This is a short, informal narrative of the the American Civil War battles of Philippi and Rich Mountain, in western Virginia (now the state of West Virginia). The author sides with the secessionists but is fair enough to participants on both sides. She recounts more detail than is available in most narratives of the Battle of Philippi, but does not cover Rich Mountain as fully, discussing only the northern of the two battle lines. The style is relaxed and often humorous, and makes some acerbic criticisms of both General McClellan and General Lee (Lee was not present at either of these battles, but was in general command of the Confederate forces involved). This is not a scholarly history, but a commemorative account by a local resident; however, it makes up in detail, local color, and good humor what it lacks in academic subsantiation. ( )