Reminiscences of Forts Sumter and Moultrie in 1860-61 Book

Published in 1876, fifteen years after the fact, Reminiscences of Forts Sumter and Moultrie by Abner Doubleday is a rare look at the preamble to the war that would cost so many American lives during five years of hell. This account has an advantage over others compiled and written by historians in the years since the Civil War. I say this because I give more credence to an eye witness's report over that of scholars. The commencement of hostilities took much longer than one would imagine. The numerous battles and campaigns of that conflict has pushed this, rather minor but oh so significant engagement, into the position of footnote. The unwillingness from both sides to fire the first shot is described by the author, one of the officers stationed first at Fort Moultrie and later of Fort Sumter. All lovers of American history….or history of anywhere should read this book. You won't regret it!