A Little Traitor to the South / A War Time Comedy with a Tragic Interlude

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

21681

Title

A Little Traitor to the South / A War Time Comedy with a Tragic Interlude

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in Civil War Charleston, this war-time comedy follows Fanny Glen, a devoted nurse who detests masterful men. When her lover Rhett Sempland is arrested for failing to launch a torpedo boat, she secretly intervenes to save him, only to face a court-martial. A tragic interlude involving the destruction of a Federal ship adds historical weight to this tale of romance, heroism, and Southern loyalty.

Summary up to 500 words

Set in Charleston during the Civil War, Cyrus Townsend Brady's *A Little Traitor to the South* weaves a tale of romance, duty, and tragic heroism. The story centers on Miss Fanny Glen, the beloved head nurse of a vast Confederate hospital, who finds herself torn between two men. Rhett Sempland, a handsome but physically unimpressive officer, loves her deeply despite his lack of glory. In contrast, Major Harry Lacy is a charismatic, reckless hero who has won the affection of many women. The narrative reaches a critical turning point when Sempland is arrested for failing to launch the torpedo boat *David* to destroy the Federal flagship, the *Wabash*. Fearing for his life, Fanny secretly intervenes, allowing Lacy to take command of the vessel. In a twist of fate, the boat successfully destroys the new flagship, the *Housatonic*, rather than the intended target. Sempland is held for treason and cowardice, while Fanny faces a court-martial for her interference. During her confinement, Fanny confesses to Sempland that she is actually Fanny Glen Vernon, the daughter of Admiral Vernon, a Unionist who abandoned his family. She intervened specifically to save her father from the explosion. General Beauregard stages a dramatic court-martial to clear Sempland's name, revealing the truth about Fanny's lineage and her motives. To resolve the legal issue regarding her treasonous actions, the General proposes that Fanny marry Sempland, thereby removing her from the ranks of the enemy and saving both their lives. The story concludes with their marriage, celebrating their love and honoring the heroism of the Confederate sailors who died for a lost cause, including Lacy, who perished at his post aboard the *David*.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Fiction