Interweaves the lives of these two historical figures in their early years before the Civil War, in their roles as determined adversaries, and in their later lives when they continued to be involved in their nation's fate.
Recounts the surrender of Robert E. Lee's army at Appomattox Court House, Virginia in April of 1865 from the perspective of eleven-year-old Willie McLean, who may have witnessed the event.
Describes how geography, luck, perserverance, a diplomacy between General Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant helped to change the course of history at the end of the Civil War.