The Southern Mind Under Union Rule examines the tumultuous period of the American Civil War through the personal lens of James Rumley, a resident of Beaufort, North Carolina, from 1862 to 1865.

This diary offers a valuable primary source for understanding the civilian experience during the Civil War in a specific Southern locale. The personal nature of the diary provides granular detail on the day-to-day realities faced by those under occupation. Its focus on Beaufort, North Carolina, contributes to a more nuanced understanding of regional differences within the Confederacy and the impact of Union control. The work is likely to be of interest to historians specializing in the Civil War, Southern history, and social history.