Personal Recollections and Civil War Diary, 1864

** "Personal Recollections and Civil War Diary, 1864" by Lemuel Abijah Abbott is a true story from around the early 1900s. It follows a young officer from the Tenth Vermont Volunteer Infantry as he lives through the Civil War, mostly in 1864 and up to the end of the war in 1865. The diary is important because it shares what it was really like to fight, struggle, and live as a soldier during this hard time, especially when General U.S. Grant was leading campaigns. Right away, we learn about Abbott's time as a soldier and how committed he was, showing us small but important things that happened every day in the winter camps near Brandy Station, Virginia. He tells us about New Year's parties, the freezing cold, and how he got along with the other officers and soldiers, showing both the friendships and difficulties they shared. At the start, the diary gives a clear idea of what life was like in camp, showing Abbott's goals and strong will, while also giving hints about the big battles and personal problems he will face as the war goes on. **