Most of Clara Barton's biographers have accepted her statements at face value, but they stand on shaky ground, for Barton was a relentless self-promoter and often embellished her stories in an effort to enhance her accomplishments. Donal Pfanz revisits her claims, comparing the information in her speeches with contemporary documents, including Barton's own wartime diary and letters. In doing so, he provides the first balanced and accurate account of her wartime service--a service that in the end needed no exaggeration.

The angel of the battlefield -- Antietam -- Fredericksburg -- Months of frustration -- Return to Fredericksburg -- The army of the James -- Later years.