17 - Hardtack and Coffee by John Billings

Hardtack and Coffee is a captivating memoir by John D. Billings, a Civil War veteran from the 10th Massachusetts Volunteer Light Artillery Battery. This book offers a unique glimpse into the everyday life of the common Union soldiers, away from the battlefield. Engrossing details about enlistment, soldiers shelter, rations, offenses and punishments, daily routines, and even the contents of care packages from home are all explored. The book also delves into the unspoken rules of foraging, the indispensable army mule, hospital and ambulance operations, clothing, and the processes of breaking camp and marching. A fine balance of humor and information, Billings writing skillfully captures the human side of war. Esteemed historian Henry Steele Commager praised the book as one of the most entertaining of all civil war books.