Private Worth's First Battle is a novel of the Civil War which traces the story of Jedediah Worth, a teenaged slave who escapes slavery and becomes a Union soldier, fighting for the freedom of his people.
Although he realizes that the conflict started over slavery, Jedediah regards the South as home. When his master's sons join the Confederate army, he accompanies them as a servant. To prove himself, Jedediah runs ammunition and even rescues a wounded Confederate, until he realizes his valor should serve emancipation.
Despite having learned of his master's plan to free him, he escapes in the confusion of the battle of Shiloh. During his escape, he meets Samson, an enslaved African, a warrior of his tribe, who becomes his life-long friend. They resolve to make their way to Kansas, to join one of the first colored regiments being formed. They enlist in time to participate in the first battle fought by colored troops, the victory at Island Mound.
Author's preferred edition.
Although he realizes that the conflict started over slavery, Jedediah regards the South as home. When his master's sons join the Confederate army, he accompanies them as a servant. To prove himself, Jedediah runs ammunition and even rescues a wounded Confederate, until he realizes his valor should serve emancipation.
Despite having learned of his master's plan to free him, he escapes in the confusion of the battle of Shiloh. During his escape, he meets Samson, an enslaved African, a warrior of his tribe, who becomes his life-long friend. They resolve to make their way to Kansas, to join one of the first colored regiments being formed. They enlist in time to participate in the first battle fought by colored troops, the victory at Island Mound.
Author's preferred edition.
