“This well-written and -researched book illuminates previously unexamined aspects of the Civil War, particularly the war as experienced by those on the West Coast—far from the action but still anxious about the fallout from Confederate agents and sympathizers. The author also outlines the lesser-known topic of U.S. diplomatic relations with Imperial Russia, emphasizing the uniformly friendly character of those ties. ... Read more‘Friends in Peace and War’ is for all those interested in the diplomatic aspect of the American Civil War, particularly how good relations with Russia countered the contentious ties with Britain and France during the conflict.”—Donald. L. Canney, author of Africa Squadron: The U.S. Navy and the Slave Trade, 1842–1861 “C. Douglass Kroll has identified an important chapter in American diplomatic and maritime history and has told the story in a highly entertaining fashion.”—Nautical Research Journal “An excellent book.”—NYMAS Review “For anyone interested in Russian-American relations or the West Coast during the Civil War, this is a must-read book.”—Blue & Gray Magazine "For anyone interested in Russian-American relations or the West Coast during the Civil War, this is a must-read book.”—Blue & Gray Magazine “Rich with fascinating detail. In all, "Friends in Peace and War" is an interesting and tightly-woven narrative of a long-ignored piece of American history.”—International Journal of Maritime History Show Less