“McPherson shatters the belief that [blacks] were passive about their freedom. His evidence is telling and, what is more, it is absorbingly retold.” —The New York Times
“Vital reading.” –The New York Times Book Review
“A highly accurate and praiseworthy contribution.” –The San Francisco Chronicle
“Rewarding. . . . Fascinating in detail.” –The Christian Science Monitor
“Tremendous research. . . . Deserves a place on the shelves of readers interested in all phases of the 1861-65 struggle.” –Houston Chronicle
“Impressive. . . . This collection of material is a valuable contribution to history.” –Charleston Evening Post
