A Captain in the Ranks: A Romance of Affairs

by George Cary Eggleston

"A Captain in the Ranks: A Romance of Affairs" by George Cary Eggleston is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. It focuses on the life and struggles of Guilford Duncan, a young Confederate captain who finds himself lost after the Civil War's conclusion. The narrative explores his journey to adapt to a post-war reality, characterized by personal and social upheaval, while grappling with the transition from a soldier to a civilian in the American West. The opening of the story sets the tone during the final days of the Civil War. It vividly describes Captain Duncan's somber realization that the Southern cause is lost as his artillery unit prepares for surrender at Appomattox. Following this pivotal moment, he decides to leave with a few of his men to seek refuge in the mountains. As they navigate the chaos of a war-torn landscape filled with marauders and lawlessness, Duncan assumes a role of protector for a plantation's women and children against these marauders. This initial section establishes a blend of action, moral conflict, and the determination to uphold honor, laying the groundwork for Duncan's evolution throughout the novel as he seeks to redefine his purpose in a changing world.