The Civil War tore Maryland in half. Young George Wilson Booth followed the call of the Confederacy and served four years under the banners of the Army of Virginia. During the bright days of the early successes at both Manassas battles and in smaller tussles, from the Peninsula to the Valley, Booth saw history being made. He served with Stonewall Jackson, "Grumble" Jones, Dick Ewell, Jubal Early, and John Imboden. Wounded at Greenland Gap, he arrived late at Gettysburg—probably to his good fortune. Promoted to captain, Booth was in the Valley in the final days and was present at the burning of Chambersburg. An unreconstructed rebel, Booth tells his story simply and straightforwardly, perhaps because he intended this book for friends and family and therefore felt no need to be "literary." The result is a dramatic, powerful, and honest account that takes its place among the best of the Confederate memoirs.
