The story of Union Soldier Isaac Earl and his special scouts, who disrupted illegal trade and guerrilla activities along the lower Mississippi River in 1864. -- from the Acknowledgements.

Prologue: an occupation army -- President Lincoln's call -- On the Mississippi -- "Zeal, daring, and good conduct" -- "Rusticating, foraging, and scouting" -- "Organize a corps of mounted scouts" -- "The country's terror" -- "A valuable agent of the government" -- "Invaluable services" -- "I shall do all I can" -- The scouts' contributions -- Epilogue: "good service".