Although it chronicles the exploits of one of the brave, patriotic young men who left their homes of abundance and happiness to serve in the wars for There in danger nation, this book is not entirely a military romance. The story's happenings may be gripping and exciting, but they are also within the realm of possibility and have been amply matched in the experiences of hundreds of the loyal army's brave warriors. Although the author has carefully consulted the "authorities," both loyal and rebel, and has recorded the living words of ardent participants in the thrilling episodes portrayed in this volume, the work does not seek to approach the dignity of a history. He has only focused on the movements in which the hero participated, rather than attempting to provide a comprehensive account of any combat or other army activity. The book is an account of a personal journey that shows how the hero developed a true sense of patriotism and details the dangers and tribulations, battles, and marches that he experienced alongside the hundreds of gallant soldiers who made up the Army of the Potomac.
William Taylor Adams, also known as Oliver Optic, was a professor, writer, and representative from Massachusetts from July 30, 1822 until March 27, 1897. Captain Laban Adams and Catherine Johnson Adams, both tavern keepers, welcomed Adams into the world on July 30, 1822 in Medway, Massachusetts. Adams attended West Roxbury and Boston-area schools as an honors student. He spent a year studying at Abel Whitney's private academy after completing his public education. In 1843, Adams started working as a teacher at the Lower Road School in Dorchester, Massachusetts. In 1846, he left his post as the school's headmaster to help his father and brother run their brand-new hotel in Boston, the Adams House Hotel. Adams traveled to Asia and Africa in addition to more than twenty trips to Europe. He wed Sarah Jenkins in 1846, and the two of them produced two daughters: Emma Louisa Adams and Alice Maria Adams. At the age of 28, Adams started writing, and his first novel, Hatchie, the Guardian Slave (1853), was released using the alias Warren T. Ashton. Adams seemed unfazed even though it was only a marginal success.
