Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1870-08-23
Stephens Second Volume.


Hon. Alexander III. Stephens.
Just issued by the National Publish
ing Company, of Boston, Mass.
Five years have elapsed since the
close of the bloodiest and most gigan-
tic war known to modern history, and
in that interval men have had an op-
portunity of thinking over the events
which passed before them in such
quick succession that reflection was
impossible; and as natural conse-
quence each section has manifested
great desire to hear what the other
has to say Of its motives and conduct
in the great struggle. This has led
to the production of numerous histo-
ries and narratives on the Northern
side, but until recently no authentic or
really meritorious history had appear
ed on the side of the South. The de-
mand for such work was keenly felt,
and there was very general feeling
OF satisfaction experienced through.
out the country, when, three years
ago, it was announced that the Hon.
A. FL. Stephens, the Vice-Prcsident of
the late Southern Confederacy, was
about to issue a history of "The War
Between the States" The promise
then made is now fulfilled in the Sec
ond and concluding volume of his
great history, which lies before US.
MIR. Stephens was for many years
prominent actor in the scenes of
legislation, which Immediately proceed
ed the war, and knows much of the
secret history of those stirring events
which precipitated the great struggle
upon US. The character of his mind,
his habits of thought, and splendid
powers of analysis, together with his
great honesty and truthfulness as a
statesman, rendered him in the eyes
of the whole country the proper his
torlan OF the events in which he acted
80 conspicuous part. The indomit-
able energy which, in the midst of
failing health, he brought to the prep
aration Of this work, was remarkable,
and has resulted in the production of
the best history of the war, we have
yet seen, and the only Southern histo.
ry of real merit that has yet appear
ed.
The history of the earlier days of
the Confederate Government, and
particularly that portion of its exis.
tence at Montgomery, as "Provis-
ional Goyernment' is given to the
world for the first time in these pa
ges. Mr.. Stephens took part in the
Provisional Congress, as a delegate
from Georgia, and was entrusted with
many important duties. His state
ments concerning these affairs are of
great value. His narrative of the
Conference between President Lin.
coin and the Confederate Commits.
sioners at Hampton Roads, is the
fullest and most valuable yet given to
the public. Mr.. Stephens was the
principal negotiator on the Southern
side in these proceedings, in the his
tory of which the people of the whole
country are so deeply Interested
The vexed question of the non-ex,
change of Prisoners of War is laid
bare before the reader, and the peace
movements in the South are thorough
ly explained.
The present volume is a narration
of the events of the War, and is a;
graphic and entertaining as romance
while possessing all the higher quail
ties of a veracious history. 1t will be
certain to find its way into the libra
, ry of every man who desires to heal
: both sides of the question, and future
generations will regard it as the prin
cipal authority on the Southern side
> 1t is for sale by subscription only
= and agents are wanted in every coun
ty.