In the shadow of the scaffold, young Jonathan Pratt confesses to a multitude of sins committed while traversing the strange and dangerous terrain of 1848 New York. Set upon by prophets and seers, conmen and politicians, street gangs and private armies, prostitutes, thieves and ne'er-do-wells of every kind he falls prey to the traps and snares of temptation. Through New York’s darkest valleys and vilest urban landscapes, Jonathan fights a losing battle for his soul, following a path destined to end at the gallows.