| This thesis is an in-depth study of Major General Lew Wallace's experience at the April 6 and 7, 1862 Civil War Battle of Shiloh and how the circumstances of that battle affected the rest of his life. Also, Lew Wallace's life serves as an important example of the value nineteenth century men placed upon honor and character. Because Wallace did not arrive at the Shiloh battlefield in time to participate in the first day's battle, the other Northern generals and newspapers accused Wallace of getting lost on his way to the battlefield. Wallace did not get lost and believed the accusations impugned his honor. Although Wallace lead a successful life, he spent the rest of the Civil War and the rest of his life trying to prove to the public that he did not get lost and that he had served his country with honor. |
