The fourth book in The Starbuck Chronicles The Bloody Ground follows Boston-born Confederate officer Nathaniel Starbuck as the Confederate army under Robert E. Lee invades the North culminating in the Battle of Antietam Creek. It is only weeks after the Second Manassas in September 1862 and Robert E. Lee takes the war north where he will be met by Little Mac General George McClellan whose northern army far outnumbers and outguns the invading Confederates. In Richmond Virginia Starbuck is given command of a punishment battalion a motley collection of cowards thieves deserters and murderers officered by men who do not welcome Starbucks arrival. Setting off to join Lees army Starbucks men reach Harpers Ferry in time to take part in Stonewall Jacksons capture of the Union garrison. From there it is on to the legendary horror of Sharpsburg beside the Antietam Creek forever to be remembered as the bloodiest single day of the war. There in the cornfield Starbuck and his despised men will have their courage and commitment tested as never before.