Publisher's Synopsis
This selection of true espionage tales from the American Civil War lays bare incidents which occurred in Union territory.
The author, Henry Bascom Smith, was a lieutenant associated with the Union army's intelligence gathering agencies. Many of these reports describe incidents of intelligence gathering, suspected Confederate spying, desertion, smuggling and other suspicious activities. Of particular interest is an 1864 file which refers to the prospect of the President Abraham Lincoln's assassination - a fateful incident which happened under a year later.
The book is composed of a selection of files compiled by Smith during his career as a junior officer during the American Civil War. Although several retain their status as mere notes or letters, others receive annotations that form a narrative. Citizen reports, and the atmosphere of the wartime USA, are present throughout.
In spite of this collection's undoubted flaws, well-informed historians and enthusiasts will find enough to warrant interest. The collection is particularly relevant for those who claim an interest in the Maryland, Washington D.C., Delaware and Virginia activities throughout the war.
