Political leaders in the South before and after the Civil War relied upon a coummunication network of personal visits and letter writing to overcome the hardships of the tariffs, the war and reconstruction. Most readers recognize the names of Cahoun, Clemson, and Hampton.The author brings to life the influence and leadership of Armitead Burt, a little known attorney, mentor and counselor of acute intellect, and sleepless vigilance who was the center of this Southern Network.