Philomene, Chapters 22 through 30 Summary

In chapter twenty-two, the situation becomes serious as Confederate money begins to circulate. Narcisse, apparently envisioning the tough times to come, hoards both food and money against that eventuality. The initial letters from Narcisse's brother Augustine arrive, filled with the glory of his mission. Six months later, 1871 is drawing to a close and Augustine's letters are bitter. In 1862, Oreline's son dies and Augustine asks Narcisse to send clothing, indicating that the soldiers have insufficient supplies. That fall, Augustine realizes that Narcisse might be conscripted and warns that he avoid becoming a soldier if he can find any way to that end. Narcisse learns that there is an exception to the conscription law that owners of slaves numbering twenty or more are exempt from the conscription law. Narcisse has twenty, pays the five hundred dollar fee and is exempted.

In...