The early American Civil War volunteers enlisted for a variety of reasons. Some enlisted out of a sense of duty, to preserve the Union, or to end slavery. Others enlisted for the excitement and adventure, a way out of their boring, ordinary lives. A once in a lifetime chance at glory, honor and heroic deeds, like their grandfathers in the Revolutionary War. They looked forward with great anticipation to proving themselves in battle. “Seeing the Elephant,” they called it. Matt Drennan is among them. Ignoring the warnings of those who knew better, he embarks on the crusade to preserve his country and end the curse of slavery. With his three cousins: Zeke, Gabe and Jed, he willingly sets out to see the Elephant. But he never dreamed that there was far more to the Elephant than excitement and glory.
