A Sketchbook of the Union Infantryman by Alan H. Archambault

Detailing the everyday experience of Union soldiers as they marched through the mud toward their opponents from the South, Alan H. Archambault brings to life the problems, victories, and bravery of the blue soldiers. Images of exhausted men limping through the cold in their navy wool coats bring this book to life. Archambault uniquely summarizes American military history and strategy of the nineteenth century, demonstrating, among a myriad of other facts, how to dress like an officer, prepare a bayonet, and punish misbehaving soldiers.

Archambault couples his elaborate, detailed sketches with comprehensive captions that outline every aspect of living in the Union army, from loading haversacks to honoring fallen soldiers to training new recruits and volunteers. This fascinating account teaches both the Civil War reenactor and the casual history enthusiast how to properly defend the Union.