Jack Hinson's One-Man War

By Tom C. McKenney

Book Overview

The true story of one man's reluctant but relentless war against the invaders of his country.

Winner of the General Nathan Bedford Forrest Southern History Award

Finalist, History, National Best Books Awards, USA Book News

Jack Hinson never planned to become a deadly sniper.

A quiet, wealthy plantation owner, Jack Hinson watched the start of the Civil War with disinterest. Opposed to secession and a friend to Union and Confederate commanders alike, he did not want a war. After Union soldiers seized and murdered his sons, placing their decapitated heads on the gateposts of his estate, Hinson could remain indifferent no longer. He commissioned a special rifle for long-range accuracy, he took to the woods, and he set out for revenge.

This remarkable biography presents the story of Jack Hinson, a lone Confederate sniper who, at the age of 57, waged a personal war on Grant's army and navy. By the end of the Civil War, the Union had committed infantry and cavalry from nine regiments and a specially equipped amphibious task force of marines to capture Hinson, who was by that time nearly sixty years old. They never caught him. Since then, the story of Jack Hinson has evaded astute historians, and until now, he has remained invisible in the history of sniper warfare.

The result of 15 years of scholarship, this meticulously researched and beautifully written work is the only account of Hinson's life ever recorded and involves an unbelievable cast of characters, including the Earp brothers, Jesse James, and Nathan Bedford Forrest.

In this unprecedented and incredible biography, Lt. Col. Tom C. McKenney masterfully recounts Hinson's extraordinary feats as a lone Confederate sniper.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1589806409
• ISBN13: 9781589806405
• Release Date: February 2009
• Publisher: Pelican Publishing Company
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 1.69 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.4" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Confederate sniper story

This biography focuses on one household/plantation during the War Between the States. The main action takes place in Tennessee. The tobacco growing process is explored, weapons technology is touched on. Relations between Yankee troops and Southern civilians, slaves and freemen are demonstrated. The backbone story is one man's vendetta against the men who targeted his family. I consider this book an indispensable addition to my homeschool library, and a good read besides.