- A soldier's widow and her three sons comprise the happy Winthrop family, until one night while they're at dinner, news come of the fall of Sumter and Lincoln's call for men. Mother bravely decides to give her three sons to her country. At Bull Run, eldest son Harry is fatally wounded and dies after an affecting scene in which he yields his colors to his comrade. Mother covers the chair he occupied at the table with the flag that draped the portrait of her dead husband. Second son Edward is killed as he delivers General Grant's dispatches. Mother covers his chair at the table with a flag. Youngest son Robert is in camp near his home. Mother learns that a battle is imminent and resolves that the remaining boy must not be killed. She goes to the camp, finds Robert in his tent preparing for an expected battle. When the bugle sounds "Boots and Saddles" she frantically tries to detain him with her entreaties. Finally she seizes his pistol, puts it to her breast and threatens to end her life with it if Robert leaves the tent. The troopers are leaving for the fray. Robert is obliged to choose between his country and his mother. He remains, brokenhearted, saying she has branded him as a coward. After the battle, Robert, charged with cowardice and desertion, is arrested. On the day of the court-martial, General Grant, on a tour of inspection, stops at the Winthrop house to rest, sees the two flags on the chairs, and learns the story of the three sons from Auntie. At the court-martial Robert is asked to speak in his behalf, but says nothing. Mother forces her way by a sentry and tells the story. Robert tries to hush her, fails and turns his back. General Grant arrives in time to hear her story, exonerates Robert, declares his act required more courage than to face enemies, orders him to report for duty, and reconciles mother and son. When peace has been declared Robert returns home with the remnant of troop that started and his mother thankfully folds him to her breast.—Moving Picture World synopsis
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