Deryl Sellmeyer's decade-long research into Shelby's life and his principal officers culminates in this definitive history of Shelby's Brigade from its origin in Missouri, through the end of the Civil War, and its eventual disbandment in Mexico.

Patriots -- Soldiers -- Ruthless war -- Painful silence -- Men were killed everywhere -- Heavy shot and screaming shell -- A fateful day -- Here they come -- We'll cut out -- Represent themselves to be Yankees -- Sir, can I say just one -- Wagons thundering in their rear -- Put us all in one grave -- Don't give an inch -- A bullet through and through -- Stone blind -- Shot dead -- Come in a trot -- Pluck -- Kill 'em quick -- Step three paces to the front.