Kansas's War: The Civil War in Documents ed. by Pearl T. Ponce (review)

This new volume is an impressive and original work that deserves a wide audience. Published by Ohio University Press, the volume is part of an ambitious series designed to support the provocative assertion that America's Great Interior was "to Lincoln and other Americans in the mid-nineteenth century, the most powerful, influential, and critical area of the country" (xi). Benefitting from Ponce's considerable skills as an editor, and the richness of the material, the book adds important evidence supporting an expanded scholarly focus on the story of the Midwest during the Civil War.

Organized chronologically, the book begins with the opening of the territory in 1854 and concludes with the rising tide of African American migration to Kansas in the 1880s. Chapters proceed to cover settlement and statehood, wartime politics, violence and upheaval, and evolving relations with Indians and closes with the "Promise of Kansas." Ponce's chapter introductions are exceptional; they provide context and a sophisticated and nuanced discussion of many significant issues. Especially strong is her introduction to chapter 7, where she clarifies some confusing issues, untangles the personalities of numerous politicians, and offers thoughtful insights and persuasive analysis of this critical time in Kansas politics.

The excellence of the book rests on Ponce's skillful and at times artistic editing. She has a wonderful ear for the powerful story and a clear eye for historically valuable material. From the rough camps of Kansas soldiers serving in the Union army, to the chaotic halls of the legislature, to the parlors of fine homes, documents tell the story of Kansas in a time of violence-fueled revolution. Two examples illustrate Ponce's valuable contributions: first, fresh insights into John Brown's motivation are found in the journal of James Hanway. A sympathetic neighbor of Brown's, Hanway was convinced that the May 24, 1856, murders of five men along Pottawatomie Creek were political assassinations. In an 1856 journal entry, he wrote, "It appears from general opinion that they were extreme men, and very obnoxious to the Free State men—thus violence breeds violence" (17). Second, Ponce has included superb material to describe the lives of Kansas women during wartime. As a resident of Lawrence, Elizabeth Earl experienced two violent raids. In August 1864, much of the town was burned, and Confederate guerilla William C. Quantrill killed two hundred men. Earl was undaunted. With evident grit and noticeable determination, she reported to her family in Connecticut: "The women were not as insulted as much as has been represented, some few were abused, but as a general thing the Rebels had something else to do besides insult the women. The people that are left are trying to do business and to make everything look beautiful as circumstances will permit" (137). Readers interested in Kansas history, Civil War history, guerilla warfare history, political history, and African American history will find this book immensely valuable.