This book is the personal journal of Lieutenant Jeremiah Marion Mickley, who served as an officer in the 43rd USCT from 1864 to 1865. It's not a polished history written later; it's his day-to-day thoughts and experiences, recorded as he lived them. We follow the regiment from their training at Camp William Penn in Philadelphia to the brutal trench warfare of the Petersburg campaign in Virginia.

The Story

The story unfolds through Mickley's daily entries. We see the regiment form, train, and head south into the heart of the Confederacy. The action culminates in the grueling siege of Petersburg, where the 43rd played a key role. But the plot is about more than marches and battles. It's the story of building a fighting unit under immense pressure. Mickley writes about drilling his men, dealing with supply shortages, and the constant tension of living under the threat of attack. He also records the stark reality of being a Black soldier in a white man's army—the unequal pay, the harsher punishments from some commanders, and the powerful drive to prove themselves in combat. The diary ends with the regiment's final campaigns and the war's conclusion, leaving a direct record of their hard-won victory.

Why You Should Read It

You should read this because it has no filter. History can feel distant, but Mickley's words bring it close. His frustration with army bureaucracy feels familiar. His descriptions of boredom in camp and sheer terror during a charge are gripping. What moved me most was watching his perspective shift. He starts as an officer given a command and, through shared hardship, comes to see his men as soldiers, equals in courage. The book doesn't preach; it shows. You see the dignity and determination of the Black troops through the eyes of someone leading them. It adds a human layer to a history we often only understand in broad strokes.

Final Verdict

This is a must-read for anyone interested in the real, unvarnished Civil War beyond the generals and famous battles. It's perfect for readers who love primary sources, diaries, and military history. If you enjoyed books like 'Company Aytch' or the personal accounts from the Civil War, you'll connect with this immediately. It's also essential for understanding the complex story of Black soldiers in the Union Army. Fair warning: it's a diary, so it's episodic and sometimes jumps around. But that's also its strength—it's authentic. This isn't a sweeping novel; it's a window into a tent in 1864, and it's absolutely fascinating.