Across Five Aprils

Jethro and Jenny are worried about Shadrach Yale after hearing news of the Union defeat at Chancellorsville and the loss of seventeen thousand Union soldiers. Weeks later they receive a letter from Shad. He explains that he has seen enough death to cause him to lose the hope of survival. The family also receives a letter from John, which mainly inquires about the family. A third letter, this one from Eb in Mississippi, is about his activities and challenges with the soldiers near Vicksburg.

The newspapers carry stories about preparations near Vicksburg and editorials against General Grant. There is fearful speculation about the northward advance of Robert E. Lee. This is followed by news of the violent battle at Gettysburg, a Union victory. Then, another Union victory, at Vicksburg, led by Grant, causes public opinion to sway in Grant's favor.

The Creightons learn that Shad was severely wounded in the battle at Gettysburg and that in his delirium he calls for Jenny. Ross Milton offers to accompany Jenny to Washington to see Shad. All is arranged and they leave the next morning. After some time a letter comes from Ross Milton explaining that Shad is still critically ill, but is holding on because of Jenny's presence

Months later, with Matt Creightons permission, Jenny and a bedridden Shad are married. In a heartfelt letter Jenny, now Mrs. Shadrach Yale, describes her life in Washington and asks Jethro to enter her wedding day in the ledger in the family Bible. Overjoyed that Shad is going to live, Jethro writes a simple but praiseworthy letter to Jenny, which she keeps forever.

The story opens telling how Joseph Hooker "folded hopelessly" before Robert E. Lee at Chancellorsville. The war has escalated and dragged on to the point that the author can no longer give historic accounts of every battle for they have become too numerous. Until this point it seemed that the