Following Changing Flags, To the Color is the continuing true story of John Riley, a professional Irish soldier who deserts the U.S. army to fight for Mexico in the Mexican War of 1846- 48. The epic tale resumes in January of 1847 in a Mexican army camp at San Luis Potosi. Riley and his commander, Captain Moreno, attend a tense meeting with General Santa Anna. Preparing to attack U.S. forces near Saltillo, Santa Anna bestows the honor of leading this advance to Riley's all too ready band of rogues. Riley dubs them The Battalion of St. Patrick. And they prepare to march into history.