The Empty Sleeve by Henry H. Meacham
The Empty Sleeve is a novel by Henry H. Meacham that tells the story of a young man named John, who is a veteran of the Civil War. After returning home from the war, John struggles to adjust to civilian life and to cope with the physical and emotional trauma of his wartime experiences. He is haunted by memories of the horrors he witnessed and the friends he lost in battle. John eventually finds solace in the company of a young woman named Sarah, who helps him to heal and to find a new purpose in life. Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing, as they explore the beauty of the natural world and the power of love. Along the way, they confront the lingering effects of the war and the challenges of rebuilding their lives. The Empty Sleeve is a powerful and moving story of courage, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity. It is a story of redemption and of finding peace in the aftermath of war.
By Henry H. Meacham · First published 1869 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Romance · 6 chapters · 11,040 words
First lines
AT the breaking out of the Great Rebellion, I was engaged at carriage-making in the town of Russell, in Massachusetts, but thought it my duty to enter the service in defence of my country, and do what little I could to keep traitors from trampling the good old flag under their feet. I went and was examined, but was rejected. I came back with downcast feelings, but was determined to try again. As time rolled on, and my health improved, I tried again for a soldier's life, but without success. I little knew the hardships and perils, of active service, and thought it very pretty sport. But it was not the novelty of the scene that inspired me to go, but the love of my country. Finally, at my third examination, I was accepted; and my heart beat with joy.
What this Textopian page supports
The Empty Sleeve is listed on Textopian as a short story by Henry H. Meacham, dated 1869 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Henry H. Meacham
- Date: 1869 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Romance, War
- Length: 11,040 words
- Structure: 6 chapters, 61 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Empty Sleeve by Henry H. Meacham
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The Empty Sleeve is set in the American Civil War and follows the story of a Confederate soldier, making it a historical fiction novel.
- Adventure — The Empty Sleeve follows the protagonist's journey through the Civil War, making it an adventure novel.
- Romance — The Empty Sleeve follows the protagonist's love story with a woman he meets during the war, making it a romance novel.
- War — The Empty Sleeve is set during the American Civil War, making it a war novel.
Tags
1861-1865 · 1865 · Civil War · History · Personal narratives · US Civil War · United States · arrived · back · came · civil war, 1861 · clock
Contents
- THE EMPTY SLEEVE
- RATIONS, AFTER THREE DAYS' FASTING
- WINTER LIFE IN CAMP
- THE CAMPAIGN OF 1864
- TWO KINDS OF OFFICERS
- SEVERE FIGHTING - WOUNDED