Coldwater, Michign Daily Reporter article on Hiram's Honor

Many of my wife's relatives live in or near Coldwater, Michigan so it was a pleasure to have an article on Hiram's Honor appear in the newspaper there.  Coldwater was an important supplier of Union soldiers for Michigan during the American Civil War and interest in the war runs deep there.  Even though my ancestor was from Ohio, telling his story helps showcase the experiences of all Civil War soldiers, including those from Michigan. Many thanks to the Daily Reporter. To read the article see http://www.thedailyreporter.com/article/20130520/NEWS/130529991.

April 1865 by Jay Winik

Robert E. Lee

U. S. Grant

Abraham Lincoln

As part of my research for the sequel to Hiram's Honor, I read Jay Winicks April 1865. This book focuses on the month, that among other happenings, saw the fall of Richmond, the surrender of Robert E. Lee to U. S. Grant at Appomattox, the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, and the surrender of Joseph Johnson's army to General William Sherman. Since I wanted to get a feel for the deeper and personal meanings of the war at its end, this book proved very helpful. Winik put the war and the people into context using an engaging but factually rich style. The main point was that this conflict, unlike many others, ended without a prolonged and agonizing guerilla war, primarily due to the conciliatory policies of Lincoln, Grant, and Sherman and the insights and courage of Lee and other Confederate generals.  My only disappointment was that the explosion of the Sultana (that happened on April 27, 1865) was not mentioned. Ironically, the tragedy of the Sultana was also given limited coverage to the war weary public at the time as well.
 

Pages Books and Coffee Newton Ks book event

 I am pleased to report that Pages Books and Coffee in Newton, Kansas is now selling Hiram's Honor. On May 2, 2013 at a book event there, I discussed the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln, and other topics associated with Hiram's Honor. Many questions dealt with how fragile the United States was as a nation before and after the Civil War and how the wise and gracious actions of Abraham Lincoln, U. S. Grant, and Robert E. Lee saved the Union.

Also, it was pointed out how my ancestor Private Hiram Terman of the 82nd Ohio had a close, personal and inside look at the major events of the Civil War--that he did and I hope that I conveyed this in telling his story.