"A collection of letters that Private Edward L. Matthews wrote from 1869 to 1874 to his family back home in Massachusetts, detailing his life at Fort Bascom and Fort Union, New Mexico Territory. Matthews's letters provide detailed insight into the daily life of the enlisted man and how he felt about the job he was doing"--Provided by publisher.

"Away from home and friends": September-December 1869 -- "His throat was cut from ear to ear": January-April 1870 -- "Wind, wind and sand all the time": May-December 1870 -- "We only shot to scare them": January-December 1871 -- "Have had all the Indian fighting I wish": January-December 1872 -- "Soldiers are not given to shedding tears": January-June 1873 -- "I shall never soldier again": July-December 1873 -- "Every day is one less for me to serve": January-March 1874 -- "When Eddie comes marching home": April-August 1874 -- Epilogue.