For students of the war between the states there are often moments of reflection when facts and events are placed aside and the question is pondered, 'what if...'' one such a question often considered is, 'could the south have won the war?' recorded history gives glimpses to us that the south did indeed come close to achieving some of its goals which in turn might have led to, if not outright victory, at least a negotiated peace. in such a momentous conflict, it seems unlikely that relatively small-scale events could have had the far reaching effects to have changed the war's direction. but for a moment consider... what if the battle of gettysburg had never been fought? what if england had recognized the south as an independent nation? what if....' deo vindice is a work of historical fiction based upon real people, real places and actual plans. many of these events, although real, are unknown to the average reader. one must wonder if a few of these events had been different, would history as we know it have changed? you be the judge.