War from the Inside The Story of the 132nd Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry in the War for the Suppression of the Rebellion, 1862-1863

"War from the Inside" by Frederick L. Hitchcock is a historical narrative that plunges into the heart of the American Civil War through the eyes of a soldier. Hitchcock explores the tumultuous period of 1862-1863, chronicling the trials and tribulations of the 132nd Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. As the regiment’s adjutant and major, Hitchcock provides a personal and immediate account of the war, depicting the soldiers' camaraderie, their daily existence marked by relentless challenges, and the constant shadow of danger. The book opens with the author's immersion into military life as an adjutant, capturing the frenzy that gripped Washington after Union defeats. He grapples with his own novice status and anxieties while setting the stage for the regiment's preparation for battle. The author paints a detailed scene of their initial training and growing apprehension, revealing the psychological and physical demands they faced before their first engagements, giving readers a sense of the excitement of the coming conflict.