A House Divided

Fifteen-year-old George Newman finds himself challenged by three difficult problems: a domineering father, a scheming brother, and a strong belief in the colony’s fight for independence, much to the displeasure of the rest of his family who are staunch supporters of King George. The Patriots are in control of that part of the Carolinas where Newman has established a thriving cotton and tobacco plantation. The Committee of Five evoke a law passed by the state legislature requiring all citizens to take an oath of allegiance to the new country. Newman refuses and is given twenty-four hours to vacate his plantation. George has a difficult decision to make: to go along with his family to Charles Town, under British rule, or live with Robert, his close friend. He decides not to go to Charles Town. Robert and George join Washington’s army and take part in the bloody battle for King’s Mountain. After the battle, George and Robert volunteer to take part in taking the prisoners to a detainment camp in the Blue Ridge Mountains. His brother is among the prisoners. Learn about the dastardly act of cowardice his brother committed during the battle.