CONTRABANDS / BIG BETHEL

In which we discuss the decision to declare runaway slaves “contraband of war,” and then we look at the Battle of Big Bethel which took place on June 10, 1861.

Our book recommendation for this episode is The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery by Eric Foner.

“While many thousands of books deal with Lincoln and slavery, Eric Foner has written the definitive account of this crucial subject, illuminating in a highly original and profound way the interactions of race, slavery, public opinion, politics, and Lincoln’s own character that led to the wholly improbable uncompensated emancipation of some four million slaves.  Even seasoned historians will acquire fresh and new perspectives from reading The Fiery Trial.”  ~ David Brion Davis

Big Bethel: The First Battle by John V. Quarstein

Battle of Big Bethel: Crucial Clash in Early Civil War Virginia by J. Michael Cobb, Edward B. Hicks, and Wythe Holt

Listen to Episode 50: ContrabandsBigBethel