Henry A. Allen Update...Are Things Looking Up?

Greetings Cosmic Americans!

Those of you following along with the continuing sage of Confederate prisoner of war Henry A. Allen will know that he is about to be transferred from Fort Delaware to a new prison in South Carolina - Port Royal Harbor, to be precise. Allen anticipates a speedy exchange. You can guess from the unusual flourishes in his handwriting that he is happy about this prospect.

If this is news to you, check out Allen's letters to his wife HERE. I just posted one from August 1864. I don't want to give away too much - but I can tell you this. Allen's hopes will soon be dashed. His Union captors are about to use him and his fellow prisoners as human shields! War is indeed Hell .

Peace,

Keith

Port Royal - A Rehearsal for Reconstruction

Greetings Cosmic Americans!

Last night, Live and Unfiltered featured the Port Royal Experiment - what some scholars have called a "rehearsal for Reconstruction." And what a rehearsal it was! To check out last night's episode, click HERE.

I think wartime Reconstruction is often glossed over in Civil War classes (as is the big event during 1865-1877) but that's just me. Fans of my show will be happy to know that I plan on covering Reconstruction thoroughly. Why?? Becuase it's important dammit!

And if you don't believe me - just check any newspaper from the period. Reconstruction was on people's minds.

Now...since you have watched the Port Royal episode (or are about to), those of you paying attention probably noticed that I mentioned a couple of books. Read them - you'll be better off for it.

Rehearsal for Reconstruction: The Port Royal Experiment by Willie Lee Rose

Roll Jordan Roll: The World the Slaves Made by Eugene D. Genovese

Peace,
Keith