The year is 1861. A young man requests appointment into the military from the governor. The governor knows the young man to be a Southerner, and questions his motive to join the Federal forces. The young man believes the North to be right in what will be the bloodiest conflict ever in American history. Also, the young man's wife has been unfaithful with an unknown lover. The governor decides to grant his request and awards him a captaincy.

Later, the governor and the captain meet again at a skirmish near Corinth. The captain proves himself to be a truly honorable man. The governor proves himself to be a politician.