Chapter 4

But here he was,two years later,a lonely soldier battling daily skirmishes,unable to extract himself from a war that he’d begun to suspect didn’t interest him,either.His pa’s farm was a speck compared to the grand plantations he’d seen on the road to Richmond—his family owned few livestock,and no slaves.The only reason for him to keep charging into battle with his squadron was the thin fold of bills he received each month in pay,but with the economy of the North bearing down on them,he suspected the Confederate dollars weren’t worth much.He wasn’t into whores like the other soldiers,and didn’t relish the thought of losing his rank or being drummed out of camp for propositioning another man.There were a few he knew who’d gladly warm his bunk,desperate soldiers homesick and anxious,just looking for something to help them get by,but Caleb always turned them away.