The author narrates the suffering he endured as a prisoner in the Southern Confederacy. In regard to the workings and results of that system of human bondage known as slavery there have been so many mistaken ideas, statements and theories, that it has become the duty of every true and loyal man to expose the truth; or to strip from the hideous skeleton of Slavery all its gaily painted and deceptive cloaks and masks, and to exhibit it in all its ghastly repulsiveness. After being captured at the battle of Shiloh, Geer was tried on the most frivolous charges and subsequently chained with slaves' chains and cast into military prisons and common jails. He managed to escape, overcoming malarious marshes and bloodhounds only to be recaptured. This book is illustrated by a fine steel portrait of the author, and several exquisite wood engravings, and printed in the highest style of typographical beauty.