THE DISTINGUISHED CAREER OF WINFIELD SCOTT HANCOCK: REBELLION
Many military leaders came to prominence during the American Civil War. Each one has a story, but none more compelling than that of Major General Winfield Scott Hancock. West Point educated, and his experience in uniform as an infantry officer during the Mexican War inspires and excites Hancock to forego a law career, follow in his father’s footsteps, and pursue one as a professional soldier.
Passionately loved by his family, revered by his soldiers, and feared by his enemies, he is the premier Union Corps commander. As a young officer, Hancock’s excellence as an infantry officer is equaled in his ability to handle the logistics critical for any commander to succeed.
His friendships with classmates like Ulysses Grant, John Reynolds, Jeb Stuart, Lafayette McClaws, and Harry Hethe are severely strained when many southern-born officers resign their commissions to join the “Rebellion.” With his unwavering dedication to the oath taken when he was commissioned and the U.S. Constitution, he considers his southern comrades traitors. He will carry out his orders in battle against them. The Army has a different plan and has ordered Hancock to do a supply assignment. Almira Russell Hancock knows her husband will carry out his assignment out of the conflict. Hancock desires an infantry assignment and tells Almira, “I am a soldier, first and always,” as he heads to Washington, D.C., for assistance in making that a reality.
With the nation at war, the surge to create the Army of the Potomac with over one hundred thousand men had the Commanding General, George McClellan, searching for officers to lead men in battle. He singles out Hancock and promotes him from captain to brigadier general and brigade command. Success in fighting comes quickly, and “Hancock the Superb” became known throughout Union and Confederate armies.
Hancock is elevated from Brigade to division and finally corps command. Led by unsuccessful Army commanders, Hancock’s frustration is diminished when, in July 1863, the Army arrives in Gettysburg – a turning point for Lincoln, the Union, and the Army of the Potomac.
THE DISTINGUISHED CAREER OF WINFIELD SCOTT HANCOCK: TURNING POINT
In June 1863, the Army of the Potomac was closing in on Lee’s Confederate Army. The two forces moved north, Lee along the Blue Ridge Mountains again toward Pennsylvania—the Army of the Potomac always between Lee and Washington, D.C.proteting the capitol. The Union had suffered one defeat after another in Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville and fought to a draw or failed to act aggressively to win the day in Williamsburg, Malvern Hill, Manasses, and Antietam. With each failed engagement, a new Army commander is appointed, and Hancock fears for the future of the Army and their ultimate goal – the defeat of the Confederacy.
Enter Major General George Meade, a battle hardened Corps Commander and the latest in the line of Army commanders. Assuming command of the Army of the Potomac on June 30th, 1863, Meade is 24 hours from the Battle of Gettysburg on July 1st. The two Armies were closing on Gettysburg when Lee’s force engaged the Union cavalry northeast of Gettysburg. Hancock has found his place as the premier Corps commander and is called upon by Meade to ride to Gettysburg. Earlier battles have shown the Union force to withdraw, but Hancock, now with the authority to influence significantly the situation, decides they will fight here. He picks the ground and establishes the defense south of the town along Cemetery Ridge.
Hancock’s Second Corps will be engaged for three days, ultimately defeating Pickett’s Charge and Lee, who turns back to Virginia. Hancock is wounded severely, leading the Second Corps against Lee’s final charge. It is the turning point for Lincoln, the Union, and the Army of the Potomac.
Hancock is called upon to influence battles for the remainder of the conflict. Ulysses S. Grant arrives, and, for the first time, all major offensive operations around the country are coordinated to bring about the surrender of Robert E. Lee and the capitulation of the Confederate States of America.
With the war over, the focus turns to Reconstruction and Manifest Destiny. The West was opened to settlement, and the Great Plains Indians pushed back. Sherman, in command of the Military Department of Missouri from Texas to the Canadian border, asks Grant to assign Hancock to the Missouri command. Hancock’s success in battle, Army to Army, does not find its way to engagement with small bands of Indians and continuous raids. The Great Plains War will last another ten years.
THESE SACRED LANDS
Joshua’s life takes him through the rigors of West Point and a burgeoning love with Erin, the daughter of the fort’s first sergeant. Meanwhile, Shadow Hawk marries the beautiful Woman Who Walks Alone, only to tragically lose her during childbirth. The loss strengthens his resolve to protect his people and their sacred lands.
As tensions between the Sioux and the U.S. government escalate, both friends find themselves on opposing sides of a brewing war. Joshua leads cavalry patrols in the Black Hills, while Shadow Hawk joins forces with his cousin, Crazy Horse, to resist the encroaching settlers and soldiers.
The inevitable clash comes at the Battle of the Little Big Horn, where Shadow Hawk helps to deliver a devastating blow to Custer’s forces. However, the victory only fuels the U.S. government’s resolve, and more soldiers are sent to crush the Sioux resistance.
In the final campaign of 1876, Joshua and Shadow Hawk meet again on the battlefield. When Hawk is mortally wounded, he entrusts his son, Tremaine Running Deer, to Joshua, asking him to raise the boy in the white world while preserving his Lakota heritage. Despite the profound sadness of losing his friend, Joshua promises to honor Hawk’s wish, vowing to bridge the two worlds for the sake of the next generation.
Joshua returns to Fort Robinson with young Tremaine, where Erin welcomes the boy into their home. Together, they embark on the challenging journey of raising a child who will walk between two cultures, carrying the hope of a more united future.
TREMAINE
The sinking of the USS Maine and the subsequent declaration of war with Spain altered Tremaine’s life. Capron urges him to join Roosevelt’s Rough Riders. With Beth’s support, Tremaine enlists and swiftly rises to sergeant. Now at university, Connor secretly enlists as well, reuniting with his brother in Tampa before they embark on the perilous journey to Cuba.
After the Spanish surrender, Tremaine returns home physically and emotionally scarred. He reunites with Beth and the Mackenzies, who support his recovery. Tremaine’s resolve to serve leads him to return to the marshal service.
Roosevelt is aware of Tremaine’s desire to join the regular Army. Invited to the White House after Roosevelt’s inauguration, Tremaine’s service and loyalty are recognized with a promotion to lieutenant and assignment to the Tenth Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers. Embracing his new role, Tremaine continues his legacy of bravery and honor, embodying the spirit of both his Lakota heritage and his American upbringing.