James D. Nealon spent 34 years working for the U.S. Government, most of that time in 10 overseas postings.  His last foreign assignment was as Ambassador to Honduras.  He grew up in northern Virginia, steeped in the history of the American Civil War.  Later he discovered Irish history and the Fenian movement, the twin interests that gave him the idea for "Saratoga:  A Novel of the American Civil War."  He lives in Exeter, New Hampshire.  Nealon and his wife have four adult children who were never allowed to forget or ignore their history.