The General

The Western and Atlantic Flyer speeding into Marrietta, Ga., in the Spring 1861.

There were two loves in his live.

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?"

"Johnnie Gray."

"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."

"William Brown."

"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 the crew are at dinner,

and proceeding North we will burn every bridge,

cutting off the supplies of the army now facing you."