From a True Soldier and Son

Young William Reeder was a keen observer, and his account of three years with the Twentieth Indiana Infantry makes compelling reading. Carefully researched commentary helps place his experience in the context of the Civil War as a whole, and the text is enhanced by photographs, illustrations, and clearly drawn maps. William s letters tell of battles on the Virginia peninsula, at Gettysburg, and in the Overland Campaign plus numerous smaller actions as well as life in camp. They also describe aspects of the war that are less well known. These include an eye-witness report of the Merrimac wreaking havoc on the Union s blockading vessels the day before her duel with the Monitor; living through a hurricane while occupying Hatteras Island, being detailed to New York City in the aftermath of the draft riots, and months spent at Columbian Hospital in Washington first as a patient, then as an assistant to the medical staff. Besides being a record of a young soldier s experiences, this collection of letters shows his transition from green recruit longing for a "brush" with the enemy to battle-weary survivor hoping "Kind Providence" would spare him to return home.