Captain Horace

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25484

Title

Captain Horace

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in Indiana during the Civil War era, this charming children's novel follows Horace Clifford, a spirited young boy aspiring to be a soldier. Through his adventures making candy, camping out, and caring for his family, Horace learns valuable lessons about duty, bravery, and the true meaning of sacrifice. With a warm, nostalgic tone, the story appeals to young readers who enjoy wholesome tales of family life, friendship, and moral growth.

Summary up to 500 words

Set in Indiana during the Civil War, *Captain Horace* by Sophie May chronicles the adventures of Horace Clifford, a spirited young boy who dreams of becoming a soldier. Living with his parents, sister Grace, and grandmother, Horace balances his childish mischief with a developing moral compass. The narrative opens with Horace's playful antics, such as making candy and pretending to be a trooper while sleeping on a carpet-bag. His desire to join the military intensifies when his father, Captain Clifford, departs to serve in the war. To prepare himself, Horace experiments with camping out, though his attempts are often clumsy, and he once accidentally damages his mother's watch out of curiosity. As the story progresses, Horace's character is tested through various trials. He befriends his shy cousin Prudy, building sleds for her, and struggles with the temptation to play with gunpowder found in the attic. Despite his wilful nature and occasional disobedience, Horace maintains a refusal to lie, a trait his mother finds hopeful. A pivotal moment occurs when Horace accidentally delivers a letter to his family revealing that his father, presumed dead, is actually alive and recovering. This joyous reunion underscores the novel's themes of faith, resilience, and enduring familial bonds. Throughout the book, Horace balances his boyish energy with genuine kindness, notably donating his savings to sick soldiers. He navigates the complexities of growing up, learning about sacrifice from his father and facing the dangers of the woods with a companion named Peter Grant. The story concludes with the family's happy reunion, emphasizing that true heroism lies in love, obedience, and moral courage rather than military rank. Sophie May crafts a delightful tale that entertains while gently guiding young readers toward ethical behavior and emotional maturity.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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data/epubs/pg25484.epub

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2026-07-06 10:04 UTC

Categories

• History
• Fiction