Soldier Life
From Camp to the Battlefield
The experiences of soldiers in the wars that defined America demonstrate the sacrifices made for a new birth of freedom.
Explore Soldier Life
"Set Up a Yell"
Private William A. McClendon of the 15th Alabama Infantry Regiment wrote this detailed account of his combat experience during the Battle of Gaines'...
"Debated the Question as to Whether We Were Really Licked"
Private Frederick E. Dennis of the 8th New Jersey Infantry described his limited perspective during the Battle of Williamsburg on May 5, 1862.
1778: "Setting For a March"
In June 1778—just days before the Continental Army left their Valley Forge encampment—Isaac H. Davenport penned this letter to a brother at home.
More About Soldier Life
- Winter Encampments »
- Pastimes of the 1860’s »
- Military Pay during the Civil War »
- Andersonville Prison »
- Who Fought? »
- The People of the Civil War Era »
- Combat Strategy in the Revolutionary War »
- Female Soldiers in the Civil War »
- Religion in the Civil War »
- Infantry Tactics During the Civil War »
- Warfare & Logistics »
- Battlefield Death in the Civil War »
- The Fighting Man of the Continental Army »
- African Americans and the War for Independence »
- Washington Inoculates an Army »
- Medicine »
- Prisoners During the Civil War »
- Senses of the Civil War: Taste »
- Senses of the Civil War: Sight »
- Senses of the Civil War: Sound »
- Senses of the Civil War: Touch »
- Senses of the Civil War: Smell »
- Black Soldiers in the Civil War »
- Battling Monotony »
- Take Me Out to the Vintage Ball Game! »
- Troupe Movements »
- Battle of the Bands »