“Once a Foe, Now a Friend‪”‬

The Civil War saved the Union, but serious divisions and great animosity remained between north and south. Few Northerners had contact with soldiers who had fought against them. Not so George N. Bliss, a former captain in the first Rhode Island Cavalry. He befriended many ex-Confederates, including four he had wounded. His efforts resulted in many unvarnished first-hand accounts. These friendships lasted decades and led to the very warm and frank letters presented here.