Summary

It is February of 1862, and the Creightons have learned of the first major Union victory in the war. General Grant has taken Fort Henry in Tennessee, near the Kentucky line.

A couple of weeks later, they learn that he has taken Fort Donelson as well. People went wild with joy. Grant was widely praised. Once again, there were those allowed themselves to hope that the war would soon be over.

Then a letter arrived from Tom, who told something of the human side of the battle at Fort Donelson.

The horror of it hits Jethro’s mother hard. Knowing that she will not be good company, Jethro is sent to spend the night with Shadrach, who is himself only a week away from joining the Union forces.

Shadrach does an impromptu session on geography and military strategy for Jethro.

While he enjoys the evening, Jethro realizes that he may never see his teacher again, and he knows that nothing will ever be the same again.