Alton R Barnes Sr

Doctor Ciley Alton R Barnes Sr

Doctor Ciley's Secret is a novel built around historical facts. It is a sequel to McGill's Hill, a novel the author wrote about the establishment of Lowndesboro, Alabama, and the Creek Indian War. Tom McGill is the grandson of Jade McGill, the founder of Lowndesboro. His father, Jake is an attorney; his mother is the social director at an all girl's school in Lowndesboro. The book begins in the year 1855. Tom graduates from High school and receives an appointment to West Point, the school that trains officers for the nation's military. Graduating in 1860, Tom is commissioned a second lieutenant in the US army. He is assigned to a unit at Fort Monroe, Virginia. When the Civil War begins, he is cast in to a conflict that his opposes. How can he fight in a war against his on family? He is compelled, by his own convictions, the leave the Union army. As a southern officer, he is called upon for scouting duty as well as to command. He takes a young soldier, Dan Chadwick, under his wing. Dan becomes his runner. Dan, in his own right, becomes more than just a hard working sergeant. The book covers many of the Civil War battles to include Anitetam, Vicksburg, Gettysburg, Chattanooga, Chicamauga, Knoxville, and more.... A deep secret lies in the heart and mind of an old doctor who joined the fourth Alabama, and served with it till the war ended. For years, he carries his secret. The reader is challenged to finish the book to find out what the old man kept to himself.