Leaving Gettysburg

The Confederate army is defeated at Gettysburg and must retreat to the Potomac River, where Asa Helms, Captain Louis Young, and Colonel George Gray must face the harsh realities of the war. Asa must choose between escaping across the river or remaining with his wounded friend, while Captain Louis Young fights to preserve the Confederacy and Colonel George Gray seeks to cut off the Confederate army and end the war.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 28 May 2022
Publisher: Casemate Publishers

The Battle of Gettysburg has come to a conclusion, marking the end of the Confederate army's valiant efforts. With thousands of wounded soldiers, provisions, and tens of thousands of animals, the defeated army must retreat to the Potomac River, a distance of forty miles away. Among the soldiers who joined the army to oppose the Yankee invasion was Asa Helms, a private in the Twenty-Sixth North Carolina Infantry. Torn between his duty to his country and the pressing need to care for his wife, Helms embarks on a long and arduous march, facing limited food, dwindling hope, and the relentless pursuit of the Yankees.

Captain Louis Young, serving as Confederate General James Pettigrew's aide-de-camp, finds himself in a battle for the preservation of his culture, lifestyle, and the potential dominance of the despicable Yankees. The defeat at Gettysburg, the horrendous state of the army, and the seemingly endless resources of the enemy have left Young questioning the Confederacy's ability to secure another significant victory and achieve independence. His primary objective is to safely transport the rebel army across the Potomac River, ensuring its survival for future battles.

Colonel George Gray, an Irishman, assumes the role of colonel of the Sixth Michigan Cavalry. Driven by a fierce determination to put down the rebellion before it divides the country that has been so kind to him, Gray is determined to end the war before it reaches the Potomac River. However, he lacks military experience and often finds himself at odds with General George Custer, his superior, with whom he constantly engages in heated conflicts. Gray sees an opportunity to cut off the Confederate army and bring an end to the war before it reaches its climax.

The journey concludes at the Potomac River, where each soldier must confront the harsh realities of this unnatural conflict. Asa faces a difficult decision: whether to escape across the river and risk his own life or remain with his wounded friend, facing the possibility of captivity. The weight of his choice hangs heavy in his heart, as he navigates through the treacherous terrain and confronts the moral dilemmas of this war.

The Battle of Gettysburg stands as a pivotal moment in American history, marking the turning point of the Civil War. The bravery and resilience of the soldiers, both Confederate and Union, showcased the immense sacrifices made during this period. Asa Helms, Captain Louis Young, Colonel George Gray, and countless others faced impossible odds and made selfless decisions to defend their beliefs and preserve their way of life. Their journey, filled with hardship, determination, and moral dilemmas, serves as a testament to the human spirit and the enduring power of courage in the face of adversity.

Weight: 276g
Dimension: 149 x 230 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781636241708