The Western and Atlantic Flyer speeding into Marietta, Ga., in Spring of 1861.
There were two loves in his life.
His engine,And?-
'Fort Sumter has been fired upon.'
'Then the war is here.'
'Yes, dad, and I'm going to be one of the first to enlist.'
'Aren't you going to enlist?'
'Your name?'
'Occupation?'
'Engineer on the Western and Atlantic Railroad.'
'Don't enlist him.
He is more valuable to the South as an engineer.'
'We can't use you.'
'Occupation?'
'Bartender.'
'If you lose this war don't blame me.'
'Did Johnnie enlist?'
'He didn't even get in line.'
'He's a disgrace to the South.'
'Why didn't you enlist?'
'They wouldn't take me.'
'Please don't lie --
I don't want you to speak to me again
until you are in uniform.'
A year later.
In a Union encampment just North of Chattanooga.
General Thatcher
and his chief spy, Captain Anderson.
'I know every foot of this railroad from Marietta to Chattanooga --
and with ten picked men I cannot fail.'
'We will enter the South as civilians coming from the neutral state of Kentucky
to join the Southern cause.'
'At Big Shanty we will steal the train
while the passengers and crew are at dinner, and proceeding '...
North we will burn every bridge,
cutting off the supplies of the army now facing you.'
'Then the day you steal the train
I will have General Parker advance to meet you.'
'As soon as I arrive
I will let you know how seriously father is wounded.'
'Big Shanty. Twenty minutes for dinner.'
'Three men stole my General.
I think they are deserters.'
'Why not stop and fight them?'
'I'm afraid they have us greatly outnumbered.'
The Southern army facing Chattanooga is ordered to retreat.
General Parker's victorious Nothern army advancing.
'There is only one man on that engine.'
In the enemy's country -- hopelessly lost, helplessly cold and horribly hungry.
At nine o'clock tomorrow morning
our supply trains will meet and unite with General
Parker's army at the Rock River bridge.'
'Then the army, backed by our supply trains
will advance for a surprise attack on the rebel's left flank.'
'Once our trains and troops cross that bridge
nothing on earth can stop us.'
'This girl was in the baggage car when we stole the train,
so I thought it best to hold her.'
'We had better stay here until daybreak
to see where we are.'
'It was so brave of you to risk your life
coming into the enemy's country, just to save me.'
After a nice, quiet, refreshing night's rest.
'We've got to get back to our lines somehow
and warn them of this coming attack.'
'I will get that spy BEFORE he reaches the Southern lines.
You follow with the supply trains as planned.'
'We must pick up more firewood.'
The Rock River bridge
The Northern division nearing the bridge
to meet the supply trains
'That bridge is not burned
enough to stop you
and my men will ford the river.'
Heroes of the day.
'Is that your uniform?'
'I had to wear it to get through the lines.'
'Take it off!'
'Enlist the Lieutenant.'
'Occupation?'
'Soldier.'