After a later survey
of the war-literature, Mr. Greeley felt justified in the candid claim
that his work "is one of the clearest statements yet made of the long
chain of causes which led irresistibly to the war for the Union, showing
why that war was the righteous and natural consequence of the American
people's general and guilty compliance in the crime of upholding and
diffusing Human Slavery."
This work won such popular favor that it soon reached a sale of one
hundred thousand copies. But when, in 1867, its distinguished author
signed the bail-bond of Jefferson Davis, its sale was suddenly checked.
The act was an unselfish one; its propriety, however, was questioned by
many persons. Whether, on account of it, Mr. Greeley be blamed or
applauded, his work merits commendation as a valuable authority on the
political history of the American civil war, and ought always, as such,
to be consulted.
THE HISTORY OF THE CIVIL WAR IN AMERICA:--Comprising a full and
impartial account of the Origin and Progress of the Rebellion, of the
various Naval and Military Engagements, of the Heroic Deeds performed by
Armies and Individuals, and of Touching scenes in the Field, the Camp,
the Hospital, and the Cabin.
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