Dear Mr. Cornwell, I preface my comments by stating that I have greatly enjoyed all of your books, including the unfinished Starbuck series. However I feel that I must speak out about your response to Mr. Gregory regarding the issues that brought about the American Civil War. I believe that most Americans understand that their were Constitutional and economic reasons for the war, however none of these issues can excuse the immorality of human slavery. I’m surprised that you would quote George McClellan, a good engineer but a failure as a battlefield general. I would counter this with the following quote: “So far from engaging in a war to perpetuate slavery, I am rejoiced that Slavery is abolished. I believe it will be greatly for the interest of the South. So fully am I satisfied of this that I would have cheerfully lost all that I have lost by the war, and have suffered all that I have suffered to have this object attained.” Robert E. Lee. Sincerely Steven Hall