In case you don't want to read the book......

This is a postscript from yesterday's post.

There is a very good movie about the Civil War in North Carolina, specifically the mountains.  It's called "Cold Mountain", and is about a deserter's attempt to get home, trying to avoid the "Home Guard" and unorganized bands of fighters supporting one side or the other.   There's good music in it too, as well as academy award winning stars.   Well worth a rental.