Heroes of the Great Conflict; Life and Services of William Farrar / Smith, Major General, United States Volunteer in the Civil War

The author presents a compact biography of a West Point–trained officer whose Civil War service included division and corps commands, staff postings with General Grant, and action in campaigns such as Antietam, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, and the Richmond overland operations. Drawing on letters, diaries, and official reports, the narrative describes his professional habits, engineering skill, and strong, independent temperament, along with the influence he exerted on operations. It also recounts postwar work on river and harbor projects, and treats the controversies and personal disappointments that affected his later career, aiming to balance tactical detail with reflections on character and motive.