Analyzes major battles of the third year of the Civil War--including Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, and Vicksburg--as recounted by first-hand witnesses, surveying their views on whether the war's goals justified its costs.

When peace was far away -- An army stretched out on the hills -- The road unknown -- The clear and present danger of democracy -- Long, too long America -- Toward Getty's town -- Uncle Sam says you're the one -- Take increased devotion -- Make no parley -- Armies like ghosts on hills -- The war will never be done -- God alone can claim it.