Jordan's work is a study of Gouverneur K. Warren, a brilliant student at pre-war West Point and a topographical engineer much acclaimed for his explorations of Nebraska Territory and the Black Hills in the 1850s. Although a rising star in the Army of the Potomac, Warren's peculiarities of temperament put a cloud over his service, and he was relieved of his command just eight days before Appomattox. Warren continued as an engineer of distinction in the army after the war, but he was determined to clear his name of inquiry, which conducted an exhaustive investigation into the battle, Warren's conduct, and Sheridan's arbitrary action, but the findings of the court vindicating Warren were not made public until shortly after his death.