audiobook The Confederate Cause and Conduct in the War Between the States by Hunter H. McGuire; George L. Christian in History

Review

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful. A Thorough Defense of the SouthBy Joseph RaborgThis book covers the reasons for the war from the Confederate perspective; but it does so through using evidence provided by Federal soldiers and northern writers. It makes a compelling case that the perpetuation of slavery was not the chief cause for succession; secession was legal; the North initiated the war; and that Southern conduct was cleaner during the war--especially in regard to non-combatants and the treatment of prisoners. The authors' sole desire was to set the record straight because of the detraction of the South by Northern writers; especially in history textbooks. They succeed marvelously in their object.13 of 14 people found the following review helpful. A Southern Perspective Few Know Exist and Which All Should Read!By SEHThis book is a collection of reports from 1899-1907 written on the conduct of the Sectional War from the Southern perspective. Initially Dr. Hunter McGuire (Stonewall Jackson's surgeon) was elected as the Historian for the Confederate Veterans Grand Camp and researched the history being taught to the children of the South because he was concerned about what he was seeing and hearing from the generations following the war. He found that not only was the information being taught in the schools blatantly wrong; but it was leading their children and grandchildren to look upon their history with shame. (This was the perfect design of Northern writers.) McGuire resolved to do something about it and the first report contained herein are his results. It is very powerful stuff! (McGuire is the one who advocated the use of the phrase "Sectional War" because "Civil War" implied that we were once united as a whole. In 1861; and for fifty years before; the North and South were very; very different entities and were never united.) Dr. McGuire died in 1899 and the C.V. electioned Judge Christian to be their historian. Among other things; Christian compares the way the Sectional War was fought between the North and South; giving detailed accounts; and supporting his conclusions from Northern sources upholds the rights and causes for which the South went to war. There is one report that brought me to tears; literally; because I felt like I'd been lied to my entire life through the white-washed history the U.S. Government chose to tell its people. If you are a Southerner; you will find some of the information painful even after 150+ years. (Disclaimer: I am 50 years old; born and raised in Virginia; a great-great-granddaughter to a Confederate cavalryman; and for most of my life had been objective about the war; reading non-partisan sources like James M. McPherson and Shelby Foote. I am not dispassionate anymore.) Also; this little book contains two papers delivered by Dr. McGuire -- one on the wounding and death of Stonewall Jackson; for which he was present the entire time; and another article about the great General's true Christian Character. These two papers alone should be in every Southern home. I highly recommend this book. The truth should always be taught regardless of its consequences; and McGuire and Christian both promised that the truth would eventually be established throughout the country. Some may ask; "What does it matter now?" Those people who insist upon political correctness are tearing away the very fabric of our nation; those who accuse others of being close-minded are themselves unwilling to see the truth as it was in mid-19th Century Virginia. The truth is always important; but obviously truth can also be partial due to one's beliefs. However; one can deal with the truth if one remembers to keep in mind the perspective of the people living during the time and the accuracy of its historical importance at that moment. Before one passes judgment because you disagree with their cause; remember that forgiveness is a constant part of living. As a Southern woman I am still praying to be able to forgive injustices that came about to Virginia and my ancestors as a result of this war. That does not make me a bigot because I champion Confederate causes. I am glad I found this little historical nugget. I think most honest people will appreciate the clarity; forthrightness; and integrity found in this volume.8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Highly RecommendedBy Kbuck1221Great book for a perspective on the War Between the States. Written in the era when many of the Confederate soldiers were still alive; you get a much better understanding of the effects of the Northern aggression and how it absolutely devastated the Southern states. Highly recommended for history buffs.