Tupelo Book

Repression of dissent in the pre-Civil War South is an issue that is rarely discussed. Although it is known that Southerners and their government officials did not generally tolerate criticism of the prevailing concepts of slavery and states' rights, we have less reliable information as to the extent and methods of censorship. Furthermore, in order to obtain a full understanding of the culture that led to the Civil War, we need to challenge many "facts" of dubious authenticity, especially in respect to the moral and ethical codes of the "genteel" South. Tupelo is a brilliant first person, totally truthful account, of a man imprisoned and condemned to execution by the arrogant officials of the South for his outspoken anti-Secession and pro-Union beliefs. Because of the "crime" of loyalty to the Union, he was subjected to an almost fatal imprisonment; he was put in irons, abused and insulted, and destined for execution on the gallows. He twice made his escape, and the second time, through almost incredible exposures and perils, succeeded in reaching the lines of the Union army. He makes a truly miraculous escape, to report the details of his ordeal in what was to become a highly praised and popular autobiography. Although he has harsh words for his captors, he portrays many other Southerners with sympathy. He was especially eager to protect the reputation of his fellow ministers, saying that many indeed protested slavery and secession, and that at the right time they will again be heard, when constitutional law is restored. Tupelo is a critically important work that fills a large gap in the Civil War category.