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Brief summary of the text.

The protagonist of the story is an intelligent black young private called Henry. The story takes place during the American Civil War. Henry is a Yankee, serving in the Northern Army. There is a rumour that a battle will take place soon. Henry’s regiment is in a camp from where they can see the campfires of their enemies. Early in the morning they get the order to move. Because of this order, two soldiers start to discuss whether they are going to fight that day or not. Henry is frightened and goes into a shed, where he remembers how he came to the army. In the beginning, he was very enthusiastic, but his mother wanted him to stay at home. After enlisting against the will of his mother, she has no choice but to support him. She tells him to do nothing that would ashame him.
Two comrades enter and Henry wants to know if they are also scared.
They tell him that they are, but also ensure him that as long as there is still one soldier left they will fight with him. That reassures him to fight for his nation and ideals.

Ulf