Brown emphasizes the careful planning by Robert E. Lee, as he sought to move people, equipment, and more than fifty-seven miles of wagons and ambulances back to Virginia after the Gettysburg battle. He credits Lee's deliberate pace, skillful use of hostile and challenging terrain, and constant positioning behind defenses.

Prologue: this has been a sad day for us --Take what is necessary for the army -- The flies and vermin of the dog days -- We must now return to Virginia -- All that was dear to me is gone -- The scene was wild and desolating -- That vast procession of misery -- An awful time crossing South Mountain -- Use your sabres, don't strike, but thrust! -- The cutting and slashing was beyond description -- Nowhere is safe -- By the blessing providence, I will do it -- A strong line of gopher holes -- I would die before being taken prisoner -- It is heart-rending to live among such scenes -- Epilogue: the army achieved a general success -- Appendix: order of battle. Prologue : this has been a sad day for us -- Take what is necessary for the army -- The flies and vermin of the dog days -- We must now return to Virginia -- All that was dear to me is gone -- The scene was wild and desolating -- That vast procession of misery -- An awful time crossing South Mountain -- Use your sabres, don't strike, but thrust! -- The cutting and slashing was beyond description -- Nowhere is safe -- By the blessing providence, I will do it -- A strong line of gopher holes -- I would die before being taken prisoner -- It is heart-rending to live among such scenes -- Epilogue : the army achieved a general success -- Appendix : order of battle.