In 1824 Dr. Charles Singletary moved his young family from their lavish home in Richmond, Virginia to the impoverished town of Seaboard, North Carolina. His intent was to provide care for the unfortunate who had never received medical attention. From the beginning his practice was a success. For years he felt fulfilled, appreciated and successful. Then suddenly rumblings of war from the north moved ever closer to Seaboard. Abruptly this peaceful community changed. Life became harsh and death cruel. While Dr. Singletary struggled to fulfill the demands of his patients and family he found himself faced with a moral dilemma.