The Crisis

Set against the backdrop of pre-Civil War Missouri, the story follows young Stephen Brice, a Union supporter, as he navigates complex relationships with a Southern family. Romantic tensions arise between Brice, Virginia "Jinny" Carvel, her cousin Clarence, and clerk Eliphalet Hopper. The narrative explores the impact of Abraham Lincoln's stance against slavery, showcasing his integrity and humor during a pivotal meeting with Brice. The diverse reactions of St. Louis citizens, from Southern sympathizers to German immigrants, highlight the era's political and social turmoil.