Читать книгу Confederate Money - Paul Varnes - Страница 6

My great uncle Harvey Varnes deserves special mention. Since my grandfathers and dad died before I was old enough for them to pass on stories, it was Harney’s stories of the war that started me on Henry’s trail. My memory of those stories are now dimmed a little by time, and some of the episodes in this novel might bear little resemblance to anything he told me. Most, however, are based in fact. Other than those few liberties, the story accurately follows historical events.

A number of organizations and books were helpful in developing the historical and cultural setting for the novel. Organizations include the Cedar Key Historical Society, the Florida Park Service, the Jacksonville Historical Society, the Matheson Historical Society of Gainesville, and the National Park Service. Though many other books were helpful, these deserve special mention: Bert E. Brooks, “Old Oaks” Civil War in North Florida (2000); Larry J. Daniel, Shiloh (1997); T. C. DeLeon, Four Years in Rebel Capitals (1890), reprinted in 1983; Shelby Foote, The Civil War (1963). Also, Gary W. Gallagher, The Confederate War (1997); John Edwin Johns, Florida during the Civil War (1963); Edward E. Leslie, The Devil Knows How to Ride (1996); James McCague, Moguls and Iron Men (1964); Matt Spruill, Guide to the Battle of Chickamauga (1993).

I am indebted to my wife, Dr. Jill Tutton Varnes, for her encouragement, patience, and assistance. Thanks are due to Diane Davis who spent nights and weekends typing the original manuscript. People who read the work in progress and offered suggestions include Lorene Breeden, David Burton, Jennifer Wilson Carlstedt, Dr. Bertha Cato, Dr. Seigfred Fagerberg, Dr. Dovie Gamble, Sybil Haveard, Connie Lucius, Jean Mullen, Dr. Barbara Rienzo, and Julia Rae Varnes.