Some men return from war to a life of peace. Tom Dooley returned from the Civil
War and became embroiled in a tumultuous affair with Ann Foster Melton, a
married woman. Their affair was openly known throughout the community. Later,
Tom becomes involved with two of Ann’s cousins, Pauline Foster and Laura Foster.
When it is learned that Tom is about to elope with Laura, who is then found
murdered, there are plenty of suspects, Tom being the principal one. He and Ann
Foster are arrested for the crime. Tom claims that Ann had nothing to do with
the murder, although he does not openly admit his own guilt. He is tried,
defended by the state’s former governor, Zebulon Vance. Though he is found
guilty, there are those who believe Tom is innocent, wondering why he would kill
the girl he was going to run away with.
War and became embroiled in a tumultuous affair with Ann Foster Melton, a
married woman. Their affair was openly known throughout the community. Later,
Tom becomes involved with two of Ann’s cousins, Pauline Foster and Laura Foster.
When it is learned that Tom is about to elope with Laura, who is then found
murdered, there are plenty of suspects, Tom being the principal one. He and Ann
Foster are arrested for the crime. Tom claims that Ann had nothing to do with
the murder, although he does not openly admit his own guilt. He is tried,
defended by the state’s former governor, Zebulon Vance. Though he is found
guilty, there are those who believe Tom is innocent, wondering why he would kill
the girl he was going to run away with.
