Abraham Lincoln and Treason in the Civil War

Although John Merryman, a farmer from Maryland, was arrested twice for acts of treason during the Civil War, his case was eventually dismissed in 1867. White (American studies, Christopher Newport U.) examines the legal and constitutional issues surrounding Merryman's case during an era when judges, lawyers, politicians, and ordinary citizens battled over the meaning of treason, the rights of the accused, and the power of the government to protect itself in times of national emergency. Unlike many other accounts, this book relies on the original manuscripts of court records. It is not limited to the spring and summer of 1861, Merryman's first arrest, but rather explores Merryman's interactions with federal officials during the entire war and the postwar period. The book contains b&w historical photos and illustrations. A bibliography of primary and secondary sources includes archival manuscripts, Constitutional and Congressional documents, and almanacs. Annotation c2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Jonathan W. White is an assistant professor of American Studies and a fellow at the Center for American Studies at Christopher Newport University.