Newspapers were the public's source of information about the war, and let the soldiers know what was happening. They offered an opportunity to mislead the opposition since southern and northern newspapers were read by each side. But for the political and military leaders of their own side they were a thorn in the side. Vicious attacks were made on their own side and there was no limit on calumny directed to the enemy. Of particular concern in the papers of each side was how slaves escaping to the North shou.