The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg is a historical novel by Rodman Philbrick, author of Freak the Mighty.

Set during the American Civil War, it follows the adventures of a boy who is an inveterate teller of tall tales on his quest to find his older brother, a Union soldier.

The duo force him to investigate a suspected underground railroad operator named Jebediah Brewster, a Quaker who owns a gemstone mine.

Mr. Brewster then assigns Homer to a young Methodist clergyman, Reverend Webster B. Willow, to act as his guardian.

Homer escapes in a balloon, avoiding arrest, but crash lands into Confederate territory and is thrown into custody.

Homer escapes on the back of a stolen pony, riding right through the battle of Gettysburg, and makes it to Union territory.

When Homer intercepts the Maine regiment he discovers that Harold was sent to the rear as a mutineer for slamming his officer into the mud, just like what he did to Leach.

The general in charge, Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, sends all men available, including the prisoners, to reinforce the hill they are guarding.