Despite his failures, Heintzelman remains among the most fascinating military figures of nineteenth-century America, if only for his broad involvement across much of the South and West during this pivotal era of the nation's history.

Duty, honor, country -- To the Halls of Montezuma -- Hell burned out -- Arizona and silver -- Texas and the Cortina War -- Debacle at Bull Run -- Red mud of Virginia -- A crisis in our affairs -- Seven harrowing days -- Failure at second Bull Run -- A city of shoulder straps -- Copperheads and prison camps -- The turmoil of Texas reconstruction -- Back in Washington.