BROTHERS IN ARMS: A GLIMPSE INTO THE LIVES OF AMERICAN CIVIL WAR SOLDIERS


By akirschbaum
American Civil War Soldiers sitting for a picture.

Being one of the American Civil War Soldiers was not easy, as most of them were civilians turned into Soldiers, and thousands of young males left their homes and families to fight for the cause. Thus, they will remember an unforgettable experience for the rest of their lives, as their expectations were considerably different on the battlefield. Enlisting means that you will be away for months with long hours of drills and often experience diseases, inadequate food, and marching on hot, dusty roads. Aside from this burden, they must carry a load of supplies needed to make them comfortable as much as possible. Reminiscing about the past might be painful for some of their loved ones, especially for those who were not able to make it home. But let's take a sneak peek at the living conditions of these brave Soldiers.

Essential Things American Civil War Soldiers Carried

Photographs of Their Family

To ease their longing, some American Civil War Soldiers always carried ambrotypes or tintypes that were placed in a small wooden case with an open door. At the camp, photographers captured their pictures to be sent home. These photos are a Soldier's cherished possession; they will choose the photos over anything else, as it reminds them that someone is always waiting for them to return home.

Bayonet

To complete their weapon, they need to always have their bayonet, which is attached to the muzzle and used in combat. Even though it is barely used as a weapon, it can be helpful in many ways as a tool, such as digging, cutting, or even holding a pot on an open fire.

Soldiers Uniform

Every Civil War Soldier is given their proper uniform, often made of wool. This may be a bad idea during summer, but it wicks away moisture to keep the body cool. This type of garment is also suitable for handling cold temperatures during winter. Suspenders typically hold their trousers and pair them with a four-button coat over a cotton or flannel shirt.

Footwear

The shoes that Soldiers wore at that time varied, but most of them wore “brogans” as Civil War shoes. These are leather, straight-cut shoes that could fit either the left or right foot. After a few uses, the leather usually conformed, so the Soldiers had to improvise using cotton or wool socks. They also could request a new pair of socks for their loved ones if possible.

Knapsack or Backpack

One important thing that American Civil War Soldiers never leave behind is their backpacks containing many essential and valuable items. Most of the time, it has a wool blanket, rubberized ground cloth, canvas “shelter half,” and extra clothing.

Summer to Winter Situations and Camp Life

Life at the camp is not a bed of roses; their considered home is a canvas that can be formed to create a small tent until winter months when they need to build winter quarters. Most of the time, Army camps are bustling with white canvas and sometimes smoke from many campfires. In winter, they construct log huts made of trees from nearby areas. Inside the hut, there is a small fireplace where they can stay warm during cold nights. After completion, American Civil War Soldiers often named their huts after famous restaurants or hotels back home.Most Soldiers spent their leisure time writing letters back home to ease boredom, and some were prolific letter writers. This was their only way to communicate back home, and frugal Soldiers sent their pay back home and only kept a small amount for themselves. Mail arrival at the camp is always considered a celebration, and those who received one always re-read the letters. Those lucky to receive packages often have baked goods, new shirts, combs, socks, soap, underwear, toothbrushes, and towels. Others spend their free time reading, pitching horseshoes, playing card games, or playing team sports. During holidays, feasts, horse racing, boxing, matches, music, and other contests are held to celebrate the occasion.

Medical Attention at the Camp

Medicine during the Civil War was much more focused on curing than preventing, and most Soldiers even used various elixirs, thinking they could cure their illnesses. More often than not, there was no proper protocol on germ theory, such as sanitation, which was regarded during that time. They consumed food that was not well-cocked and handled, had poor hygiene, and sometimes drank water that was not clean. So, diarrhea and dysentery are expected at the camp. Most men affected by the disease are weak and dehydrated, making them unable to fight or march. Around 1862, American Civil War Soldiers learned how to protect themselves from some diseases; they began digging latrines and burying animal and human waste.Being a Soldier in the Civil War means you will have a short life since you are exposed to harm and danger. There are around 200,000 Soldiers from both sides that were killed during the four-year battle. But camp life took a toll on most of the American Civil War Soldiers. There were around 400,000 who died due to illnesses, measles, cholera, and smallpox. These Soldiers had endured poor conditions to fight for what they believed in, and some lives changed forever after the war.Suggested reads:


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