Capturing a Locomotive: A History of Secret Service in the Late War.

A gripping account of a covert Union raid deep into Confederate territory, this narrative follows a small band of volunteers as they plot to seize a vital steam locomotive and the rail line that feeds the enemy’s war effort. Written from the author’s own perspective, the story blends meticulous detail—names, dates, and locations—with the immediacy of a battlefield diary, giving listeners a vivid sense of the risks and improvisations that marked the mission’s daring start. The early chapters capture the secret midnight meetings, the careful gathering of disguises, and the tense moments when the raiders first confront the guarded train.

Beyond the thrilling capture, the memoir reveals the harsh realities of life behind enemy lines: the constant threat of capture, the psychological strain of operating in disguise, and the fragile camaraderie that sustains the men. Listeners are drawn into a world where espionage and bold action intersect, offering an intimate portrait of a lesser‑known chapter of the war while keeping the broader outcomes of the expedition undisclosed.