Civil War dynasty: the Ewing family of Ohio

"The devoted band of Leonidas" : Thomas Ewing's ascent

"Reaching up into the blue ether

sinking down into the abyss" : the next generation comes of age

"Argument is exhausted" : an election, an insurrection, and an invasion, 1860-1861

"Render to Caesar" : Shiloh, Antietam, and Prairie Grove, 1862

"Forlorn hope" : Vicksburg, Lawrence, and Missionary Ridge, 1863

"War is cruelty" : Atlanta, Pilot Knob, and Washington, 1864

"Stand on the crater of a living volcano" : processions, trials, and recriminations.