During the tense months leading up to the American Civil War, the cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point continued their education even as the nation threatened to dissolve around them. Students from both the North and South struggled to understand events such as John Brown's Raid, the secession of eleven states from the Union, and the attack on Fort Sumter. By graduation day, half the class of 1862 had resigned; only twenty-eight remained, and their class motto -- "Joined in common cause" -- had been severely tested.

In For Brotherhood and Duty: The Civil War History of the West Point Class of 1862, Brian R. McEnany follows the cadets from their initiation, through coursework, and on to the battlefield, focusing on twelve Union and four Confederate soldiers. Drawing heavily on primary sources, McEnany presents a fascinating chronicle of the young classmates, who became allies and enemies during the largest conflict ever undertaken on American soil. Their vivid accounts provide new perspectives not only on legendary battles such as Antietam, Gettysburg, Fredericksburg, and the Overland and Atlanta campaigns, but also on lesser-known battles such as Port Hudson, Olustee, High Bridge, and Pleasant Hills.

There are countless studies of West Point and its more famous graduates, but McEnany's groundbreaking book brings to life the struggles and contributions of its graduates as junior officers and in small units. Generously illustrated with more than one hundred photographs and maps, this enthralling collective biography illuminates the war's impact on a unique group of soldiers and the institution that shaped them.

Brian R. McEnany graduated from the United States Military Academy with the class of 1962 and served in artillery assignments in Germany, Korea, and the United States and combat service in Vietnam. A retired lieutenant colonel and operations research analyst, he is the author of several historical articles about West Point during the Civil War.

AspirationsThe Beginnings of StrifeCrises of Conscience"When Shall We Meet Again?"McCrea Joins the Army of the PotomacMcCrea, Egan, and the Maryland CampaignEgan and FredericksburgSanderson, Arnold, McIntire, and Warner at ChancellorsvilleCalef, Mackenzie, McCrea, Egan, Dearing, and Blount at GettysburgMansfield, Semmes, and West at Port HudsonMcCrea and the Battle of OlusteeSanderson, Semmes, and West at Pleasant HillMackenzie, Gillespie, Calef, Egan, Dearing, and Schaff during the Overland and Petersburg CampaignsMurrary at AtlantaMackenzie and McIntire in the Shenandoah ValleyDearing at High RidgeMackenzie, Lord, and Dearing at AppomattoxWarner, Bartlett, and the Last BattlesRemembrancesEpilogue