Our One Common Country Abraham Lincoln and the Hampton Roads Peace Conference of 1865

by Conroy, James B.

• ISBN13: 9780762778072
• ISBN10: 0762778075
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2014-01-07
• Publisher: Lyons Press

Summary

Our One Common Country explores the most critical meeting of the Civil War. Given short shrift or overlooked by many historians, the Hampton Roads Conference of 1865 was a crucial turning point in the War between the States. In this well written and highly documented book, James B. Conroy describes in fascinating detail what happened when leaders from both sides came together to try to end the hostilities. The meeting was meant to end the fighting on peaceful terms. It failed, however, and the war dragged on for two more bloody, destructive months. Through meticulous research of both primary and secondary sources, Conroy tells the story of the doomed peace negotiations through the characters who lived it. With a fresh and immediate perspective, Our One Common Country offers a thrilling and eye-opening look into the inability of our nation’s leaders to find a peaceful solution. The failure of the Hamptons Roads Conference shaped the course of American history and the future of America’s wars to come.

Author Biography

James B. Conroy practices law in Boston. He previously served as a Senate and House press secretary and speechwriter in Washington, D.C., as well as an administration assistant for a New York City congressman.  He has written opinion pieces for the New York Times, National Journal, and Congressional Quarterly. His legal writing has been published in the Massachusetts Law Review and the Massachusetts Lawyers' Weekly. He lives with his family in Hingham, Massachusetts, and in the summer on Martha's Vineyard.