Follow the lives of John and Patrick Donohue as they grow up in the Old
First Ward in Buffalo, New York during the mid-1800s. Orphaned as
children, they are sent to live with their grandmother. While John finds
work and helps support the family, Patrick becomes involved with a gang
and runs wild. When the Civil War breaks out, the brothers join the
Union army. Follow them through the deadly battles of Grant's Virginia
campaign to Appomattox, the difficulties they face holding jobs once the
war is over, their relationships with wives, children, and one another,
and Patrick's lifelong battle with the bottle. A compelling tale of two
Irish Catholic men, sons of immigrants, during a tumultuous period in
our nation's rich history.