Part 1, Chapter 2 The Abolitionist, Section 2 Summary

Holmes joined the Army. He felt it was his duty to fight for what he believed. He thought of the war as "a heroic adventure." However, he changed his mind after his very first battle, which was the battle at Ball's Bluff.

The Union army was all but brought to the slaughtering block. The unstable leadership and incorrect information led to bad decisions. The leader of the Army at that time was General George B. McClellan, who had his own agenda.

Holmes led a company in the Twentieth Massachusetts and after being wounded discovered that 38 of his soldiers had died in battle. This battle and his time in the hospitals made his reevaluate his convictions. He chose not to change his ideals, and discovered that knowing he had done his duty was enough of a...