Observations of an Illinois Boy in Battle, Camp and Prisons—1861 to 1865

"Observations of an Illinois Boy in Battle, Camp and Prisons—1861 to 1865" by Henry Harrison Eby is a memoir recounting the author's journey through the American Civil War, from eager enlistment to harsh imprisonment. The story follows a young man's patriotic call to join the Union Army after Fort Sumter, depicting his initial excitement turning into the stark grind of military life. The book shares his transformation through training, early camp experiences and comradery, the brutal realities of battle, and his ultimate captivity, giving readers a clear look at the struggles and shared experiences of soldiers fighting for the Union.