In 1862 Maryland, 13 year old Ransom Powell watches his friends argue, then march off to war. Some put on gray uniforms, others wear blue. He is too young to fight, but when he hears a Union division in Virginia needs a drummer, he runs away from home and lies about his age.

At first, Ranse finds it thrilling to defend his country. His first skirmish changes that, however; suddenly war is more horrible than exciting. When his regiment is captured and taken to Camp Sumter, a Confederate prison ravaged by disease, he wonders if he will ever see home again.