"In 1846, the Mexican-American War cast together Latter-day Saints fleeing persecution and the U.S. Army on a desperate mission to capture California. The Mormon Battalion-including two pregnant laundresses-must march two thousand miles. Among the army's First Dragoons, Moses Cole, a Virginia farm boy running from his abusive father, grows to manhood under the mentorship of a tormented alcoholic and former professor. Among the Mormons, Orson Everett battles personal devils yet teaches his colorful followers to work for their brethren with God in their hearts. On such a journey, some will thrive, some will perish, all will be transformed. This deeply researched depiction of the U. S. military's longest march, told in evocative prose, brings a little known yet uniquely American story to life"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.