The battle of Gettysburg is over. The Confederate army is defeated and must retreat to the Potomac River forty miles away with thousands of wagons full of wounded soldiers, provisions, and animals.



Asa Helms joined the army to oppose the Yankee's invasion. He is torn between serving his country with honor and going home to take care of his wife who is in great need. He faces a long, seemingly impossible march with little food, little hope, and the Yankees on his heels.



Captain Louis Young is fighting to preserve a culture and a lifestyle. The defeat at Gettysburg, the horrendous condition of the army, and the endless resources of the enemy are causing him to doubt the Confederacy's ability to gain independence. His objective is to get the rebel army across the Potomac River to preserve it to fight another day.



Colonel George Gray is hellbent on putting down the rebellion before it divides the country. He has gotten on the wrong side of his superior, General Custer, with whom he is in constant conflict. He sees a chance to cut off the Confederate army and end the war before it reaches the Potomac River.



The journey ends at the Potomac River where soldiers face the realities of this war.