Reprint of the original, first published in 1882.

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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1882 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER III. THE FIBST TEAK'S DUTY. 1861. rpHE regiment pitched tents on the Maryland side of July 27. _l the Potomac River, about a mile from Harper's Ferry; and, being assigned to Abercrombie's brigade of Banks's division, the camp was named in honor of the division commander. The twin regiments, Second Massachusetts and Third Wisconsin, greeted our arrival; and, after detailing portions of Companies B and D to guard a building at division headquarters, --filled with ammunition, -- the remainder of the Twelfth was, with the Thirtyfourth New York, assigned to guard-duty along the Potomac. July 28. During the night the regiment struck tents and awaited orders. Fifteen extra rounds of ammunition were issued to each man. At daylight pitched tents again. July 29. In the afternoon Companies B and H were sent to Maryland Heights on scout-duty, where they met the Third Wisconsin building an observatory. At night Doubleday's battery and several infantry regiments camped beside the Twelfth. July 30. Regimental drill, the rest of the day being spent in fixing up tents and camp. The three months'regiments were steadily marching home again, and three years' regiments continually arriving. July 3i. Hot weather. Gen. Banks was expected to visit the camp for inspection, but failed to put in an appearance. Rained at nightfall. Aug. i. Rain and shine. The Fifth Connecticut arrived, and camped near by. Aug. 2. A man was drummed out of camp. 1861 Aug. 4. Sunday. Chaplain Clark preached from text, No man liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. The band played Old Hundred, all who could joining in singing. Fernando d'Argome, a drummer in the band, was accidentally wounded by a pistol-ball, which, glancing on a tree, lodged in his neck. A...

Reprint of the original, first published in 1877.

This extensive two-way exchange of letters between Rufus Robbins and members of his family provides a highly personalized view of the life of a Union soldier as well as life on the home front in South Abington, Massachusetts. Having enlisted in the Seventh Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment at the seasoned age of thirty-one, Rufus carefully crafted letters that are articulate, graphic, often witty, and that contribute much to our understanding of the daily course of the war. Notes from home reflect the Robbins family?s ever-present worry and concern for Rufus?s well-being. His brothers detail their involvement in the sewing of army boots, an activity for which South Abington held a large contract. In this collection, readers interested in military affairs can learn about the economic workings of the camps, the recreational outlets for the soldiers, and the grim realities of the Peninsula Campaign, while scholars focusing on civilian life will gain a greater understanding of the war's impact on the families and friends left behind.