This book looks at the peace talks between the Union and Confederates commonly known as the Hampton Roads Conference. These talks took place on February 3, 1865 aboard the steamboat River Queen. The author looks at more than just the conference, itself, however. He delves into the motivations of the participants; he answers the question of why the parties agreed to hold a conference at all; and he outlines why the conference failed. He also reviews some of the conspiracy theories that surrounded the conference.