The Littlest Rebel

During Virgie's sixth birthday party, news breaks that the Civil War has begun and Cary must report for duty. He leaves the plantation to join the Confederate army, leaving Virgie in the care of her mother and Uncle Billy. Virgie asks about the war, and Billy hints that a northern move to free the slaves could change everything, though he cannot explain how yet.

Shortly after Cary's departure, Union soldiers reach the Cary plantation, now under Union control. Virgie taunts their leader, Colonel Morrison, by hitting him with a slingshot, a stunt he both admires and warns her not to repeat. Morrison allows the moment to pass, leaving as Virgie loudly sings 'Dixie.'

Dudley's raiders loot the plantation house for hidden food and valuables. To protect whites from potential mistreatment, Virgie dons blackface, which leads Dudley to chase her through the house and push her mother down a staircase during the struggle. Morrison arrives, makes Dudley apologize and punishes him with lashes, and orders the soldiers to return what they looted; Virgie hurls another rock at Morrison as he departs.

As combat approaches, Mrs. Cary and Uncle Billy rush Virgie through the woods in a heavy rainstorm, shielding her with a cloak. Mrs. Cary contracts a severe illness from exposure and dies after the family hides in Uncle Billy's cabin for a month. Uncle Billy makes Cary promise to look after Virgie, ensuring her future.

The plantation house is burned, and Union troops arrive, forcing Cary to hide in an attic while the search goes on. Morrison initially suspects Cary is on a scouting mission, but Cary explains he aims to take Virgie to his sister in Richmond, swaying the colonel who has a daughter the same age.

Morrison writes a pass for Cary and provides a Yankee uniform to aid their travel toward Richmond. He also extracts a promise from Cary that he and Virgie will keep what they see in Richmond a secret, forging a fragile alliance between them.

In a Union camp, Virgie is recognized by Sgt. Dudley. Cary defends them by whipping Dudley, and the two are surrounded by soldiers as authorities prepare to decide their fate.

Cary and Morrison are court-martialed and sentenced to hanging. A sympathetic officer tries to secure a pardon by delivering Uncle Billy's letter to Washington, hoping the tale will reach the right ears.

With no money for train tickets, Uncle Billy and Virgie dance in the town square to raise funds. The gesture draws attention from outsiders, and a DC judge is moved by Uncle Billy's letter describing their plight.

A DC judge is moved by Uncle Billy's letter and Virgie's recounting, bringing their story to President Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln orders a pardon for Cary and Morrison after learning of Cary's promise to protect Virgie and keep their secrets.

Cary and Morrison are pardoned and return to Virgie. She greets them with warmth, singing alongside Union soldiers as she reunites with her father and Morrison.