The intent of this work is to relate how the common citizen of Gettysburg in June 1863 found this a small, quiet and unassuming Pennsylvania town. One month later it would be the stage that gave rebirth to a wounded nation albeit at the price of massive, horrible deaths. There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die. (Ecclesiastes 3: 1-2).This novel is to be considered a work of fiction based upon historical events. Many of the people, places and dates are factual, while the author has taken liberties with the names of characters. Also, while a number of the events depicted in the lives of these characters are based upon fact, many of the details are pure fiction.The novel deals with an event that, although repugnant to the senses, was extremely vital to the future of the United States of America.