The autobiographical notes of James Pike (1834–1837) are among the most interesting and readable of the entire memoir heritage of participants and eyewitnesses of the Civil War of 1861–1865. in the USA. Thanks to the author of the memoirs - a Texas Ranger, scout and soldier, whom the most outstanding generals of the North trusted with secret missions, we have an excellent opportunity to better understand the nature of this war, and most importantly, the character of the people who lived then.