THE BURDEN OF HEAVEN

An inquiry into the American character as it was forged by the bloodiest conflict in American history. Over 600,000 Americans killed in battle; every white family, North and South, EVERY family, lost a male relative, be it father, son, brother, husband,nephew, cousin.

It is the story of the Army of The Potomac, from inception, until when General Grant begins his campaign in 1864. It is the story of the New York Ninth (out of Rhinehook, New York) and its Protestant officers, Mathew Dunstan, Caleb McCandless, Schuyler Van Pelt, Jaime MacGregor and John Bradford, and their Irish Catholic NCOs, Sean Kildare, Michael o'Rourke(a former Jesuit), Patrick Quinn( riddled with the bad disease) and Brian O'Kelly.

It showcases a revisionist view of Abraham Lincoln, the most frightening man ever to sit in the White House, and General Lee, the most Christian American ever, who fought brilliantly to keep other men slaves.

It has two very strong female roles, Rachel Masterson and Tenby Wade. friends, fighting for the equality of women, and teh vote for women. They both make the unfortunate choice of falling in love with members of the Army of The Potomac, New York Ninth.

It covers the scope of Gettysburg and The New York Irish Draft Riots

It blends the raw power of TO HELL AND BACK, and the ethos of THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES transplanted to 1860's America.

The concept was inspired by a conversation with Audie Murphy, the soldiers' soldier.