Harvard College, Class of 1861: First Triennial Report, July 20, 1864 presents a contemporaneous record of classmates who served and sacrificed in the Civil War. This edition preserves biographies, service details, and reflections that shaped a fallen‑hero narrative for readers today.
The text compiles brief life sketches, military duties, and personal tributes drawn from the author’s notes and class memories. It offers a window into how a single Harvard class faced war, loss, and the responsibilities of citizenship, while honoring the courage and character of those who went to battle.
- Biographical snapshots of classmates, with dates, places, and education prior to and during the war.
- Highlights of military service, battles, wounds, and the ultimate fates of several members.
- Editorial voices and poems that frame duty, sacrifice, and the bonds of class members.
Ideal for readers of Civil War history and Harvard memory‑keeping, who want a direct, human look at a single class’s wartime chapter.