Hunt introduces many social concerns relevant to the American Civil War. She addresses the issues tactfully and without prejudice. At the beginning of the novel, young Jethro and his brothers eagerly await the war, anticipating "loud brass music and shining horses, men riding like kings." They understand that men will die, but imagine the casualties as "shadowy men from distant parts who would die for the pages of future history books." They soon realize that there is no glory in war, a point that Hunt stresses throughout the story. Death strikes at home when Tom dies in battle.

The family also discovers that war brings out the worst in some people.

When Bill joins the Confederate Army, neighboring Union sympathizers try to injure Jethro by frightening his horses as he rides to town. The Creightons refuse to condemn Bill for following his conscience, even though they...