Lincoln's Unsung Heroes

This book tells the stories of eighteen of the million or so soldiers and sailors who served in the armed forces of the United States during the American Civil War. In marked contrast to the usual campaign and battle histories, this book presents the war from the point of view of the individuals who fought it - not the generals, but the captains, lieutenants, sergeants and privates.Chosen to represent the wide variety of activities, adventures and ordeals experienced by Federal soldiers and sailors, the stories of these men afford the reader a colourful insight into the way they lived, fought and died - including induction, uniform, equipment, training, drill, duties, living conditions, rations, foraging, skirmishing, siege warfare, garrison duties, patrols, sickness, combat, injury and much more.These men are authentic representatives of their period and circumstances, at once unique and typical. Together they provide a graphic portrait of the individuals who won Lincoln's war to keep the United States of America united.