Excerpt from War as Viewed From the Ranks: Personal Recollections of the War of the Rebellion, by a Private Soldier
In preparing this volume for publication, the author, to be frank, must confess that he had several motives in view. Chief among them, no doubt, is the selfish ambition to put in as permanent form as may be what he saw and did during the country"s greatest storm and struggle. And also in this to show what the thousands of comrades did whose modesty and possible inability prevent them from a public display of their gallantry and heroism, before which his would pale away into oblivion.
Another motive actuating him is to set before the public mind in as true and clear a light as may be what actual part the private soldier took in the great civil war. It is a well known fact that history generally accords the toils and honors, as well as achievements, to the officers of the army. It is not intended by this volume to pluck one laurel from the noble brow, nor detract one ray of glory from the lustrious fame of any brave and gallant commander of the teeming hosts in that mighty conflict. No! No! But if one star may be added to the crown of the private, if his intrinsic worth may be put forward and his name be made endearing and lasting, surely no one will object.
The author had in view also, the edification of the present generation. And the many little incidents related will go far to explain much that otherwise must be obscure to tho.se who have not had personal observation of war.
With a hope that it may be accepted and appreciated by a generous public, as we already have the guarantee that it is by our comrades, we present it to you.
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