James Moore 
Uniforms Provided 

It is 1861 and civil war has erupted in the United States. Young boys dream about becoming heroes just like the old timers who sat around and talked about their fifty-year-old exploits. Some just dream of a better life than what they have. They lie about their age or have someone sign for them as their parents just to get into the army, the army that would provide free hot meals and clothing. Little did they envision the dire consequences and devastation of what war would really give them in return for their services.

Posters are on trees claiming money to be had just for signing up in the army, which is more money than George can imagine at the time. He sees a way of getting off the farm and finding a better life and, at the same time, helping to support his family through some tough times. He tries to act educated but ends up flaunting it at the wrong time and place. Education isnt just about book learning. Chester Check Penny befriends George and leads him into card games, hustling, and lies. Georges turning point is a card game where he wins a pistol, a pistol that is allowed for officers only, which George is not. Georges obsession with owning a pistol and carrying a pistol almost leads to his demise during the ragtag, motley fleets trip to the South to strengthen General Burnsides part of the Norths Anaconda Plan to cut off supplies.

One friend gets George into card games and a chance to make easy money while another one keeps all of them out of trouble through his military savvy. George discovers that friends are lost faster than they are made during war.

About the author

James Moore grew up as an air force brat moving every four years, which included a long stint in Japan. He joined the army in 1963 and ended up traveling over other parts of the world (together with a tour of Vietnam at an inappropriate time) as a medic in a helicopter unit. He earned his BA at University of Texas Arlington and his MA at University of Houston-Clear Lake. He spent twenty-five years in the public relations field and then began his career in teaching with Central Texas College as an adjunct professor of English. He was contracted to various aircraft carriers in the US Navy in the midst of and after the 9/11 attack by terrorists. After eleven ships, twenty-one ports of call, and a lot of ocean (mostly the Persian Gulf), he settled into a more comfortable private setting of Chrysalis High School in Woodinville, Washington, as a consulting teacher and continues to teach English and history classes. He resides in Lynnwood, Washington, and has two children and eight grandchildren.