Blue and Gray

This saga of the Civil War, from 1859 to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln in 1865, is based on the works and original materials of Pulitzer Prize winner Bruce Catton. It focuses on the trials and conflicts of that national trauma as seen through the eyes and sketches of artist John Geyser, whose own family is torn apart by conflicting political sentiments.

A story concept by Civil War historian The drama begins in 1859, with young war correspondent-to-be meeting future Union officer at the trial of abolitionist John Brown . They are reunited two years later during the presidential campaign of Abraham Lincoln and are eyewitnesses at the battle of Bull Run. Keach marries in 1862, while Virginia-born writes his dispatches from the Deep South. A subplot concerning a family torn by North/South loyalties is resolved just before Appomattox.

colonial (Squanto)

The Pilgrims arrived in the New World in 1620. Before they had chosen a suitable site for their settlement, it was late in December. On Christmas Day, the first work party went on shore. Houses were built, and streets were laid out. The winter was an ordeal for the Pilgrims. Over 1/2 of them died before spring arrived. The Pilgrims had seen Indians only at a distance. On March 16, however, a single Indian walked into the town. His name was Samoset, and he was able to speak English. His skill with the language was limited, and the Pilgrims had difficulty understanding him. Samoset left, but he returned the next day with an older Indian whose name was Squanto. This Indian had been in England and spoke the language with more skill than Samoset. Squanto's story was remarkable.
He was a Patuxet Indian. He had been born in a village which used to be located near the site of New Plymouth. As a young man, he encountered his first white men there. The year was approximately 1605-1610, and the men had come on a trading ship. Squanto spent some time with them, learning their language and helping them in their dealings with other Indians. They treated him well, even giving him clothes to wear. When they were ready to leave, they invited him along--back to England. He agreed, even though his mother begged him not to go.
Squanto died from a fever in 1622. He is still remembered and honored, nearly 400 years later. If Squanto had not been there to help out, perhaps none of the Pilgrims would have survived. Without his help at New Plymouth, their story might have ended in a different way.