The Story of a Common Soldier of Army Life in the Civil War, 1861-1865

by Leander Stillwell

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Genres: History, Civil War, War, Nonfiction, American Civil War, American History, Military History

229 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1920

Reviews

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

That last line... “I doffed my uniform of first lieutenant, put on some of my father’s old clothes, armed myself with a corn knife, and proceeded to wage war on the standing corn.”
... brings a tear to my eye. I can smell it and feel it.

Judge Stillwell's tale here rings quite real to me. I also grew up in the corn fields of Southern Illinois albeit ~130 years later. I also served... I also returned home to help my father take in the corn. This story transported me and I'm so grateful to have been along with the boys of the 61st Illinois.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leander Stillwell never intended to write a public account of his experiences in the American Civil War. Instead, he intended to leave a private account to his son and grandchildren in order that they might have a greater appreciation of the sacrifices made to abolish slavery and preserve the Union. It was his son that realized that his father had written a manuscript worthy of being read by everyone.

By the very title we know that Leander was not a great general nor a key officer or even a great hero of some key battle. Instead he was indeed a common soldier, spending most of the war as a sergeant, making 2nd lieutenant only in the final months of the war. He fought at Shiloh and the siege of Vicksburg but spent most of the war in rear echelons, guarding depots and supply lines. As such, we get to experience a broaden spectrum of the common soldier’s experiences. The adrenaline and fear of being under fire, the boredom of guard duty, especially on freezing cold nights. Scrounging for fresh food, slogging through mud while on the march. Sleeping on the hurricane deck of a steam boat plying the Mississippi and it’s tributaries. His thoughts and concerns while away from home. Would he see his parents again? Old friends? His sorrow when a friend is killed. His desire to be away from the rear and to be at the front where the action is. His later post war thankfulness that he was not.

All and all an excellent first hand account

[Crystal Rafuse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fascinating, in-depth look into the life (as it states in the title) of a common soldier during the Civil War. Mr. Stillwell relates many stories of the 61st Illinois Infantry, including their parts in battles such as Little Rock and Murfreesboro, as well as little anecdotes as concerns the everyday life of a soldier at that time. This is a great read for anyone interested in the Civil War, in particular the Army of the Cumberland in relation to the rebellious South. Highly recommended.

[Theut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leander Stillwell, ormai giudice in pensione, decide di scrivere le sue memorie sotto la spinta del figlio più giovane. Si mette a rievocare così gli avvenimenti che lo videro protagonista (o meglio, parte dell'ingranaggio della guerra) dal 1862 fino all'8 settembre 1865, giorno del suo congedo.
La narrazione è interessante: fa simpatia il ragazzo che si arruola volontario e che cerca di fare del suo meglio per il paese. Intenerito è lo sguardo che Stillwell anziano rivolge al suo io giovane: come dirà in più occasioni, quello è stato uno dei periodi più felici della sua vita e sicuramente cova anche un po' di rimpianto per il giovane che era allora (ancorché non troppo aitante, visti i problemi di salute che per un bel po' lo affliggono).
Sempre pacato, poco propenso alle lamentele e attento a considerare le situazioni sotto più punti di vista, ho iniziato a provare sempre più curiosità per un periodo di cui non so poi molto, tanto da segnare su una cartina il maggior numero di posti in cui è passato durante le varie fasi della guerra.
Ottima la traduzione, che ha saputo rendere l'atmosfera del periodo.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leander Stillwell was a soldier in the western theater of the Civil War. Although generally not in the thick of things, he did well describing the life of a common soldier. My favorite part of the book was Shiloh because Stillwell mentioned an encounter with the 36th Indiana, which one of my ancestors was a member during the Civil War. Stillwell stated that he and his regiment cheered as the 36th Indiana fired a volley that drove the Confederates back. It was great to unexpectedly see my great great great great great grandfather played a role in this moment and be mentioned in a memoir. I can't give this book five stars, however, because I felt Stillwell dragged at time. Some parts of the book just did not catch my attention. I thought Company Aytch, Porter Alexander's memoir, Frank Wilkeson's memoir and No More Gallant a Deed by James Wright, a Union veteran in the First Minnesota, have been my top so far. Although Stillwell did not have my attention at some parts, I still think his memoir is still worth the read. My ancestors were Union soldiers and they did not leave any journals, diaries, or memoirs of any kind (as far as I know), so reading memoirs of other Union soldiers helps me understand the Union cause and it makes me think why they joined. Was it to preserve the Union? End slavery? Looking for adventure? Honor? I appreciate Stillwell showing what my ancestors in the western theater experienced as Union soldiers.

[jacqueline k vetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Book!

I absolutely loved this book. The author is just awesome. Walk through this book as he leads you to what the soldier actually endured.. Your heart will beat faster and faster as you go through a battle ,as you climb aboard the train, as you picture in your mind the poor me lying screaming with pain in the battlefield! Lord I hope we never see another one!. My husband and I are into genealogy. We both have Union and Confederate ancestry. I cannot believe how many of them actually fought in the Civil War!. Then the War of 1812 I found that George Armistead, the Commander of Ft. McHenry was actually a distant cousin!. Francis Scott Key was out there writhing the Star Spangled Banner as He was "holding down the Fort"! This is so exciting. I have many ancestors who served and have their lives for this Country. He was my 9th cousin 2x removed. Thank the Lord for this author. Thanks for sharing your Army life!

[Toni Keefer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Personal account of a soldiers life during the Civil War. English language was different in those days and sometimes hard to understand exactly. Not much action like we would expect. Basically a foot soldiers recollection of time spent during that time.

A bit too wordy with little action. Interesting read concerning how people felt about the war and daily drudges of life as a foot soldier.

[Matt Carmichael · Rating 4 out of 5]

this a great resource for any history enthusiast on the nitty gritty of a common soldier in the civil war. stillwell served in the 61st illinios, primarily the western theater (shilo, vicksburg) under grant and sherman. stillwell's anecdotes and first hand accounts on how a soldier lived, ate, fought, and passed the time in between battles....brings the civil war to life. if you are a serious student of the american civil war, this book is a must read.

[Devon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fascinating look into the life of a common soldier (who, over time, makes it up a bit in the ranks) was penned by Leander Stillwell, who later went on to be a judge. It is interesting to see through the eyes of a soldier who took part in battles waged over 150 years ago, and to view his frustrations with poor sleeping conditions, long marches, and hunger, that relates to the reader that people really are just people, no matter the time or circumstances. It is an engaging read.

[Sean McClintock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leander Stillwell does a good job of painting a picture of his life throughout the Civil War. He goes into the reasons he signed up as a teenager shortly after the Battle of Bullrun. You see plenty of mix of combat and camp life that help you to get a full picture of what it was like being a soldier in this conflict. Leander goes from a private to a lieutenant and you see how his roles change throughout the war taking on more leadership roles and responsibilities as time goes on.

[Sharon Ashby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting account of a common soldier's experiences in the Civil War. Explains the training, modes of travel, diet, hardships, emotions and more of a Civil War soldier from the midwest. Helps me better understand what it was like for my great-great grandfather who served in the Civil War and was from the same area in Illinois as this author.

[Valorie Fegenbush Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book of humble heroism

Although I am personally a southerner, this book is a wonderful account of a Soldiers life despite the politics of the government. As a retired Soldier myself of 4 wars, it was interesting to see how little our lives have really changed thru the ages.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book... even as a woman Soldier.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I finished the book and recalled the Judges recollections it was almost as if I could smell the gunpowder, feel the cold working it’s way through bare feet up the body, understand the fear of battle and it’s aftermath; and realize first hand the tragedy of a nation splitting apart and the men sacrificing it all to see it sewn back together. Very good read.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top-notch reading. Leander Stillwell is an engaging writer who has done his homework, rounding out his personal experiences with study of the literature of the Civil War. He depends on the letters he wrote home during his time in service, his innate curiosity, and the memories of his fellow soldiers to present a fascinating picture of life in the Union Army.

[Larry Thill · Rating 5 out of 5]

one very good war stort

From a humble man who rose through thRu the ranks comes the story of an Illinois soldier. Well written by its humble and thoughtful author. Gives an insight to the troubles, travels and observations of an ordinary Civil War enlistee in the Western theater 1862-65.

[Lonnie Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice memoir

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It moved along quickly and was very interesting. It s also a good reminder of how some things don’t change. The problems back then were just as serious to their society as ours are today.

[Russell G Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting account of the experience of a young mans

Experiences with the northern army after he enlists and is sent South with his outfit into many harrowing and critical situations.

[Judith Iglehart · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those interested in history

A wonderful description of soldiering for the Union during the Civil War. No grandstanding. Warm descriptions of customs and family and civility during a turbulent time.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this mans story extremely engrossing maybe because I’ve been to a lot of the places he was at. Thinking back on his young age at enlistment, he really came into his own while in the army. I would recommend since he is an entertaining author

[Wynsum Wise]

Great first person account of life as a Union soldier during the civil war. The most shocking and pervasive theme to a modern reader of any first person accounts of the early history of the USA is hunger. Hunger, hunger, hunger. This book is no different.

[Terri Wobken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicely done

Enjoyed the facts of the war for this young man written in good fashion. No one knows the true exsistance of the weariness of war on ones soul, lest he be there.

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was fascinating to read a first-hand account of so many events I recognized. The individual perspective vs the historians perspective.

[John Karlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth your time

Enjoyed this - love history and since the author was in the Civil War, his writings tell the actual historical action. Recommend you read this one.

[eric j mcquiston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good story!

Mr Stillwell tells a tough story of being a soldier in the civil war. His experiences and what he went through made him a warrior and a survivor.

[Caleb Wunderlich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly interesting and insightful

[Adrian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat dry and pretty emotionless.

[Sheila Treeby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incahootship

The backcountry speech as used by the western farm boys is sprinkled throughout this great biography of an Illinois infantry volunteer.

[John H Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting read

A record of life in the American Civil War, not the high drama just the daily slog of the civilian turned soldier, interesting documentary.

[Lady Makaveli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leander Stillwell was a Union Solider in the Civil War; but he was also a radiant author. As soon as you open the book to the first page, you feel he knows you and you know him. As if a Grandfather is telling you his war story; with uncanny detail...one that wasn't at all easy, but one that he took great pride in. I've read a lot of books by soldiers recounting war, and there are only a limited few who can write about such things in an emotionally moving manner; and yet still -somehow- manage to write a book that is not only emotional, but somehow also a book which comforts the sad emotions felt. Comforts, or at least, eases the pain. The warmth and passion of the author is a very rare thing to find, one that should not be overlooked or under-appreciated.

His book flows just as elegantly as any professional author I've ever read -and better than some. He repeats throughout his memoir that he can only tell us the war as he saw it, which is of course obvious, but his brutal honesty and deep desire for the reader to get a clear picture and understanding of what it was like in his time is refreshing. It's a book of war, of course, and you go through the emotions with him; from the pride yet sadness of leaving his family, the homesickness that seems to overwhelm him at times, and the natural way we as souls find to try and save our sanity when in waiting and when it is too wet for exercise as it was in his location,
This part of the book will always stand out to me. On those days that seem to depress him so, he rest on his bunk bed, reading an old, worn copy of Dickens' "Bleak House" someone had left behind.
I have to include this brief reading, as it touched my heart deeply. Trying as we all would to fight the pain of change and loneliness fresh to his young life, he states:

"...a country residence called 'Chesney Wold,' where it seemed it always rained. To quote (in substance) from the book:

"The rain was ever falling, drip, drip, drip, by day and night," at "the place in Lincolnshire." Twas even so at Benton Barracks."

I love reading books which give the reader a glimpse into the personality of the author; into their routines and coping mechanisms. Within his own writing he is showing us the importance of writing and of books, for those words stayed with him long after the war ended, and now will stay with me, too.

As he carries on, we go into battle with him; experiencing early the painful tragedy of losing close friends from back home...from violence or sickness. He even includes an article he wrote for the New York Tribune, describing the the Battle of Shiloh, which he fought in on April 6th and 7th.

The avid details his recollections will invoke many emotion; including tragedy and loss. But as you go through the journey back in time with him his comforting presence seems to surround you.

These writings, written by someone who had actually been in and experienced the war, should be required reading for any American history class, I believe. Not only because those who lived it will always tell the story best; but also because the crisp and concise recounts of a war that, to some, may seem long past...While in actuality, it is a vital piece of American history, that sadly happened not that long ago, at all, really if we look at the grand scale of things.

[Will Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing in the early twentieth century (during WWI, in fact), with a methodical and yet easygoing style, Leander Stillwell vividly recounts the story of his days as a "common soldier" during some of the most tumultuous years of nineteenth century American history.

The pacing is somewhat slow at times however, and besides the famous Battle of Shiloh, the author's regiment (the 61st Illinois Infantry) wasn't involved in most of the larger pitched battles of the American Civil War - yet there is definitely a wealth of fascinating historical detail within these carefully crafted pages.

Of course, if you're not a history buff, or a Civil War enthusiast, you may not find this book all that exciting, but as a memoir at least, it somehow manages to be both effective and highly impressive. Though not a particularly fast paced, suspense filled or graphic account of the war between the states, the book almost effortlessly brings to full color life a world usually only glimpsed in old black and white Civil War photographs.

This vibrant slice of nineteenth century American life is the strongest point of the book by far. Time and again the author somehow manages to make even seemingly mundane details, such as his recollections of the savory meals he ate (as well as the many he missed) and the illness and rough conditions he endured while marching with the Union Army, come to vibrant life.

Of particular note is the fact that at times, Stillwell lovingly depicts real life Union army acquaintances who, judging by their accents at least, were clearly born abroad (usually in Ireland or Germany), while referring to himself and other Europeans born in the US as "native Americans."

The "N word" is of course used at least a couple of times in the narrative as well, but unless taken out of proper historical context, most readers shouldn't find any of these references to be too disturbing. As Stillwell puts it himself, "No matter how much it may hurt, it is always best to be fair, and tell the truth." In this regard, the book is definitely unflinching in its personal honesty, and the fact that the author uses terminology that was common during the period should only serve to validate the overall authenticity of the piece.

Admittedly, this collection of Leander Stillwell's Civil War reminiscences are no Red Badge of Courage, but then Stephen Crane, having been born in 1871 (a full decade after the first shots were fired at Fort Sumter), did not fight in the Civil War. The author of this particular book, on the other hand, most definitely did experience the conflict first hand, and his thoughtful prose handily reflects that fact.

All in all, The Story of A Common Soldier of Army Life in the Civil War, 1861-1865 is an intriguing, engaging book that soars high above the usual, dry old historical texts that tend to belabor easily forgotten names, dates, and dry facts and figures. In short, reading this timeless memoir gifts the reader with an up close and very personal view of the way things really were for the average soldier during the American Civil War.