Rich with information about infantry combat in the Civil War, from uniforms and weaponry to formations and battlefield tactics, Lentz’s study invites readers to follow the exploits of Private Henry Fleming of the 304th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment as he and his fellow soldiers participate in the battle of Chancellorsville.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 325-341) and index.

Crane's fiction and Crane's research -- The rifled musket : infantry combat in the Civil War -- Private Fleming's regiment enters combat -- Private Fleming's "well-meaning cow" : the implications of Crane's literary style -- Private Fleming and stereotypes of modern war -- Private Fleming's evening hegira : "He must be a hero" -- Private Fleming and Major General Hooker -- Private Fleming and the 304th New York on May 3, 1863 -- "He was a man" : "manhood" in The Red Badge of Courage -- The Red Badge of Courage and war -- Literature as mousetrap : the reader caught.