The writers of the Andreas history had access to people who had personally participated in Kansas' territorial and Civil War periods, so in that regard it reflects details not otherwise available. However, as with any history, reminiscences have to be taken with a grain of salt, as the actors tend to inflate their personal accomplishments while glossing over their shortcomings. When this history was written the majority of Kansans who could have provided reminiscences had either been loyal northern men, or Missouri refugees who had been cruelly driven out of that state by the rebels, so they would naturally espouse the Union view of the war.