Chapter IX - Presidential Ball   ... I see sheep and cattle leisurely grazing in grassy meadows, while black bodies toil muddy marshland fields. I hear obstinate mules protest and kick like thuds of slave hammers submitting to chores. Overhead, I observe singing songbird flying freely, as chanting slaves obey overseers below. The dawn gives birth to another day of human oppression and their lingering hope for freedom. I empathize more each day for these deprived lives and possess a sense of obligation for solutions ...   ... “So how do you like our beloved Charleston?” Henry asks President Monroe. “I am duly impressed. The city is pleasantly cosmopolitan, and the town folk are quite hospitable. I’m savoring every moment.” “Mister President, my mother will be aboard the Scarbrough steamboat Savannah for the launching gala next month.” ...   Continue to chapter ...   TABLE OF CONTENTS         Prologue I.      Shiloh Plantation II.     Six Mile House III.    The Arrival IV.    Charleston Tour V.     Highwaymen VI.    Fires of Hell VII.   City Bastille VIII.  Coming of Age IX.    Presidential Ball X.     Voyage of Faith XI.    Day of Reckoning XII.   Fall Harvest XIII.  New Year Politics XIV.  Lurking Danger XV.   Steps to Eternity XVI.  Haunting Love