Chapter 3 Summary

The Civil War has begun. The hoopla is more of a celebration across the land than a somber event. With fanfare, speeches and picnics on the battlefield, the seriousness is not felt until the battle of Battle of Bull Run. At Bull Run, the Union is dealt a nasty blow, causing spectators to scramble for safety. With this setback, Tom and Eb join the Union side, while Jethro is taken with excitement as he studies the advancements of the armies. Since learning is such a joy to him, the new names and places are like nourishment to a hungry man.

Although exciting, Jethro has nightmares of events taking place in the newspapers. Bill comforts Jethro, departing words of wisdom of the hypocrisies of war and preferring peaceful solutions in life. While Jethro's youth preferred marching to smite one's enemy, he likes Bill's ways...