"History of the United States, Volume 4" by Elisha Benjamin Andrews is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This volume focuses on the American Civil War and the Reconstruction period, exploring the events from 1860 to 1868, and is richly illustrated with maps and images. The book likely discusses significant military campaigns, key figures, and the political repercussions following the war, providing insight into how the conflict shaped the nation. The opening of this volume details the strategic campaigns during the Civil War, particularly in the Mississippi Valley. It outlines the Union's efforts to control key Confederate positions such as Fort Henry and Fort Donelson, highlighting military engagements, the importance of leadership decisions by generals like Ulysses S. Grant, and the dynamics of various battles. The text emphasizes the pivotal moments that influenced Northern victories and the subsequent withdrawal of Confederate forces from key territories, setting the tone for the military tactics and challenges that would define the Civil War. (This is an automatically generated summary.)