The story takes place in New Jersey on April 3 and 4 in 1778. The Revolutionary War has begun, and the American colonists are fighting for their independence from Britain. In addition to the British forces, the Americans fight the Hessians, German soldiers hired by Britain. Small towns prepare their own brigades to join the fighting whenever necessary. News travels by word of mouth, and the ringing of church bells signals any urgent matters, calling the townspeople to the village squares.

The main character, Jonathan, lives on a small farm near a village. His family consists of his mother and younger siblings who live at home, his father who has been injured in battle and has returned home while his leg heals, and an older brother who is still away fighting. Jonathan and his father run the farm without the aid of any animals. In order to prepare the ground for...