The Story of a Common Soldier

The Story of a Common Soldier of Army Life in the Civil War is a riveting war novel by Leander Stillwell, who fought on the Union side. His recollections are published here with all of the original illustrations.

Set throughout the entirety of the American Civil War of 1861-1865, this book offers us a vivid step-by-step account of one ordinary man's journey from being a raw recruit just eighteen years old, to a seasoned and practiced veteran. Stillwell's participation in various battles, notably Shiloh and Wilkinson's Peak, as well as several smaller skirmishes, is gripping storytelling which also fulfils a role as a running narrative upon how the war progressed. 

In contrast to the biographies of officers such as Ulysses S. Grant or William Sherman, Stillwell's account is immersed in the culture of the front-line fighter. He recalls precisely nature of the battle tactics, the behaviors of enemy and friend alike, recounting closely the movements he and his company made and the split second decisions they took. 

Today, Stillwell's account of his service is among the most valued first-hand sources from the conflict. Written by Stillwell in response to the groundswell of interest in the U.S. Civil War which occurred in the late 19th and early 20th century, this book's publication in 1920 met with a warm response and intense interest, with Stillwell enjoying modest fame in late life.