Book Description

"Let me have strength to meet my fate, wherever it may be and whenever it may overtake me. That is all I can ask at present. I have no particular liking for getting killed, even when it is necessary, and much less when it is not." Charles Johnson was born in Sweden but raised in the United States from the age of ten. Largely self-educated, he nevertheless is one of the most articulate and thoughtful of the private soldiers who wrote of their experience in the American Civil War. With the Hawkins Zouaves, he fought at the amphibious attack, the Battle of Roanoke Island, at South Mountain, Acquia Creek, and more. His description of his first time in battle is vivid, heartfelt, and honest. He seems never to have become inured to the sight of mangled comrades and writes with great feeling. His diary is a pleasure to read. When his contract was up, he mustered out before the war was finished. Every memoir of the American Civil War provides us with another view of the catastrophe that changed the country forever. Every memoir of the American Civil War provides us with another view of the catastrophe that changed the country forever. For the first time, this long out-of-print volume is available as an affordable, well-formatted book for e-readers, tablets, and smartphones. Be sure to LOOK INSIDE by clicking the cover above or download a sample.