
A vivid, first‑hand account of the Southern states’ struggle to assert their constitutional right to secede, this work draws on the author’s direct experience as a leader of the Confederacy. It lays out a detailed argument that the Union’s war against the seceding states violated the original compact among the states, and it seeks to correct the many misconceptions that have long colored public perception. Through careful reference to the political debates of the era, the narrative explains how sectional tensions over issues such as slavery and territorial expansion escalated into open conflict.
The author also offers a candid look at the motivations and actions of the people who formed and defended the Confederate government, emphasizing their desire for peaceful recognition and equitable settlement. While acknowledging the limits of available records, the text provides insight into the leadership’s perspective on the war’s early battles and the principles that guided their cause. Listeners will gain a nuanced view of a pivotal chapter in American history, framed by the voice of one who lived it.
Language
en
Duration
~30 hours (1728K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Geoff Horton, David King, and the Online Distributed Proofreaders team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2006-11-16
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1808–1889
A Mississippi politician, soldier, and planter, he became the president of the Confederate States during the American Civil War. After the Confederacy’s defeat, he spent years defending its cause in writing, most notably in his book The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government.
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