Brown details the retreat of the Army of Northern Virginia from Gettysburg in July 1863, focusing on the complex logistics of moving a 57-mile wagon and ambulance train and tens of thousands of livestock through hostile territory while scavenging for provisions and planning the army's next moves.

Prologue : this has been a sad day for us -- Take what is necessary for the army -- The flies and vermin of the dog days -- We must now return to Virginia -- All that was dear to me is gone -- The scene was wild and desolating -- That vast procession of misery -- An awful time crossing South Mountain -- Use your sabres, don't strike, but thrust! -- The cutting and slashing was beyond description -- Nowhere is safe -- By the blessing providence, I will do it -- A strong line of gopher holes -- I would die before being taken prisoner -- It is heart-rending to live among such scenes -- Epilogue : the army achieved a general success -- Appendix : order of battle.