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The Sword of Antietam: A Story of the Nation's Crisis

by Joseph A. Altsheler (1862–1919)

  • Free to read
  • 6 hours to read
  • 18 chapters
  • Reading level: 6th grade

"The Sword of Antietam: A Story of the Nation's Crisis" by Joseph A. Altsheler is a historical novel that was likely written during the late 19th century. Centered around the American Civil War, it portrays the experiences of young soldiers, particularly focusing on the character Dick Mason, a Northern lieutenant, as he navigates the complexities of war, both on the battlefield and within himself. The narrative emphasizes the personal and national crises faced as battles unfold, culminating in the well-known conflict at Antietam. The opening of the book introduces us to Dick Mason and his companions as they scout the terrain, anxious about the imminent approach of Confederate forces led by the infamous Stonewall Jackson. The portrayal of nature juxtaposed with the tension of an impending war sets a vivid scene, emphasizing the profound transformations that this young man and his fellow soldiers are about to face. The chapter captures their youthful bravado, fears, and camaraderie, as they prepare for the overwhelming realities of battle, hinting at the challenges they will encounter both in combat and in their personal convictions as they fight for their beliefs.

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  • United States · History · Civil War, 1861-1865

Read the opening

Chapter I: Cedar Mountain

The first youth rode to the crest of the hill, and, still sitting on his horse, examined the country in the south with minute care through a pair of powerful glasses. The other two dismounted and waited patiently. All three were thin and their faces were darkened by sun and wind. But they were strong alike of body and soul. Beneath the faded blue uniforms brave hearts beat and powerful muscles responded at once to every command of the will.

“What do you see, Dick?” asked Warner, who leaned easily against his horse, with one arm over the pommel of his saddle.

“Hills, valleys, mountains, the August heat shimmering over all, but no human being.”

“A fine country,” said young Pennington, “and I like to look at it, but just now my Nebraska prairie would be better for us. We could at least see the advance of Stonewall Jackson before he was right on top of us.”

Dick took another long look, searching every point in the half circle of the south with his glasses. Although burned by summer the country was beautiful, and neither heat nor cold could take away its picturesqueness. He saw valleys in which the grass grew thick and strong, clusters of hills dotted with trees, and then the blue loom of mountains clothed heavily with foliage. Over everything bent a dazzling sky of blue and gold.

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Contents

  1. Foreword
  2. Chapter I: Cedar Mountain
  3. Chapter II: At the Capital
  4. Chapter III: Beside the River
  5. Chapter IV: Springing the Trap
  6. Chapter V: The Second Manassas
  7. Chapter VI: The Mournful Forest
  8. Chapter VII: Orders No. 191
  9. Chapter VIII: The Duel in the Pass
  10. Chapter IX: Across the Stream
  11. Chapter X: Antietam
  12. Chapter XI: A Family Affair
  13. Chapter XII: Through the Bluegrass
  14. Chapter XIII: Perryville
  15. Chapter XIV: Seeking Bragg
  16. Chapter XV: Stone River
  17. Chapter 3: Page 68, para 4, changed “it” to “its”
  18. Chapter 10: Page 210, para 1, fix typo (“Pennigton”)

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About this edition

This free edition of The Sword of Antietam: A Story of the Nation's Crisis by Joseph A. Altsheler comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #7862, released 2005-04-01. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Historical Novels, Adventure, American Literature.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

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