Includes bibliographical references (p. 99-102) and index.
Contents
"The music of regimental bands": the first Battle of Bull Run -- "Won't you let me come with you?": reasons for becoming a soldier -- "Don the breeches": enlisting in the military -- "A skirmish drill is the prettiest drill": a soldier's life -- "The whole landscape for an instant turned slightly red": women at Antietam -- "I would rather have been shot dead": hospitals and prisons -- "Touched with fire": after the war.
Summary
Sarah Emma Edmonds enlisted because she believed in the Union cause; Melverina Peppercorn joined to stay near her twin brother. Although women were not allowed to enlist as soldiers in the Civil War, many disguised themselves as men and fought anyway.