Book review ...
Controversial Union Colonel Wolford
detailed in book by great-great nephew

Wild Wolf – The Great Civil War Rivalry, by Ronald Wolford Blair, Acclaim Press, December 2015, 460 pages, $29.95.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: “Wild Wolf – The Great Civil War Rivalry” is a fresh look at Union Col. Frank Wolford, the celebrated Civil War cavalier and rival of Confederate raider John Hunt Morgan. Written by Wolford’s great-great-nephew, Ronald Wolford Blair, it discusses in detail Wolford’s heroic leadership in part of more than 300 battles and skirmishes in which he was wounded seven times. The book also covers his notable rivalry with Morgan’s Raiders plus little known facts about his staunch opposition and policy dispute with President Lincoln.)

Today, only a few scholars are familiar with the name Col. Frank Lane Wolford. However, 150 years ago, this man was nationally known and in powerful oration, perhaps unwittingly, nearly changed the face of this country.

He had high cheekbones, an eagle like beak of a nose, his hair was black as coal, and he had piercing gray eyes. He had the stature and the resemblance of a wise Cherokee Chief. He was 5-foot-11 and weighed 180 pounds and, at the age of 47, had a powerful build. Wounded seven times, he fought in more than 300 battles and skirmishes. He was deeply loved and respected by his men and was known for his generosity.

Some “red tape” Union military leaders, however, considered his style too independent and irregular. The Wild Riders, many of them wild mountain men themselves, understood his homespun commands and obeyed him. His antithesis, the aristocratic rebel raider, John Hunt Morgan, considered “Wild Wolf” the most feared and most dreaded Union Cavalry Commander to meet on the field of battle. Strangely, they had a deep respect for each other.

Both cavalry commanders were proud of their fine spirited Kentucky steeds. Both Kentucky regiments were known for being hard riding and daring Cavaliers. Wolford’s Cavalry was famously known for riding the finest thoroughbred mounts in the Bluegrass. During the “Lebanon Races” and “The Great Chase,” both man and beast were challenged for stamina and endurance. Most every Civil War engagement in Kentucky and in the mountains of East Tennessee are detailed in this nearly 500 page book, including 120 maps and illustrations. This is a story about Wolford’s military and political rivalry during the war and his political rivalry that continued post-war. The First Kentucky Cavalry was the oldest Union Kentucky Cavalry in the war.

On March 10, 1864, in front of a packed audience at the Melodeon Hall in Lexington, the battle scarred warrior, lawyer and politician, Col. Wolford, commander of the First Kentucky Cavalry, stepped onto the dais to accept a jeweled sword. Distinguished Kentuckians, including Governor Bramlette, were present to honor Wolford for his patriotic war effort, and especially for his role in capturing his nemesis, Morgan, after the 1,000 mile Great Chase.

But after accepting the sword, the Kentucky Colonel grasped the opportunity to launch a lengthy diatribe condemning the Lincoln Administration over black enlistment and civil rights violations. The majority of Kentucky white citizens were exasperated at the thought of arming former slaves, but most feared arrest or death if they dared to openly protest. Largely influenced by Wolford’s bold complaints, Kentucky strongly considered war against the federal government. This could have changed the political environment given the fact that it was a presidential election year.

If Kentucky had left the Union in early 1864, the voters might have moved more toward compromise. Wolford was the presidential elector for Kentucky representing Lincoln’s opponent, McClellan. Lincoln had Wolford arrested and brought before him in Washington. This work covers Wolford’s life during the entire Civil War and the “Wild Wolf” account has a lovely ending.

The author is the great-great nephew of Col. Wolford. Ronald Wolford Blair was a contributing author of “Kentucky’s Civil War 1861-1865” that won a Governor’s Award and also contributed to “Kentucky Rising” by Dr. James A. Ramage and Andrea S. Watkins.

Blair has been published in several magazines and newspapers, contributed to scholarly publications and has lectured at various Civil War round tables and historical societies.