Includes index.

Introduction -- Origins -- From civilian to soldier -- Equipment and quarters -- The most important piece of equipment -- "It comes rather hard at first to be deprived of liberty" -- Diversions of camp life -- Crime and punishment -- Cleansing the spirit -- "I have saw a rite smart of the world sence I left home" -- Why they fought -- The stuff they were made of -- "I can't tell you how bad I want to see you" -- The Irish -- The Indians -- The Black soldier -- The statistics of suffering -- The call to battle -- Conclusion.