-04. PREFACE This volume embodies many of my observations and experiences in our great Civil War. My first thought was to put these into historic form and chronological order. But ultimately I concluded to give them rather as portraitures and pictures of our great commanders mainly as here. It was my good fortune to come into contact with nearly all of these, from McClellan to Grant; and hence these sketches. A part have appeared before, in The Christian Advocate, of New York, and elsewhere; but these chapters have all been revised, rewritten, enlarged, Sand otherwise improved, as I trust; and hence this volume as a whole may be considered new-much of it entirely new. Chapter XV, I have hesitated about somewhat; but finally concluded to publish, as not without some historic value. This chapter consists of old Army letters, as written home in 1861 to 1865; and while of moderate interest to some, it is believed nevertheless they will give realistic and vivid pictures of Army life to many-especially to our younger Americans. The illustrations are from photographs picked up during the war, or selected with care since then. Sherman's photograph is of special value; as see page The basis of the whole volume is, 1st, An excellent memory; 2d, A diary and journal kept during most of the war; 3d. The memoirs of Generals Grant, Sherman, Sheri 129 dan, McClellan, Joe Johnston, and others; 4th, A History of the Civil War in America, by Comte de Paris, Swinton's Army of the Potomac, Badeau's Life of General Grant, and like publications; and 5th, Our War Records, both Union and Confederate, published by authority of Congress. Perhaps I should add just a word as to myself and my opportunities for such observations and experiences. Briefly, then, I was born April 14, 1834, at Washington, Warren County, N. J.; was graduated at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., 1854; Professor at Dickinson Seminary, Williamsport, Pa., 1854-58; admitted to the bar of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, 1857-59. My Army record as follows: Aug. 24, 1861, 1st Lt. and R. Q. M., 5th N. J. Vols. Infantry. Nov. 30, 1861, Act. Brigade Q. M., 2d N. J. Brigade. June 11, 1862, Capt. and A. Q. M. U. S. Vols., same Brigade. Oct. 15, 1862, Division Q. M., 2d Div. 3d Corps. May 27, 1863, Lt. Col. and Corps Q. M., 3d Corps. July 31, 1863, Inspector Q. M. Dept. Army of the Potomac. Dec. 1, 1863, Chief Asst. Q. M. Department of the Cumberland. April 29, 1865, Colonel and Inspector Q. M., Dept. United States. Feb. 16, 1866, Brigadier General (Brevet) U. S. Vols. Sept. 17, 1867, mustered out and resumed practice of Law.1 1 See Appendix, p. 391. These various appointments were at Regimental, Brigade, Division, Corps, Army, Department, and General U. S. A. Headquarters, respectively, both in the East and in the West, at post and in the field; and (I beg pardon for saying) afforded facilities and opportunities that fell to the lot of but few officers, whether Regulars or Volunteers. How well (or ill) I profited by them appears in this volume, and is submitted with diffidence to the reader, as the observations and experiences of a Staff Officer of Volunteers, 1861-65. J. F. R. TRENTON, N. J., 1899. 5 |