"Follows a group of cadets through their initiation, coursework and experiences on the battlefield. Even before graduation, their class motto --"Joined in common cause" -- was severely tested when half the class resigned, leaving only twenty-eight cadets to finish the program. Drawing heavily on primary sources, McEnany presents a fascinating chronicle of twelve Union and four Confederate classmates who became allies and enemies during the largest conflict ever undertaken on American soil. Their vivid accounts provide new perspectives, not only on legendary battles such as Antietam, Gettysburg, Fredericksburg, and the Overland and Atlanta campaigns, but also on lesser-known battles such as Port Hudson, Olustee, High Bridge, and Pleasant Hills. There are numerous studies of West Point and its famous graduates, but McEnany's groundbreaking book brings to life the struggles and contributions of its graduates as junior officers and in small units." -- From page 4 of cover.

Part I. The West Point years -- Aspirations -- The beginnings of strife -- Crises of conscience -- "When shall we meet again?" -- Part II. The Civil War years -- McCrea joins the Army of the Potomac -- McCrea, Egan, and the Maryland Campaign -- Egan at Fredericksburg -- Sanderson, Arnold, McIntire, and Warner at Chancellorsville -- Calef, MacKenzie, McCrea, Egan, Dearing, and Blount at Gettysburg -- Mansfield, Semmes, and West at Port Hudson -- McCrea and the Battle of Olustee -- Sanderson, Semmes, and West at Pleasant Hill -- MacKenzie, Gillespie, Calef, Egan, Dearing, and Schaff during the Overland and Petersburg Campaigns -- Murray at Atlanta -- MacKenzie and McIntire in the Shenandoah Valley -- Dearing at High Bridge -- MacKenzie, Lord, and Dearing at Appomattox -- Warner, Bartlett, and the last battles -- Remembrances -- Epilogue.