
Set against the storm‑laden hills of central Kentucky in 1861, this novel follows the turbulent birth of a Union regiment in a state torn between North and South. Lieutenant William Nelson, a charismatic yet flawed Kentuckian, defies fierce local opposition to rally ten regiments, establishing a camp near Danville amid whispered conspiracies, riots, and a desperate scramble for arms. The story captures the raw tension of a border state where loyalties shift like the wind, and every decision carries the weight of a nation on the brink of war.
Through the eyes of two spirited cousins, Calhoun and his friend, the narrative weaves personal courage with historic events—raids on railroads, daring rescues, and the looming threat of guerrilla skirmishes. Their youthful vigor and fierce debates bring the larger conflict to an intimate level, offering listeners a vivid portrait of bravery, uncertainty, and the stubborn hope that drives ordinary people to become unexpected heroes.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (398K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Shaun Pinder, Martin Pettit and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2015-07-26
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
1842–1926
A Civil War veteran, newspaper editor, and educator, he turned his firsthand knowledge of the era into brisk historical adventures for young readers. His books often bring major campaigns and battlefields to life through the eyes of scouts, soldiers, and messengers.
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