Firsthand Accounts
Published: 6/24/24
Second Thoughts of a “Self-Reliant” Woman
In the summer of 1865, New York City resident Mary Putnam had second thoughts about a recent decision to accept a proposal of marriage.
Published: 6/10/24
Extra Voices: Civil War Homecomings
Read firsthand quotes by Union and Confederate soldiers and civilians about the homecomings that occurred at the end of the Civil War.
Published: 5/13/24
A Hospital Steward’s Story
Read Union soldier James Kendall Hosmer's account of the "soul-touching" time he spent as a hospital steward aboard the steamship "Iberville" in 1863.
Published: 4/22/24
War Poems of “Howard Glyndon”
Read samples of Maryland native Laura Catherine Redden's Civil War poetry, which she published under the pseudonym Howard Glyndon.
Published: 4/8/24
Extra Voices: Losing Comrades
Read firsthand quotes by Union and Confederate soldiers about the loss of a comrade during the Civil War.
Published: 3/18/24
Homecomings
First-person quotes about long-awaited reunions between Union and Confederate soldiers and their loved ones at home
Published: 2/16/24
Jefferson Davis’ Inaugural Address
Read the address Jefferson Davis delivered on February 18, 1861, when he was inaugurated as president of the Confederate States of America.
Published: 1/8/24
Extra Voices: Doldrums of War
Read quotes by Union and Confederate soldiers about the long stretches of inactivity and boredom they regularly faced.
Published: 6/30/23
Extra Voices: Trench Life
Uncover the harsh truths of trench life as described by Union and Confederate soldiers in their own words.
Published: 3/24/23
Extra Voices: Battle Fatigue
Read about the realities of battle fatigue in the Civil War era, showcasing soldiers' quotes that capture their exhaustion.
Published: 3/9/23
Eyewitness to the Battle of Hampton Roads
Read about the Battle of Hampton Roads through the eyes of Lieutenant Samuel Dana Green in a captivating letter to his parents.
Published: 3/6/23
“When the Boys Come Home”
Explore the poignant poem 'When the boys come home' by John Hay, published in Harper's Weekly during the Civil War.
Published: 1/9/23
Josephine Miller and Her Stove
Delve into the account of Gettysburg resident Josephine Miller, who had a memorable experience during the epic Pennsylvania battle.
Published: 12/5/22
Extra Voices: Army Stragglers
In the Voices section of our Winter 2022 issue we highlighted quotes about “straggling” soldiers in the Union and Confederate armies. Unfortunately, we didn’t have room to include all that...
Published: 9/26/22
A Straggler
Uncover the story behind the Army straggler illustration from Harper's Weekly, revealing the plight of soldiers during wartime.
Published: 9/12/22
“Union Jim” Williams
Learn about "Union Jim" Williams, a formerly enslaved man who aided Union forces in Louisiana.
Published: 8/22/22
Extra Voices: A Thirst For Battle
Read the powerful firsthand quotes on the thirst for battle that gripped many Union and Confederate soldiers during the Civil War.
Published: 7/11/22
Extra Voices: Salt Pork
Delve into insightful quotes on salt pork from Civil War soldiers, highlighting its significance in military rations.