to Eric Wittenberg for coming as close as historical fact will allow.

I recently finished reading Eric J. Wittenberg's newest book, "Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly: The Short But Controversial Life of Colonel Ulric Dahlgren." I first became aware of Eric's excellent books when I read the books he published with J. David Petruzzi and Michael Nugent, "Plenty of Blame to Go Around: Jeb Stuart's Controversial Ride to Gettysburg" and "One Continuous Fight: The Retreat from Gettysburg and the Pursuit of Lee's Army of Northern Virginia." Since then, I have many of the books he has published. They are all quite good, so when Eric let me know his newest book was available, I was excited to get a copy to review.

Eric's new book is a real page turner. I spent a couple of late nights reading "Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly," as I just could not put it down. Like most Civil War enthusiasts, I had read briefly about the Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid in other narratives. It was a fascinating event during the Civil War, but something that has not been written about extensively. Wittenberg's book analyzes the raid extensively, but it is much more - it is the only biography written on the life of Ulric Dahlgren. "Ully" was the son of Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgren, who is considered the "father of American naval ordinance."

Wittenberg's excellent research and well written prose make the story of Colonel Ulric Dahlgren, and the controversy of the "Dahlgren Papers" jump off the page with fantastic imagery. Fast paced and easy to read it is both a biography and a short battle history of the engagements that Ulric fought in. I recommend this book to all Civil War scholars and students as it provides a "looking-glass" into the life of an intriguing Union soldier that has been overlooked by historians for nearly 15 decades.

I was able to interview Mr. Wittenberg for my blog, ThisMightyScourge [dot] com. To access the interview, and my complete review of "Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly," go to my blog and click on the "interview" category in the right menu.

Michael Noirot

This Mighty Scourge blog

Saint Louis, Missouri

July 1, 2010

First, regarding the kick-ass quality of this study, I whole-heartedly agree with previous reviewers. Second, while Franz Sigel-bashing is en vogue with most American Civil War historians, I was delighted with Wittenberg`s surprisingly balanced and fair treatment of that often maligned German-born general. My appreciation, Mr. Wittenberg.

Young Ulric Dahlgren, like his father Admiral John Dahlgren, had a burning ambition to rise as high as his many talents could take him. Unfortunately for Ully, his young life was cut short while he was in pursuit of those heights on a cavalry raid against Richmond. Matters took a bizarre turn when papers were found on his body which ordered his men to assassinate Jefferson Davis and other members of the Confederate government. Eric Wittenberg's new biography of Ulric Dahlgren, Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly: The Short But Controversial Life of Colonel Ulric Dahlgren, sets out to examine this ambitious and gifted young man's life, from promising upbringing to unfortunate end, including a nuanced look at the infamous "Dahlgren Papers."

Eric Wittenberg is a familiar name to many experienced Civil War readers. His Union cavalry expertise is well-known, with monographs on Stuart's Ride around the Union army on the way to Gettysburg, the battles of Trevilian Station and Brandy Station as well as a hard look at "Little Phil" Sheridan to his credit. He is known for his desire to and success at finding multiple new primary sources for his books, something he takes great pride in. It shows in his body of work to date. There aren't many, if any, writers better qualified in the field today to write a biography of this young cavalryman.

Ulric Dahlgren was born in Wilmington, Delaware in 1842, the son of famous Dahlgren gun inventor Admiral John Dahlgren. He grew up in Washington, D.C., and he was known by some of the most powerful men in the country up to and including presidents of the United States. Dahlgren's mother and sister died while he was a teenager. His Uncle Charles lived in Mississippi, eventually ending up on the Confederate side in the Civil War. Young Dahlgren was a man of many talents. He shared his father's aptitude for artillery and proved to be an excellent cavalryman and scout. Dahlgren's artillery expertise was so valued that he was sent to Harper's Ferry as a civilian in command of naval howitzers during Jackson's Valley Campaign. He later served in a non-civilian military capacity as Franz Sigel's de facto chief of artillery in the Army of Virginia. Later in 1862, Dahlgren led a daring raid into Fredericksburg. Fortuitously for Dahlgren, he was not tied so tightly to Sigel that the German general's dismissal from the Army of the Potomac caused him any pain. Instead Ully was assigned to new army commander Joseph Hooker's staff. He charged with Rush's Lancers at Brandy Station, captured a dispatch from Davis to Lee during the Gettysburg Campaign, and was ultimately wounded at Hagerstown, Maryland on July 6, 1863 during Lee's retreat to Williamsport and Falling Waters. This wound cost him his foot but he also gained a promotion to colonel, the youngest man to earn that honor in the Union army.

After recuperation at home and later with his father's fleet outside of Charleston Harbor, Ully became involved in what was eventuually known as the Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid. Hugh Judson Kilpatrick was to lead a cavalry column against Richmond in late February 1862. Dahlgren was in charge of a picked command of less than 500 soldiers whose mission was to sneak into Richmond from the south while Kilpatrick threatened from the north. Dahlgren's men were to free the Union prisoners held in horrible conditions at Libby Prison and Belle Isle. The raid did not go according to plan and Dahlgren was killed in early March 1864, one month shy of his twenty-second birthday.

Papers were found on Dahlgren's body indicating his men were to assassinate key Confederate leaders and burn Richmond to the ground in addition to freeing prisoners. At that point Dahlgren became infamous in the South, and the controversy over the legitimacy of the Dahlgren Papers has raged to this day. Confederate First Lady Varina Davis had known Ully as a child in Washington, D.C. and couldn't reconcile that sweet little boy with the young man who had allegedly plotted to assassinate her husband. As he should in such a famous and controversial case, Wittenberg handles the evidence thoroughly as he is trained to do in his day job as a lawyer. His thoughts are laid out completely in an appendix. I won't ruin the surprise as to whether or not Wittenberg believes the Papers to be authentic or who he believes came up with the plan to assassinate Confederate leaders. The candidates for the author of the plan are some of the most powerful men in the United States at that time, however.

This book contained a surprising number of maps for a Civil War biography. These maps depicted all of Ully Dahlgren's most important fights, allowing a reader somewhat unfamiliar with the Civil War to understand what he was facing. As always, Wittenberg's primary sources are numerous and varied, showing a lot of dedication to sifting through as much information as possible on this much disputed subject.

Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly: The Short But Controversial Life of Colonel Ulric Dahlgren is a thorough, readable biography of a man viewed very differently in the North than in the South. Thoroughly researched and convincingly argued, this book will appeal to fans of cloak and dagger dealings, daring cavalry raids, and Civil War controversies. Little or no knowledge of the Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid and the Dahlgren Papers is needed to enjoy this look at the short but incredibly ambitious, controversial, and risk-filled life of Ulric Dahlgren. Highly recommended.

Brave, enthusiastic, careless, connected, smart, daring, careless, lucky, unlucky. These are just some of the words that quickly come to mind after having read Eric Wittenberg's highly entertaining work on Ulrich Dahlgren.

Wittenberg has taken on an important, but often overlooked, subject in Dahlgren. Dahlgren came from a well connected family, his father being John Dahlgren, "The Father of Modern Naval Ordnance." Through his father Ully was able to meet presidents Zachary Taylor and later Abraham Lincoln. These connections, in addition to his own abilities, led to his being promoted to the youngest Colonel in the United States Army.

Wittenberg traces the military career of young Ulrich including his stints working along side Generals such as Franz Sigel, Joe Hooker, and later George Meade. We read of Dahlgren and his enthusiasm and the problems this caused at Fredericksburg. In the Gettysburg campaign Dahlgren makes a major find in seizing letters to Robert E. Lee from Jefferson Davis. These letters showed that Lee would not be receiving reinforcements and that he would be on his own. General Meade however did not follow up on this intelligence and eventually Lee and his army were able cross the Potomac and make an escape. Shortly after the battle Dahlgren was shot in the leg while in Hagerstown. The injury cost him his leg below the knee shortly thereafter. He returned from this injury with the new title of Colonel.

Judson Kilpatrick then helps recruit Dahlgren in his plan ostensibly to free prisoners from Belle Isle and Libby Prison. Whether this was really the goal of the Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid has been the subject of debate ever since. Dahlgren led a group of 500 men who attacked from the south of Richmond. Delays caused him to miss his meeting with Kilpatrick and ultimately led to Dahlgren being killed during a Confederate ambush. Here's where the story takes a turn. Papers were found on Dahlgren's body that he was to burn Richmond, free the prisoners, capture Jefferson Davis and the Confederate cabinet and assassinate them. Based upon this strained relations are even more so. Dahlgren is give an "anonymous" burial though there is an interesting story included on the retrieval of his body for burial by family. Wittenberg then spends a good amount of time examining the "papers". He puts forth a compelling argument that shouldn't be shared in a review. Whether you agree with his ultimate findings there is little doubt that Wittenberg has done his research and his conclusion is well thought out and stated.

Overall a well written book that reads quickly. The research is extensive (40 pages of notes and 18 pages of bibliography). Wittenberg does rely heavily on a memoir written by Ulrich's father and of course objectivity of such a source can be questioned. Overall though Wittenberg has written what seems to be a balanced account of this young man. While pointing out the potential greatness of Ully he doesn't hide the warts. For anybody interested in the Civil War this should be on your "to be read" list. Unfortunately you are unlikely to find this at your local B&N so online ordering is your best bet.

By way of disclosure, I helped edit the original manuscript for this book and for author Eric Wittenberg (with whom I've written 2 books). Civil War students and those who enjoy history will truly enjoy this book. This is the only modern biography of young Ulric Dahlgren, a fascinating character of the American Civil War. The Federal army's youngest full colonel, Dahlgren became posthumously embroiled in once of the most controversial events of the war - what became known as the Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid on Richmond in 1864. When Dahlgren was killed during the raid, papers were found on his corpse, in his own handwriting, in which he seems to have had as one of his missions to kill Confederate President Jefferson Davis and members of his cabinet.

One of the gems of this book - always a benefit when a well-written biography of the more "obscure" characters of the war such as this appears - is the detailed additional material unearthed about campaigns in which they were involved. Hence, readers of this book will find interesting reading about the campaigns of 1863 - in particular the Gettysburg Campaign.

Readers will also find Wittenberg's discussion of the validity of those papers found on Dahlgren's body very interesting. I won't reveal Wittenberg's conclusion regarding whether the papers were real or not, but one will find it difficult to argue with his thesis and conclusion.

Enjoy this book about a truly fascinating young personality of the Civil War and American history, who rode into every mission hell-bent for leather, and flashed off the scene as quickly as he flashed onto it. Those of us who wish we had as much audacity and bravery as Ully Dahlgren (but fully admit that we don't!) will have a great time watching him ingratiate himself into the highest powers of government, the military food chain and intrigue, and be rooting for him all the way.

J. David Petruzzi

In the last 144 years, reams & reams of paper have been filled with stories of Lincoln, Lee, Grant, Gettysburg, what Lee should have done at Gettysburg, Lee's real plan at Gettysburg, what would Grant have done at Gettysburg?, was Lincoln Gay?, etc. You get the picture! Enough to make you nauseous! That's why it's so refreshing to read "Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly: The Short but Controversial Life of Colonel Ulric Dahlgren," by Eric J. Wittenberg.

Wittenberg's first dive into the biography pool is worthy of a gold medal. It is a subject never tackled. New ground is plowed & we benefit from the harvest. It is not regurgitated material. Wittenberg, as is his custom, researched this subject thoroughly, bringing to light new accounts (almost 5 pages of the bibliography) to tell this amazing story.

The raid on Richmond is the pivotal point of Ully's life & we may never know who was involved beyond Dahlgren & his men. Wittenberg offers 5 scenarios. While you might not agree with the final analysis, the author makes a great case. The evidence is more than enough to sway this juror.

If you want the same old slop, pick up a book on Lincoln, Lee, Grant & Gettysburg. But if you want to ride with Captain Kirk to explore uncharted areas, read Wittenberg's latest. You won't be sorry.

As a former chief of military history for the US Army Armor Center and School at Ft. Knox, Ky (and commander in the the 2nd and 6th Cavalry), I found "Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly" to be well worth reading. Most civil war texts focus on the senior leadership of the troops in the trenches - very few pay much attention to the "mid-level" managers of a military organization. Wittenberg - whom I do not know - has done a workmanlike job of detailing the activities - good and bad - of one of the leaders who determine the success or failure of an operation. One the the most brilliant leaders in any military, Admiral Sufferein, serving in the East Indies, constantly had his brilliant campaigns undone by the lack of ability or willing disobediance of his subordinates. Wittenberg does a nice job of detailing the dedication, energy and ambition of a junior leader and his ability to advance his commander's operations.

Interesting areas not addressed: Through 1861-3 we have a successful officer who is endorsed by senior military and political leaders including the President - and he can't get promoted. There's something going on there in the background - which potentially highlights another aspect of any organization. The presence of personal agendas and vendettas regardless of the greater good. OTOH, an earlier promotion of Ulric Dahlgren would probably have led to an earlier wounding or death - it's a truism that an effective military can be measured by the leader-to-led casualty ratio.

Another intersting area: how did a convelescent 22 year old colonel, find himself accompanying and then commanding a unit in Kilpatirck's operation? Reminds me of the operation under President Carter to free the hostiges in Iran - people pulled in from everywhere - and nodaby knew the other leaders personally - and it failed.

Those that follow Eric Wittenberg's work know this is a pet project that has been years in the making. We expect the author to produce a fair balance portrait by bring his considerable experience to bear on the questions surrounding this individual. Like a Meteor blazing Brightly is everything a biography should be, complete and balanced with none of the elements that make a hagiography.

This is more than a biography. This is a mini history of the Civil War and the times. We see how "access" is almost everything, the importance of friends in high places and the expectation that friends take care of friends. Ulric Dahlgren is a Colonel at 21 of the United States Volunteers. He could visit the White House, chat with Lincoln and stop by the War Department to say hello to Staunton. He is athletic, hard working, intelligent, personable and brave. All accounts agree that he is a very likable young man from an excellent family with good connections. In short, Ulric Dahlgren is the perfect candidate for a staff officer. A position he finds, first with Franz Sigel and later for Fighting Joe Hooker. In each position, he managed to make himself very valuable and when George Meade takes command, he maintained his position. Badly wounded during the pursuit of Lee's army we get a look at medical care for the well to do. After gangrene sets in an amputation of his leg below the knee saves his life. The author touches on the after care of an amputee and the problems associated with amputation in passing. This is enough to give us a glimpse into the world of pain and suffering these men endured.

Being the youngest colonel in the Army of the Potomac, the son of Admiral John Dahlgren, dropping by the White House and the War Department do not rate a biography. Leading a raid on Richmond, carrying papers ordering the assignation of Jefferson Davis and members of his cabinet with plans to burn the city rate a biography. The Dahlgren Raid is the subject of numerous histories. None of them have looked at the raid from Ulric Dahlgren's life or incorporated it into the story. Approximately 100 pages are devoted to the Dahlgren Raid, the papers and controversy still raging. The author's conclusions are sure to upset people but, as always, he presents an excellent logical case for them. I found his reasoning compelling and he convinced me that his conclusions are correct.

Very well written, informative, logical and well documented, this is an excellent book. The excellent maps by David Roth include two present day maps that allow us to follow the path of the raid. Physically this is a quality book, well illustrated, fully footnoted with an index and bibliography.