"The story of the Brannon family of Culpeper County, Virginia turns to the west and the Southern stronghold of Vicksburg, Mississippi, where Cory Brannon is working to keep the town supplied by wagon train and railroad from Texas." "Vicksburg is the key to the Mississippi River and the linchpin to the Confederacy, and Abraham Lincoln wants to put that key in his pocket. For almost a year the Federal army and navy have tried to dislodge the Confederates, but they have gained nothing. Finally, Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, the hero of Forts Henry and Donelson and the battle of Shiloh, is dispatched to take the town by any means possible." "Meanwhile, Cory and the woman he loves, Lucille Farrell, are working with her uncle, Col. Charles Thompson of the Mississippi Home Guard, and a small contingent of dedicated Southerners to keep the supplies rolling in." "Cory's efforts to save Vicksburg are unable to prevent the inevitable, as the Yankees eventually surround and lay siege to the city. In the meantime, Lucille must also cope with unexpected challenges as she encounters a family friend with some secret plans of his own. There also are some within the city who are working toward a Yankee victory. The Federal bombardment, illness, injury, and starvation all take their toll on the defenders of Vicksburg, forcing Cory and Lucille to face decisions that threaten not only their love but also their lives."--BOOK JACKET.
