William R. Bell

There is much talk of heroism and patriotism today, and it often feels as if the words are over-used and applied far too freely. In My Flag My Country: The Ishmael Day Story; William R. Bell examines and imagines a true patriot’s story. In July of 1864, near the end of the Civil War, he posted a Union Flag on his fence facing the road, and was confronted by a notorious band of Confederate soldiers known as the Gilmor Raiders. This confrontation led to the death of one of Gilmor’s men, show more and Day was forced to flee for his life.

What follows is an impeccably researched and thoroughly engaging account of Ishmael Day’s life, shown in memories that he uses as both distraction from the discomfort of hiding in plain sight, and calls upon old skills, long dormant, to stay alive during his ordeal. This book brings pieces of the War of 1812 to life, while talking of his days as a scout with two Susquehannock Indians as scouts for the United States Army.

Although heavily laced with fiction, since little documentation exists, the story is a true page-turner and will appeal to young and old alike. The moments of danger are detailed with great emotional description and provide a palpable sense of tension. Ishmael Day nearly steps through the pages and shows that one man’s convictions and beliefs can overcome extreme obstacles.

It makes for an interesting read for one of the lesser known events outside of the small Maryland marker in Fork.

I was provided an eBook copy by author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility. show less