Historical fiction based on true family history. A young stowaway, running from trouble in Ireland, comes to America in the early days of the Civil War. Joined by surprising companions he makes his way across the war torn country to the newly founded Colorado Territory. There he becomes involved in an elaborate scheme to rob a coach wagon coming out of Denver, an ill fated crime with a higher motive. Dead Man's Coat is portrait of a boy's coming of age against the setting of a nation in its birth pains.