Bluecoats: The Draft Riots; Paperback; Series No. 17

The Draft Riots:Set in July 1863, during the American Civil War. The Union is struggling to fill its ranks and resorts to conscription (a draft). 

The draft law allows rich men to buy their way out; this causes deep resentment among poorer citizens. Massive riots break out in New York City, especially among Irish American communities. 

Sgt. Chesterfield and Cpl. Blutch are caught in the chaos while trying to oversee the draft process. They end up ditching their uniforms to blend in as civilians to avoid being targeted.