Since then the demand that I should put
it in more permanent form has been so persistent and wide-spread, that I
have been constrained to comply, and have carefully revised and in part
rewritten it. I have endeavored to confine myself to my own
observations, experiences, and impressions, giving the inner life of the
soldier as we experienced it. It was my good fortune to be associated
with one of the best bodies of men who took part in the great Civil War;
to share in their hardships and their achievements. For this I am
profoundly grateful. Their story is my own. If these splendid
gray-headed "boys"--those who have not yet passed the mortal
firing-line--shall find some pleasure in again tramping over that
glorious route, and recalling the historic scenes, and if the younger
generation shall gather inspiration for a like patriotic dedication to
country and to liberty, I shall be more than paid for my imperfect
work. In conclusion, I desire to acknowledge my indebtedness to Major
James W. Oakford, son of our intrepid colonel, who was the first of the
regiment to fall, and to Mr. Lewis B. Stillwell, son of that brave and
splendid officer, Captain Richard Stillwell, Company K, who was wounded
and disabled at Fredericksburg, for constant encouragement in the
preparation of the work and for assistance in its publication.

SCRANTON, PA., April 5, 1904.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

I.--FIRST LESSONS; OR, DOING THE IMPOSSIBLE 13

II.--THE ORGANIZATION AND MAKE-UP OF THE FIGHTING
MACHINE CALLED "THE ARMY" 22

III.--ON THE MARCH 35

IV.--DRAWING NEAR THE ENEMY--BATTLE OF SOUTH MOUNTAIN--PRELIMINARY
SKIRMISHES 46

V.--THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM 55

VI.--THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM--CONTINUED 68

VII.--HARPER'S FERRY AND THE LEESBURG AND HALLTOWN EXPEDITIONS 79

VIII.--FROM HARPER'S FERRY TO FREDERICKSBURG 94

IX.--THE FREDERICKSBURG CAMPAIGN 108

X.--THE BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG--CONTINUED 120

XI.--WHY FREDERICKSBURG WAS LOST 132

XII.--LOST COLORS RECOVERED