“What a strange experience this is,” I thought, “that two men can draw swords against each other, and then can forget their hatred, and wash it away in blood.”

Captain Robert Patrick penned one of the most tender and humorous memoirs of the American Civil War. Intelligent and articulate, he captured the life of “war as seen from the ranks” as well if not better than most of his contemporaries.

Gettysburg, Cold Harbor, and other battles were part of his experience, as were multiple woundings. Yet his account is full of good humor and obvious love for his men.