Trading with the Enemy: The Covert Economy During the American Civil War

The book delves into the covert trade between the North and South during the American Civil War, highlighting the significance of cotton to the Northern economy. It reveals how captured Sea Islands were utilized for cotton production and how Matamoras, Mexico, emerged as a key trading hub for munitions, much of which originated from Northern sources. The narrative uncovers the intense contraband trade that flourished after key Confederate losses, illustrating how Northerners engaged directly with the Confederate government for cotton. This study enriches the understanding of wartime commerce.