The Call of the South

"The Call of the South" by Robert Lee Durham is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of an impending war, the story focuses on the 71st Ohio regiment as they respond to a call for troops to confront German forces threatening Venezuela, exploring themes of patriotism, duty, and racial identity. The main character, Hayward Graham, is a young man with mixed heritage who struggles with societal perceptions of race and his desire to serve his country. At the start of the novel, the scene is set in a crowded military armory as citizen-soldiers prepare to answer the President's call for volunteers amidst growing tension over German actions in Venezuela. The narrative introduces Hayward Graham, who, despite his military aspirations, faces rejection from enlisting due to the small percentage of African ancestry in his bloodline. As the chapter unfolds, the lively environment juxtaposes the soldiers' excitement with more somber undertones of impending duty and personal sacrifice, particularly for Graham, who grapples with feelings of humiliation and determination to prove his worthiness. The opening portion adeptly establishes the camaraderie of the soldiers, the expectations placed upon them, and the underlying question of racial identity within the fabric of patriotism.