The Pen Makes a Good Sword
248 pages, 6 x 9
9 illus
Paperback
Release Date:01 Oct 2006
ISBN:9780817357603
The Pen Makes a Good Sword
John Forsyth of the Mobile Register
University of Alabama Press
This book is a biography of Alabama native John Forsyth Jr. and documents his career as a southern newspaper editor during the antebellum, Civil War, and Reconstruction periods. From 1837 to 1877 Forsyth wrote about many of the most important events of the 19th century. He used his various positions as an editor, Civil War field correspondent, and Reconstruction critic at the MobileRegister to advocate on behalf of both the South and the Democratic Party.
In addition, Forsyth played an active role in the events taking place around him through his political career, as United States Minister to Mexico, state legislator, Confederate Peace Commissioner to the Lincoln administration, staff officer to Braxton Bragg, and twice mayor of the city of Mobile.
Lonnie A. Burnett is Associate Professor of History at the University of Mobile.
Acknowledgments vii
Introduction: “The Pen Makes a Good Sword” 1
1. “The Great Son of a Noble Sire” 5
2. “What Rare Times We New Opposition Editors Will Have” 12
3. “We Are in a Fit of Disquiet” 31
4. “Cannot We Pause a Moment to Think of Our Country?” 57
5. “Sacrificed on the Altar of Duty” 75
6. The “Disturber” of the Democracy 97
7. “The Cause of the Union was Lost” 123
8. “The Zenith of Today Is the Nadir of Tomorrow” 145
Conclusion: “We Never Doubted Where John Forsyth Stood” 174
Notes 189
Bibliography 215
Index 229
Photographs follow page 117
Introduction: “The Pen Makes a Good Sword” 1
1. “The Great Son of a Noble Sire” 5
2. “What Rare Times We New Opposition Editors Will Have” 12
3. “We Are in a Fit of Disquiet” 31
4. “Cannot We Pause a Moment to Think of Our Country?” 57
5. “Sacrificed on the Altar of Duty” 75
6. The “Disturber” of the Democracy 97
7. “The Cause of the Union was Lost” 123
8. “The Zenith of Today Is the Nadir of Tomorrow” 145
Conclusion: “We Never Doubted Where John Forsyth Stood” 174
Notes 189
Bibliography 215
Index 229
Photographs follow page 117
