youth-in-military-service

In this chapter, Gordon reflects on the aftermath of a failed mission led by Johnny Stevens to rally support for the reborn United States postal network and military resistance. Dena, a well-educated and idealistic woman, has influenced young women to join the Army as Scouts, but Gordon is wary of her fanatical zeal. Johnny returns wounded and disheartened, bearing letters from southern Oregon leaders who express polite interest but no concrete support, with the key leader George Powhatan explicitly declining to assist.