From the days of 1848, when at fifteen August Bondi fought on the barricades in Vienna, he was always in the forefront of the battle for freedom. Later, in America, shocked by the slave market in New Orleans, he knew that he must be a part of the struggle against slavery.

His first job was as a clerk in a dry goods store in St. Louis. There followed days of danger and excitement as a boat-man on the Mississippi. In Kansas he took part in the early border disputes and came to know John Brown and his seven sons. To old John Brown he said, "I intend to fight for what I believe!"

The picture of early clashes with the pro-slavery Border Ruffians, of fierce engagements at Lawrenceville, Pottawatomie and Osawatomie is filled with action. After John Brown's raid at Harper's Ferry, his capture and hanging, August and his friends continued to champion his cause. With "Company K, Fifth Kansas" August was badly wounded.

After the Civil War, he became one of the most revered citizens of Salina. 

From the dust jacket