The Continental Monthly, Vol. 1, No. 4, April, 1862 Devoted To Literature And National Policy

This first‑hand account offers a thoughtful glimpse into the turbulent early years of the Civil War as it unfolded in Missouri. The author reflects on the difficulty of writing an unbiased history when each writer is inevitably linked to the events and factions of the time, and he sets out to present a measured sketch of the conflict’s origins and its early military actions.

Readers will encounter a clear explanation of why Missouri became a crucial battleground over slavery, tracing the influence of national politics, the sway of pro‑slavery doctrines, and the resistance of figures such as Senator Thomas Benton. By focusing on the interplay of principle and power, the essay invites listeners to consider how the struggle between freedom and oppression shaped a state caught between opposing forces, and how that early phase of the war set the tone for the larger national crisis.