Chapter 8 Summary

Jenny and Jethro often refer to Shad's map as news comes in about the war. They closely follow the armies of both sides, making comparisons of Shad's predictions and speculating on what might come next. News begins to speak more highly of the Union Army and its leadership. In spite of all the changes, there are in fact several Confederate victories: Fort Donelson, Fort Henry, Pea Ridge, New Orleans, New Madrid, the Confederate fort at Island No. 10 and more. Hopes dashed once again, more Union disasters cause more disarray within the army organization and much criticism toward the President. It isn't long before desertion was a common thing.

Help continues to pour in during harvest season. More than twenty men gather to re-build the barn. Ellen, Nancy and Jenny put together a big spread to feed all who helped. It is an important...