Walter Rodgers, a northerner, was engaged to marry Cora Fletcher, daughter of a southern colonel. A lawn fete was in full swing at her home when word came of the firing on Fort Sumter. An exceedingly dramatic scene followed in which the Colonel swore eternal allegiance to the southern cause, followed enthusiastically by all the guests, with the single exception of Walter, who declared for the North though it cost him his sweetheart. He bade Cora an affectionate farewell and went to serve his country. Two years later Walter's troop of cavalry took up its quarters at the Fletcher home in spite of the protests of Walter, who tried to have the men quartered somewhere else. Willie they were there the Colonel became very effusive in his attentions to the beautiful Cora. Walter was unable to stand it any longer and knocked his captain down, a most serious offense. He was promptly arrested, court-martialed and sentenced to death. Seeing her lover about to be snatched away from her forever, Cora determined to save him. After a wild night ride, she reached a place where President Lincoln was. Her plea with that man of tenderness and mercy was successful. She secured the pardon and brought it back just in time to save Walter's life.
—Moving Picture World synopsis