Tim Meeker always looked up to his brother Sam for guidance. They were best friends, and always inseparable. Coming home from Yale University during break, Sam would always launch into graphic tales of his education and of scoring telling points in debates. To Tim, Sam was everything that he could hope to be, and besides his father, Sam was the only male for him to look up to in his family. Early in the winter of 1775, Sam returned home sporting the uniform of a Patriot. In the loyalist town of Redding, Connecticut, this was considered teason, and in the Meeker house, none of this was to be permitted. After several tense days at home, Sam fled, stealing his father's gun, and running to meet General Benedict Arnold at their camp several miles away. While returning from a supply run to Verplanks Point, Life Meeker is kidnapped by a pack of vicious cowboys, and Tim is left alone with a wagon full of supplies. Realizing that his life is at risk, he races home to Redding, not knowing the condition his father is in. Shortly thereafter, as the war continues to spiral out of control, British Redcoats raid the town, murdering several of Tim's friends and fellow townsfolk. Soon, Tim has to choose his allegience. Does he follow his brother into battle; picking up the bayonet and musket to fight the British, or does he want to stay true to his father's principles and go after an education and the promise of a fruitful life? These are the decisions of a young boy forced to grow up too fast in a time of war.
Title: My Brother Sam is Dead |
1/31/05
