Harrigan’s Appeal: The Story of a Refugee Newspaper

On a summer night in 1862, just before the Yankees occupied Memphis, Tennessee, the staff of the Memphis Appeal loaded their press, steam engine, and supplies on a freight train and fled south to become a refugee newspaper. This novel, based on true facts, brings to life this almost forgotten page of history. For three years, the Appeal traveled the war-torn South, printing vital news in advance of enemy lines. The Yankees called the little paper a thorn in their side , and pursued them at every opportunity. The Harrigans, a fictional Memphis family, join the Appeal’s adventure, eager to do their part to preserve their homeland. Joseph Harrigan wanted to save his beloved newspaper, yet he was also worried about the family he was leaving behind. Follow the Moving Appeal and the newsmen who traveled the war-torn south, printing vital information as the Yankees pursued them at every opportunity. Then, as the war comes to an end, discover how Joseph and those he loves adjust to an uncertain future.