In 1862 Maryland, 13-year-old Ransom Powell watches his friends argue, then march off to war. Some put on gray uniforms, others wear blue. He is too young to fight, but when he hears a Union division in Virginia needs a drummer, he runs away from home and lies about his age. At first Ranse finds it thrilling to defend his country. His first skirmish changes that, howeversuddenly war is more horrible than exciting. When his regiment is captured and taken to Camp Sumter, a Confederate prison ravaged by disease, he wonders if he will ever see home again. Relying on historical records, award-winning author G. Clifton Wisler bases this riveting novel on the life of an actual drummer boy. Red Cap is hailed by critics for its historical accuracy and was named an American Bookseller Pick of the Lists. With Johnny Hellers stirring rendition, vivid battlefield and prison scenes burst from the pages.