The raid of the guerilla, and other stories

"The Raid of the Guerilla and Other Stories" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a series of short stories that explores universal ideas about affection, bereavement, and the many sides of people's personalities during the Civil War, often showing what life was like in the Great Smoky Mountains. The first story introduces Ethelinda Brusie, a fiery young woman torn between her devotion to the Union and the threats of war, as her isolated community faces an upcoming raid by a well-known guerrilla chief. The book starts by showing Ethelinda amidst worried talks among her relatives about a pending guerrilla attack that puts their home in Tanglefoot Cove at risk. As her family shows their terror and anxiety, Ethelinda tells everyone about her activities that could put her in danger, such as her willingness to support Union troops. This creates a clear tension as the characters grapple with their personal views, loyalty to their community, and the possibility of punishment in a risky wartime environment. Ethelinda's personality is shown in her interactions with her family and the choices she makes, creating a complex mix of innocence, bravery, and moral challenge against the setting of conflict.