Ulysses S. Grant is made commander of the Northern Armies, having an immediate effect but at very high costs in casualties. George Hazard, now himself a brigadier general, receives a field assignment but is taken prisoner and transported to Libby Prison in Richmond. Having been admonished to treat all soldiers with equal care regardless of what side they are on, Virgilia finds herself in trouble after one of them dies and she is charged with murder. She again turns to Congressman Sam Greene for help and is now ready to pay the price he demands of her. Now living under a false name, Madeline makes the acquaintance of a handsome rogue. Orry meanwhile has hired a Pinkerton's detective to try and track her down. With state's rights advocates continuing their battle with President Davis over his ever-growing authority, Bent sees himself as the future President of the Confederacy and recruits James Hontoon to be his Vice President.
