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"Pat Cleburne Confederate General" by Howell and Elizabeth Purdue (Portals Press, 1973, 372 pages). "Pat Cleburne Confederate General" is an outstanding biography of this brilliant general who served in the Western Theater of the Confederate Army for four years before his death on November 30, 1864 while leading a charge against fortified Union positions during the Battle of Franklin. Patrick Ronayne Cleburne was born on March 28, 1826 in County Cork, Ireland. He served in the British Army and promoted to Corporal. In 1849, he arrived in the United States and settled in Helena, Arkansas becoming first a manager in a drug store before practicing law. In 1859 he became a senior partner in the law firm of Cleburne, Scaife & Mangum. The authors described his love for his newly adopted state of Arkansas and believed strictly in the Constitution of the United States and believed in his beloved Arkansas. In 1860, Cleburne enlisted as a private in the "Yell Rifles" and was elected captain of the regiment. When Arkansas seceded from the Union, he was unanimously elected Colonel of the First Regiment of Arkansas volunteers that eventually became the 15th Arkansas Infantry Regiment. Due to his brilliant and gallant leadership he was promoted to Brigadier General as commander of the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Army Corps in the Army of Mississippi. He earned fame for his excellent tactics and leadership and was recognized for his calm leadership while being wounded in the Battle of Richmond, Kentucky. During his time as General his troops would participate in the Battles of Perryville, Mufreesboro,the Tullahoma Campaign, McLemore's Cove, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Ringgold Gap and was again commended for his leadership by the Confederate Congress. General Cleburne would become embroiled in controversy when he first proposed that freed male slaves enlist in the Confederate Army. This proposal would be turned down by the Confederate Government as being absurd. General Cleburne was ordered with his division to Georgia and Alabama and participate in the battles of Dalton, Resaca, Kennesaw Mountain, Bald Hill, Atlanta, Jonesboro and Spring Hill as commander of Cleburne's Division, Cheatham's Corps in the Army of Tennessee commanded by General John Bell Hood. During the battle of Franklin, Tennessee on November 30, 1864 General Hood directed Cleburne's Division to charge heavily entrenched Union positions. General Cleburne objected but was overruled. Cleburne knew this would be a suicidal charge and when one of his subordinates noted this, Cleburne said he knew it was but "we will die like men". General Patrick Cleburne was killed as he led his men and died on November 30, 1864 at the age of 36.
Howell and Elizabeth Purdue wrote this brilliant biography of this great general in an easy to read and fascinating biography. The endnotes help tremendously in aiding the reader about the regiments and battles General Cleburne was a part of. The family history in Ireland gives background of Cleburne's life before and after he arrived in the United States. General Cleburne's well written reports are in the book as General Cleburne wanted his reports to show that he thought clearly and objectively of the actions his division would be a part of. General Cleburne was noted for his abstinence of alcohol and being a non-smoker. He became engaged to Susan Tarleton of Mobile, Alabama but was killed before they were married. After the battle of Franklin, General Cleburne was buried in the churchyard of St. John's Episcopal Church in Ashwood, Tennessee, but was later reburied in 1870 at Magnolia Cemetery in Phillips County, Arkansas.
Howell and Elizabeth Purdue are to be commended for this outstanding biography of General Patrick Cleburne who was known as the "Stonewall of The West" for his outstanding tactics and calm during battle. General Cleburne is to be considered as one of the best 1% of General Officers who fought in the Confederate Army and after reading this outstanding biography I can understand why. A great biography about this outstanding and tragic General of the Confederacy. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

A very good read. Good collection of primary sources to track down for research purposes. This book has been referenced in many other books.