Firsthand History: Jefferson's America to The Civil War 1801-1865

Firsthand History gathers diaries, letters, biographies, and narratives by eyewitnesses and participants of key events in United States history. Selections are lightly introduced by the editors to provide background and context. Jefferson's America to The Civil War 1801-1865, the second volume in the series, includes a report by the physician who attended the duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, dispatches sent during the Fall of the Alamo, Samuel F. B. Morse's recollections of sending the first telegraph, and an account by Lincoln's Secretary of the Navy of the night Lincoln was assassinated. This thought-provoking, slender compendium presents the raw stuff of the past-essential reading for enthusiasts and students of history.