Pictorial history of the war for the Union, volume 1 (of 2) : $b A complete and reliable history of the war from its commencement to its close ... together with a complete chronological analysis of the war

"Pictorial History of the War for the Union" by Ann S. Stephens is a deep exploration into the American Civil War. Written during the conflict, the book promises a full and dependable record, covering everything from the war's beginning to its end, packed with battles and personal stories from people who lived through it. From the start, the author talks about how hard it is to write about a war while it's happening, stressing the need for fairness and honesty in telling the story of this chaotic time. The initial parts show the political climate around Abraham Lincoln's start as president in March 1861, the Southern states breaking away, and the tough spot at Fort Sumter, which turned into the war's first battle. Mrs. Stephens prepares the reader for war by explaining the growing stress, troop movements, and the courage of leaders like Major Anderson facing a nation that wasn't ready for the violence to come.