The Story of a Common Soldier of Army Life in the Civil War, 1861-1865

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26561

Title

The Story of a Common Soldier of Army Life in the Civil War, 1861-1865

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Leander Stillwell recounts his experiences as a common soldier in the 61st Illinois Infantry during the Civil War. This memoir offers a gritty, honest perspective on camp life, the Battle of Shiloh, and the journey from Illinois to the front lines, capturing the camaraderie and hardships of the era.

Summary up to 500 words

In *The Story of a Common Soldier of Army Life in the Civil War, 1861-1865*, Leander Stillwell recounts his service with the 61st Illinois Infantry, offering a truthful, diary-based account of the conflict from the perspective of a young volunteer. Born in Jersey County, Illinois, in 1843, Stillwell initially viewed the war as a brief summer frolic until the disastrous Battle of Bull Run shattered Northern illusions of a quick victory. Realizing the struggle would be long and bloody, he volunteered, joining a regiment organized under the command of Colonel Jacob Fry, a seasoned Democrat and former militia general. The narrative details the regiment's grueling organization at Camp Carrollton and Benton Barracks, where Stillwell contrasts the stark hardships of enlisted life with the comfort enjoyed by officers aboard steamboats. After moving to the Tennessee River, the unit faces the chaos of the retreat and the fierce fighting at the Battle of Shiloh. Stillwell vividly describes the terror of the first day, the arrival of Buell's reinforcements, and the relief felt when friendly troops appeared. The memoir chronicles subsequent campaigns, including the Siege of Corinth, movements through Mississippi, and the pivotal Siege of Vicksburg. Throughout the text, Stillwell highlights the profound patriotism of his comrades, particularly his German friend Charles Oberdieck, who fought for the Union cause despite having no family to mourn his death. The book covers veteran furloughs, expeditions to North Missouri, and the regiment's eventual mustering out in September 1865. Stillwell emphasizes that his account relies on preserved letters home and a personal diary, ensuring the story remains a faithful record of a dedicated young man fulfilling his duty amidst the chaos of the Civil War. The work stands as a testament to the courage and loyalty of the common soldier, valuing military service above any subsequent civilian achievements.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Biography
• History