Among the Pines; or, South in Secession Time

"Among the Pines; or, South in Secession Time" by James R. Gilmore, offers a glimpse into the fragmented social structure of the South during the rise of secession. The story follows the narrator’s travels through the Southern states, and his engagement with figures like Colonel J—, and his servant Jim reveals the complicated viewpoints on race and the coming Civil War. The narrator's journey to South Carolina exposes the collapsing state of places, shows signs of increasing tension, and hints at the civil unrest about to erupt. The narrative explores Southern daily life leading up to secession.