Blue Bonnets o'er the Border is the first account of the 79th New York Cameron Highlanders, a colorful and highly renowned regiment of the Union army. The 79th fought in many battles including first and second Bull Run and Chantilly. It participated in the Carolina coastal campaign. After Antietam and Fredericksburg, this unique regiment went West to join in Grant's Vicksburg campaign, after which the Scots fought in Tennessee.

In 1864, the 79th returned to the East in time to fight in the Wilderness and at Spotsylvania.

During the 19th century hundreds of thousands of Scots emigrated to America and fought in the Civil War. The 79th was a regiment of those who fought for the North. McKnight combines his familiarity with Scottish customs with his lifelong interest in the American Civil War to answer many questions about this incredible unit: When were kilts worn? What happened to the bagpipe band? Why did this loyal unit mutiny? How did their experiences with the Army of the Potomac compare to their combat in the West?