Shoulder-Straps: A Novel of New York and the Army, 1862

"Shoulder-Straps: A Novel of New York and the Army, 1862" by Henry Morford is a historical novel that transports readers to Civil War-era New York, where the lives of merchants, journalists, and mysterious figures intertwine amidst societal and moral conflicts. Walter Lane Harding, a thoughtful merchant, and Tom Leslie, an adventurous journalist, find their paths colliding after witnessing a troubling event, sparking reflections on honor and duty in a nation divided. The introduction of Dexter Ralston, a man of uncertain loyalty, adds intrigue as the narrative unfurls. Themes of friendship, love, and the heavy toll of war shape the characters' journeys as they confront personal dilemmas against the backdrop of national turmoil.