Two brothers, of good old New England stock. Love the same maid, but she loves one a great deal more than the other, so when war breaks out Jim decides to go, and is one of the first volunteers. His brother follows him almost immediately and the next few weeks are taken up in camp. Both brothers win favor and promotion and have a record for daring. Once when the mail arrived at camp, Jim gets a letter, opens it and reads what was never intended for his eyes. It is a love letter from the girl to his brother and he had opened it by mistake. Instead of giving it to the rightful owner he hides it in his pocket. That day his brother is sent to carry important dispatched through the enemy's lines and Him begs to go along. This is granted and they start. Soon they come to a narrow pass, and find themselves surrounded by the Confederates. Jim here gives his brother his letter and asks his forgiveness, then plans a way to get the dispatched through. While he draws the fire of the enemy his brother creeps away and escapes. Later, when success follows the Union forces, Jim is found dead, and on his breast they pin a medal of honor for gallant service.