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by Bonds, Russell S.
Here is a modern retelling of an early incident in the American Civil War. The locomotive General, stolen by disguised Union soldiers, races up the single track from Marietta, GA attempting to reach Chattanooga, TN while the Union soldiers destroy the rail right of way as they went. The General is pursued by its erstwhile crew in the locomotive Texas, going backwards no less. Along the way there are supposedly blazing gun battles, flaming boxcars, and burning bridges. Contrary to existing mythology, both sides were lightly armed and the chase took place during a raging downpour. Bonds also spends a good deal of time relating the raiders' ultimate, for some tragic, fate and how some survivors became the first recipients of the Medal of Honor.
- reviewed by John, Main Library, PLCMC