The first shots destined to tear a nation apart
This is an essential and riveting book by one who was literally at the heart of the events that heralded the great conflict between the states. Although Doubleday was certainly a Union soldier from his perspective, for many of the events he tells of, he was simply an officer of the United States Army-since there was no other. The action takes place, of course, beyond Charleston in what would become the Confederacy. Doubleday and his men garrisoned Fort Moultrie on the mainland before the 'phoney war' with its antipathy from the local community began to escalate into open hostilities making their position increasingly untenable and compelling them to secretly retreat to the island stronghold of Fort Sumter. The war then started in earnest as a terrible artillery battle began between Doubleday and his troops within the isolated Sumter (still unsupported by central government attempting to avoid the confirmed outbreak of Civil War) and 'rebel' forces now in possession of Moultrie and other battery positions. Fascinating material for the Civil war historian.

An account of two of the great battles of the Civil War
The author of this book was present at-indeed he was literally the target of-the firing of the first hostile shots of the American Civil War. As a regular U. S. Army officer of artillery he was stationed at Forts Moultrie and Sumter as the political disputes between the Northern and Southern states exploded into armed conflict. He has left us, in another book, a memorable account from the sharp end of those momentous events which is also available from Leonaur. Doubleday was in an ideal position to view the events described in this book. He knew President Lincoln and leading members of the government, but also as a career soldier he personally knew the principal military figures on both sides of battlefield. Doubleday has written an absorbing account of the campaign from a position of authority and experience which is an essential source work for anyone interested in the period. Available in soft cover and cloth bound hard cover with dust jacket, head and tail bands and gold foil embossed spine lettering.

Join us for a journey into history, with a first-hand witness, the legendary Abner Doubleday, who fired the first return shot of the Civil War at Fort Sumter. Seeing action at Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, Doubleday is able to provide a thorough analysis from a participant's point of view, of some of the greatest battles of The Civil War, as well as insights into other pivotal individuals such as Meade, Hooker, Stonewall Jackson, and Abraham Lincoln.

Join us for a journey into history, with a first-hand witness, the legendary Abner Doubleday, who fired the first return shot of the Civil War at Fort Sumter. Seeing action at Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, Doubleday is able to provide a thorough analysis from a participant's point of view, of some of the greatest battles of The Civil War, as well as insights into other pivotal individuals such as Meade, Hooker, Stonewall Jackson, and Abraham Lincoln.

This Is A New Release Of The Original 1876 Edition.