The Great Conspiracy, Volume 4

"The Great Conspiracy, Volume 4" by John Alexander Logan is a historical account written during the late 19th century. This volume delves into the origin and history of the Civil War with a specific focus on the institution of slavery and the pivotal moments leading to emancipation. It reflects on the political and military strategies employed by both the Union and the Confederacy concerning the status of enslaved individuals during this turbulent time in American history. At the start of the narrative, the author discusses the implications of the Civil War on slavery, citing various historical figures such as Patrick Henry and John Quincy Adams to illustrate the tension surrounding emancipation. The opening portion addresses the confusion and debates within the military and political realms regarding how to treat escaped and enslaved individuals, particularly after the confrontation at Fort Sumter. As the war progresses, different views emerge from Union generals on whether to protect or return escaped slaves, revealing the complexity of moral, political, and military decisions being made during the conflict. Notably, the early discussions reflect a gradual shift towards recognizing the necessity of emancipation as both a strategic military concern and a moral imperative, setting the stage for future legislative changes. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

John Alexander Logan was an American soldier and politician. He served in the Mexican–American War and was a general in the Union Army in the American Civil War. He served the state of Illinois as a state Representative, a U.S. Representative, and a U.S. Senator and was an unsuccessful candidate for Vice President of the United States as James G. Blaine's running mate in the election of 1884. As the 3rd Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, he is regarded as the most important figure in the movement to recognize Memorial Day as an official holiday.