The Dispatch Carrier and Memoirs of Andersonville Prison

"The Dispatch Carrier and Memoirs of Andersonville Prison" by William N. Tyler is a late 19th-century historical memoir. It details the experiences of a Union soldier during the Civil War. The story follows Tyler's journey as a dispatch carrier, focusing on his capture, imprisonment, daring escape, and evolving understanding of duty amidst the war's turmoil. The memoir begins with Tyler's decision to enlist after the attack on Fort Sumter, describing his training at Camp Douglas in Chicago. He introduces readers to fellow soldiers, sharing humorous training stories and emotional goodbyes to family before deployment. Tyler's story is set against the backdrop of the early, chaotic days of the war, laying the foundation for the trials and tribulations he would encounter on the battlefield.