Sources and Acknowledgments is an important section of The Demon of Unrest, where the author delves into the research process and the individuals who contributed to the development of the book. The journey began in early 2020, amidst the global upheaval of the COVID pandemic. At this time, the author became deeply interested in the Civil War, especially the pivotal events at Fort Sumter. The social and political unrest caused by the pandemic made the author question the origins of the war and prompted a shift from his usual research methods. Due to the pandemic’s restrictions, traditional access to archives was limited, forcing the author to rely on online resources and digital archives to discover the stories that would shape his narrative. This marked the beginning of an in-depth exploration that would continue throughout the writing of the book.

One of the key discoveries during this research was The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. This invaluable resource provided the author with primary source documents, including battle reports, personal letters, and official records, which allowed for a clearer understanding of the historical context surrounding the Civil War. Through these documents, the author was able to reconstruct the events leading to the conflict with a level of detail that had not been previously accessible. Additionally, after the pandemic subsided, the author visited Charleston, where he had the opportunity to examine firsthand accounts of the hardships of slavery. Documents such as lists of enslaved individuals and advertisements for slave auctions were crucial in shedding light on the deep-rooted societal issues that fueled the war, making the history feel more immediate and personal.

The research process didn’t stop there; it also included an exploration of other significant collections, notably the Library of Congress, which houses an extensive archive of papers from historical figures like Major Robert Anderson and other key players in the Civil War. The author also took advantage of digital archives that focused on the writings of Abraham Lincoln, gaining access to documents that provided important insights into the political landscape of the time. Along with these primary sources, the author turned to secondary sources, such as James M. McPherson’s Battle Cry of Freedom and Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Team of Rivals. These works provided critical analysis and historical context, helping the author to build a comprehensive narrative of the Civil War from both a military and a political perspective. The combination of primary and secondary sources allowed the author to view the war from multiple angles, deepening his understanding and strengthening the overall narrative.

The author is deeply grateful for the contributions of several individuals who helped shape the final product. His wife and editor, Amanda Cook, played a crucial role in refining the manuscript. Her feedback and thoughtful suggestions helped to sharpen the book’s narrative and ensure that it remained focused and engaging. Additionally, the author acknowledges the support of publicists, friends, and colleagues who assisted in the writing, marketing, and distribution of the book. Their collective efforts ensured that the book reached a wider audience, making it available to readers who might not have otherwise encountered it. This support allowed the project to stay true to its original vision while also being professionally polished for publication.

Throughout the writing process, the author’s reflections reveal that the creation of The Demon of Unrest was not only an academic pursuit but also a deeply personal journey. The research process, which involved unearthing lost narratives from the past, became a way for the author to connect with the history of the Civil War on an emotional level. It was a process of both discovery and reflection, shaped by the support of those around him. The final product is a work that combines scholarly research with personal insights, offering a compelling narrative that is both informative and emotionally engaging. The author’s ability to weave together historical facts with personal anecdotes creates a multifaceted story that engages readers on an intellectual and emotional level, inviting them to explore the complexities of the Civil War and its impact on American society.

The inclusion of both primary and secondary sources in The Demon of Unrest ensures that the work is not only academically rigorous but also accessible to a broad audience. The bibliography of sources reflects the depth of the research undertaken, providing readers with a solid foundation for further study. Whether for scholars, students, or general readers, the book offers a comprehensive understanding of the Civil War and its far-reaching consequences. Through the careful curation of resources, the author allows readers to engage with the past in a way that is both informative and thought-provoking. By presenting historical events through a variety of lenses, The Demon of Unrest offers readers a deeper understanding of the war’s complexities and its lasting impact on the American narrative. Through these efforts, the author has succeeded in creating a work that is as enlightening as it is captivating, ensuring its place in the ongoing conversation about the Civil War and its legacy.