September Suspense

AT THE TIME OF THE CIVIL WAR, newspapers were the CNN, the blogs and the social media of their day. They reflected the beating pulse of American intellect. But in many cases, it has taken the digital age to unlock the precious content of these relics of mass media and bring them to life through searchable archives. Now, nationally recognized historian Dennis Frye tells the story of one of America's darkest months through the thoughts and words of the people who were living the Civil War in the late summer of 1862. Using new media to explore the old, this fascinating work spins a gripping story of a nation in crisis from an original angle. SEPTEMBER SUSPENSE adds significant meaning and context to the epic event that came closer to dividing this nation in two than most people have ever imagined.

In 1862, the United States had been ripped apart by a civil war entering its 18th month. Until now, few have understood how close this breach was to becoming a permanent fixture on the map of history. It was the nation’s, and Mr. Lincoln’s, most trying month, as Gen. Robert E. Lee invaded Union soil, panicking entire cities, destroying fragile political alliances and causing all of the North to rethink the fight and question whether it was best to redouble its war efforts or give up and let the South pursue its own course. For three weeks in September, the air was electric, nerves were at the breaking point and the whole of the North held its breath. In this fascinating work, Dennis Frye draws from a voluminous cache of period newspapers to expertly demonstrate just how fragile the national bond had become by the autumn of 1862.

Dennis E. Frye is the Chief Historian at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. In demand as a writer, lecturer, guide, and preservationist, he has appeared numerous times on PBS, The History Channel, The Discovery Channel, and A&E as a guest historian. He has helped produce award-winning television features on the Battle of Antietam and abolitionist John Brown. A prolific author with over 77 articles and seven books to his credit, his most recent book prior to September Suspense is Harpers Ferry Under Fire: A Border Town in the America Civil War. Dennis resides near the Antietam Battlefield in Maryland, where he and his wife Sylvia have restored the home that was used by General Ambrose Burnside as his post-Antietam headquarters.