Oliver was a brigadier in the Detinan Army during the Detinan Civil War. He commanded the wing of Fighting Joseph's army at Viziersville that gave way in front of a daring Northern attack. Fighting Joseph attempted to place the blame for the debacle at Oliver's feet, and Oliver blamed Joseph just as enthusiastically. When Hesmucet promoted Oliver to command the wing of his army formerly led by the late James the Bird's Eye, Fighting Joseph, who thought James's wing should be disbanded and its troops divided between himself and Doubting George, vaingloriously threatened to resign in protest. He was shocked when Hesmucet accepted.