The men of the Eighth Georgia Infantry Regiment answered the Confederate call to arms in the spring of 1861, virtually at the moment the war was declared. They came from all corners of the state, some dressed in mismatched homemade uniforms, others in tailored finery. Proud and defiant, convinced that "one Southerner could whip ten Yankees," they plunged into the murderous heat of battle at Bull Run. Years later, after enduring combat's most vigorous trials in Maryland, at Gettysburg, and throughout East Tennessee and the bloody horror of the Wilderness - their ranks severely depleted by winter and sickness and Union cannon, shot, and sword - they were at Appomattox to witness the ultimate defeat of their beloved homeland. -- From the book jacket.

Chapter 1.In Defense of Southern rights -- The elite of the town -- I Go to illustrate Georgia -- A report that would be heard -- Important movements are on foot -- Chapter 2. To belong to the Southern Army -- Daughter of the stars -- They would rush into danger -- Those halcyon days in the Valley -- We knew where we were a going -- Chapter 3. Never give up the field -- You must get there -- Battle and fighting mean death -- Get ready, men! I could hear the bullets -- That place of slaughter -- We have whipped 'em -- What an insignificant creature one man is -- Chapter 4. All quiet along the Potomac -- I have missed It -- The Eighth Georgia is known -- He caused them to have some serious thoughts -- Nothing unusual -- Moped up in a tent -- Chapter 5. We must not let the Yankees take Richmond -- The blighting effects of war -- The occasional crack of a rifle -- The idol of his regiment -- From some cause, not understood by me -- In Search of the enemy -- Chapter 6. Resistless as an ocean tide -- A Quiet but deep work -- Deep and stern convictions of duty -- Our generals seem to have failed -- Soldiers must know no obstacles -- The grandest sight I ever looked upon -- May the Lord direct me -- Some of the prettiest fighting.