⚠️ SPOILER ALERT—Reading this page will reveal several twists, turns, and surprises from the novel. If you haven't read With This Pledge yet, proceed with caution!
With This Pledge—Carnton Novels, Book 1
Thanks for taking a journey with me to historic Carnton in Franklin, Tennessee in With This Pledge, a Carnton Novel—Captain Roland Ward Jones and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Clouston's love story set against the real history surrounding the Battle of Franklin (November 30, 1864).
This novel—my 16th—is unlike any I've written before. Because both of the two main characters are based on real people who truly lived. Captain Roland Jones, a Mississippi sharpshooter, and Lizzie Clouston, the governess at the Carnton home, met on November 30, 1864 following the Battle of Franklin—the night that brought the Confederacy to its knees.
This novel was intimidating to write. But God, who is always faithful, was with me every step of the way and directed me to the people I needed to connect with in order to write this true love story. Namely, David Doty, the great-great-great-grandson of Captain Jones, the real Civil War soldier who is the hero in this novel.
David shared the love letters between Roland and Lizzie with me, along with the family history (as have the wonderful folks at Carnton), and this rich wealth of resources and intimate insights made the writing journey for With This Pledge a wonderful one.
But it wasn't without its challenges. Weaving real history with fiction can be tricky. Add to that a cast of characters which is largely based on real people…and the challenges multiply!
As you now know, this story is true. The depictions of the aftermath from battle that unfolded within the walls of Carnton are real. And to honor the memories of the thousands of men who died or were wounded that night, I wrote this novel as authentically as I could. Because we must never forget what our freedom cost so many.
Reader Q&A
Q: Are the letters in the novel all written by real people?
A: With only two exceptions (entries from Towny and Levi, as indicated in the Author Note at the back of the novel), every document and letter in this novel is authentic. I deeply appreciate the opportunity to weave history into the fabric of my stories, but doing so in With This Pledge was especially meaningful.
Q: The amount of factual history in this novel is immense. What sources did you use as you wrote With This Pledge?
A: I pored over countless texts, diaries, journal entries, and historical documents while writing With This Pledge and they're too numerous to mention here. But to say I'm grateful for the many historians who have written about this tumultuous time in America's history is an understatement. If you're interested in learning more about the Battle of Franklin, here's a list of recommended reading. They're musts for any history lover.
- For Cause and Country by Eric Jacobsen, CEO of Battle of Franklin Trust
- Shrouds of Glory by Winston Groom
- Gangrene and Glory by Frank R. Freemon
- Eyewitnesses at the Battle of Franklin, compiled and edited by David R. Logsdon
- The Battlefield Dispatch from The Battle of Franklin Trust
Q: What are the themes in this novel? And how do they relate to current day?
A: Freedom. Choices. Promises. These three themes run with vivid undercurrent through this story, just as they continue to run through our still too-divided United States. Far too many struggles of the late nineteenth century continue to plague the headlines of newspapers today, and only through the power of Christ can we overcome these obstacles and break down barriers and become one. The ground at the foot of the cross is level. We are each created in the image of Almighty God, and therefore are image bearers for his glory. It is my continued prayer that we'll strive with ever increasing fervor to see one another through this eternal lens.
We can't address freedom without addressing slavery. Transatlantic slavery was an abhorrent evil, and as President Lincoln professed, this country had to bear a price for that wickedness. Yet there is more slavery in the world today than in the 19th century. If you would like to know more about fighting to combat this evil in our world—and in your backyard—visit www.inourbackyard.org —opens in a new tab.
Q: Are there really blood stains on the floor from the night of the Battle of Franklin?
A: Yes, and each time I see them is a sobering experience. Especially knowing the details of what happened that night and in the days following. See the image below where you can still make out the outline of a surgeon's boots where he stood (in Winder's bedroom by the window as portrayed in the novel) as he operated on soldier after soldier that night.
Q: Who are the characters in the novel who are based on real people? And do you have pictures of them?
A: Among the "real" characters in the novel (based on people who truly lived) are: Captain Roland Ward Jones, Elizabeth (Lizzie) Clouston, John and Carrie McGavock and their children Hattie and Winder, Tempy, Dr. Phillips, George (Roland's slave), Captain Pleasant Hope, James Shuler, E.M. Bounds, General Hood, General Schofield, the four generals who were laid on Carnton's back porch gallery following the battle, and many of the officers in the Confederate and Federal armies.
Here are some images of these people. Sadly, to date, history does not currently offer us an image of Tempy, George, or Captain Pleasant Hope. And only recently (as in early 2019) did we unearth an image that we are almost certain is of Lizzie Clouston (due to the dates and where the photograph was found). You can imagine how excited we were!
Real People, Real Faces
The Four Generals
The following generals' bodies were laid on the back gallery porch at Carnton after they died in the Battle of Franklin.
E.M. Bounds
E.M. Bounds (Edward McKendree Bounds) was an extraordinary man and faithful servant of Jesus Christ whose ministry impacted countless lives. He served on the front lines of the Confederate Army during the Civil War—as depicted in With This Pledge — and is best known for his devotional classic Power Through Prayer. All of the quotes that Roland recalls Pastor Bounds telling him are true-to-life quotes from the preacher himself.
Read more about E.M. Bounds in Darrel D. King's excellent book E.M. Bounds, published by Bethany House Publishers.
Battle of Franklin Map
Contact Carnton today to schedule your Battlefield Walking Tour—highly recommended!
Visit Carnton
