The 24th formed up by company on the long wooden dock, each man carrying his own gear, an unaccustomed and unwelcome load after six weeks at sea. White officers hurried up and down shouting orders, sergeants did their best to obey. Hot and exhausted from the voyage, the men of the 24th waited alongside hundreds of others, the midday sun a burning copper disk overhead and a constant reminder they were deep in the tropics.

Ellis's blouse encrusted with sweat salt, he showed no other effects of his long struggle with mal-de-mer, and he shivered with excitement. "This is my first time to set foot on foreign soil, Davey." he said grinning.

Fagen gripped his cousin's big shoulder. "It's like a dream for me too, Ellis."

"Aunt Eunice would be proud if she could see you now."

"She'd be proud of both of us." Fagen scanned the hills that ringed the city. "I've waited a long time for this, Ellis. Uncle Sam has given us the call to serve, and we've answered it. We're in Mr. Lincoln's army, and we're here to fight for Old Glory!"